Acquire the Knowledge and Skills You Need to Excel at the CXC English Examinations
You’ve probably heard talk about a dog’s unconditional love in the past. But do dogs really love unconditionally? This article discusses the nuances of the expression “a dog’s unconditional love.” Continue Reading →
The expression “Achilles’ heel” is an idiomatic expression. It is a metaphor for someone’s weakness or vulnerable spot. This article explains the meaning of the idiom “Achilles’ heel.” Continue Reading →
Even if someone is seen committing a crime, by legal definition, they are not a criminal until convicted by a court of law. At that point, they become a “suspect.” This article explains the use of the words “suspect,” “accused,” and “convict” in reporting the news. Continue Reading →
The word “sanction” has two almost opposite meanings. So how do you know which meaning applies? When you see the word “sanction,” look for the context in which it is used. Here is the explainer. Continue Reading →
Determiners are a type of adjective. However, if you study advanced grammar, you will learn that determiners are a distinct part of a speech. Determiners specify “what,” “which one,” “how much,” or “how many.” Continue Reading →
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This article gives guidance on how to study and answer the questions of the comprehension passage on 47 of the textbook, “A Comprehensive English Course for CXC: Book 5.” Continue Reading →
Pimento Season is a comprehension passage in the textbook, “A Comprehensive English Course for CXC: Book 5.” This article empowers you with the vocabulary needed to understand and enjoy the passage. Continue Reading →
This article provides illustrations and definitions to help you understand the comprehension passage “Cagliari Market” which is found in the textbook “A Comprehensive English Course: Book 5.” Continue Reading →
Sometimes, you are asked to write a short story “based on” a line or sentence. In that case, the line may or may not appear in the short story, but it must be clear that the story is based on the idea expressed in the line. Continue Reading →
Sometimes, for the CXC English exam, you may be asked to write a short story entitled, “A Day I Will Never Forget.” How would you go about it? Here are some guidelines and an example. Continue Reading →
If you were asked to write a short story on “The Day I Got Lost,” how would you go about it? Here is a good example of a short story where several kids get lost in the jungle. Continue Reading →
When sitting the CXC English Exams, you might have the option of writing on the topic, “The Haunted House.” Here is a heartwarming short story in which elements of horror culminate into a captivating plot twist. Continue Reading →
Here is a great action story on the theme of war. This work of fiction is a great example of how to grab the reader’s attention and keep them in suspense using captivating language. Continue Reading →
If you were asked to write a short story which contains the line “I saw two hands rising out of the water,” how would you go about it? Here are some ideas! Continue Reading →
Here is a great short shorty with strong rising action and full of suspense. Can you identify all the elements of the plot? This short story is based on a real life event. Continue Reading →
Here are some examples of short story topics or instructions that appear in the CXC English exams. Here, I also give guidelines on how to write on these short story topics, titles, or prompts. Continue Reading →
Here is a great example of a very suspenseful short story entitled “A Narrow Escape.” This original piece of literature was written during one of my CXC classes during year 2023-2024. Continue Reading →
During your career or professional life, you may need to write a resignation letter to indicate your intention of leaving a job. This article gives guidelines on how to write a good resignation letter. Continue Reading →
The expression “sitting duck” is a metaphor for vulnerability. A sitting duck is easily shot. In a similar way, if you are in a situation where danger lurks and you have no defense, you are, metaphorically speaking, a sitting duck. Continue Reading →
The word “to” is always followed by a present tense verb even if the action described happened in the past. This is one of the many exceptions to the rule which come naturally to native speakers but can confuse learners of English as a second language. Continue Reading →
We’ve got fan mail! One of our readers asked for help in writing an application letter for a job in Guyana. Here’s our response. Continue Reading →
The metaphor compares two things without the use of “like” or “as.” In this article, we’ll compare a naive youth to the fictional character Pinocchio. Continue Reading →
The metaphor is a literary device, more specifically a figure of speech, which compares two things without the use of the word “like” or “as.” Continue Reading →
The story of the naked truth is an example of an extended personification. It personifies the Truth and Lie in a classic fable which effectively describes a human tendency. Continue Reading →
The personification is a literary device or figure of speech which give human qualities to non-human things. Here are some examples. Continue Reading →
The simile is a literary device which compares two things with the use of like or as. It harnesses our knowledge of a common object or idea to help paint a clearer picture of another thing or idea. This article explains how to use the simile in speech and writing. Continue Reading →
Literary devices are used by writers to enrich their writing or enhance their power of expression. We also use literary devices in our everyday speech without even realizing it. In fact, most languages are rife with literary devices. Continue Reading →
Use the coordinate conjunction “but” to fuse two simple sentences which show contrasting ideas. This article explains when to use “but” to form the compound sentence. Continue Reading →
We can use the coordinating conjunction “and” to fuse two simple sentences into one compound sentence. We do this when the two simple sentences share agreeable ideas. This article explains when to use “and” to form compound sentences. Continue Reading →
The compound sentence is made up of two independent clauses which is the same as two simple sentences. In this article, I explain how compound sentences are formed. Continue Reading →
The imperative sentence gives a command. It is one of the four sentence types by structure. This article explains how to use the imperative sentence. Continue Reading →
All in all, there are eight sentence types: four by structure and four by purpose. In this article, I explain the various sentence types. Continue Reading →
Did you go to school yesterday? Or did you went to school yesterday? The auxiliary verb “did” always requires the simple present tense of a verb, so the first option is correct. This article explains why “did” is always followed by the simple present tense. Continue Reading →
A transitive verb carries its action across to an object whereas an intransitive verb doesn’t. A transitive verb needs an object for completion whereas an intransitive verb is complete by itself. In this article, we delve deeper into the difference between transitive and intransitive verbs. Continue Reading →
General words have a broad meaning while precise words have a more specific meaning. Here are some examples of how to refine your writing style by using the best word for the job. Continue Reading →
Who and whom are both pronouns. They stand in place of a noun, usually a person. But when do you use “who” and when do you use “whom”? This article breaks it down. Continue Reading →
Being able to write a good short story is essential to acing the CXC English Exams. Like Comprehension, the Short Story comprises 25% of marks awarded for CXC English. Learn to master it. Continue Reading →
One of our fans sent us a question. Which is correct: “my family and me” or “my family and I”? The answer is: both are correct. It depends on the context. Here is the explanation. Continue Reading →
In order to pass the CXC English examinations, you must develop outstanding comprehension skills. This will not just help you to pass the exams, but to function better in real world situations. Continue Reading →