Connie Said:

How can I improve my English skills ?

We Answered:

Actually, broadening one's language skills is a very broad concept, it can be done in more than one ways at the same time which is highly recommended. You can NOT become better ONLY in one area e.g. speaking, you MUST improve your skills in ALL dimensions of the language!

Learning language well requires being as active as possible and making the learning fun for yourself. Taking lessons is always important, but equally important are these:

1) Listen/watch: Listen to internet radio stations like BBC, watch TV shows in English (use only subtitles, NOT voice dubbing!), etc.

2) Write/communicate: Try to find discussion forums from the web about things that you find interesting (music/various artists, hobbies, etc.) and start communicating there with other people using English. Start using instant messaging systems in case you find some new friends or start emailing them.

3) Buy yourself a proper dictionary, and each time when you see a strange word that you do not understand, look it up.

The main point in ANY language learning is to make it as fun as possible for yourself. Try to find topics that interest you, read online newspapers, listen to BBC/NBC and other radio stations online, if you find a discussion forum for e.g. your favourite hobby or your idols in music do participate there, etc.

I'm sorry there is no easy way out with this, you must develop your skills in ALL these language "levels" or dimensions in order to reach better language skills!!

Last but not least: NEVER EVER use ANY online translators, they are nothing but utter rubbish!! English is practically EVERYWHERE in the online world these days, you just have to use your imagination to find it!

Good luck!

Anita Said:

What is more important for our schools to teach?

We Answered:

I would have to say that 3 would be the most important, as research and independent and critical thinking are probably the most useful out of the list. Second I would have to say number 1, as this is a basis for further knowledge, and are things that will be used in everyday life as an adult. Also, I think that number 2, whilst important, is mainly things that should be taught at home. Social skills, manners, fair play, friendship, sportsmanship, and basically being a decent human being are things that need to be taught be families first in home settings, and teaching children how to behave should not be the responsibility of teachers. Schools aren't places to send your kids so you never have to teach them anything, or lead by example in anyway. They are places to receive an education and learn skills, not places for trained professionals to babysit misbehaving, impolite children.

Dave Said:

What does it test you in GMAT?

We Answered:

The test is meant to test aptitude to succeed academically in business school (usually the graduate program-MBA). Its not about how much you already know pertaining to business. University admissions council just want to know which students will most likely succeed in the program. Knowledge about business will be learned during the MBA. It's a somewhat similar philosophy to the LSAT and MCAT. The LSAT does not contain any questions about law but rather questions about reading, logic, and analytic skills. If a person can score high in these areas then its expected that they will do better in law school.