Understanding the Basics of Email Marketing for Publishers

Email marketing is much more than sending out newsletters; it’s an intricate process of building relationships with your audience. For publishers, it involves not just the content, but also the frequency, timing, and segmentation of their emails. The goal is to deliver relevant and valuable information that encourages readers to stay connected with your brand.

Prioritizing permission-based marketing is essential, as it ensures subscribers actively choose to receive your communications. This not only complies with regulations such as GDPR but also improves engagement rates, as subscribers are genuinely interested in your content. Establishing clear goals for your campaigns, whether it’s increasing web traffic, promoting subscriptions, or driving sales of books or digital products, will guide your strategy.

Technological tools play a fundamental role in executing email campaigns efficiently. Publishers can leverage various software solutions to automate their email marketing process and deliver personalized experiences at scale. Utilizing the right email marketing programs for publishers like PostUp can help in managing lists, segmenting audiences, and analyzing campaign performance seamlessly.

Crafting Engaging Content and Eye-catching Email Designs

An email’s content and design are crucial in capturing the attention of your readers. Content should be compelling, informative, and relevant, providing real value that keeps subscribers coming back. The tone and style should resonate with your audience while reflecting your brand’s unique voice and values.

With countless emails vying for attention in a reader’s inbox, the design of your email is just as important as its content. An attractive and professional layout can significantly increase the chances of your email being read. Responsive design ensures that your emails look great on any device, which is essential as more people rely on mobile devices for their email consumption.

Visual elements such as images, videos, and infographics can greatly enhance the appeal of your emails. They should complement the text and help convey your message more effectively. However, it’s important to balance visuals with text, as heavy reliance on images can lead to increased loading times and potentially be blocked by certain email services.

Maximizing Open Rates and Click-Throughs With Effective CTAs

Alt text: Laptop screen displaying an inbox, likely showing campaigns managed through email marketing programs for publishers.

The success of an email marketing campaign is often measured by its open rates and click-throughs. Crafting a compelling subject line is your first chance to persuade subscribers to open your email. It should be concise, attention-grabbing, and reflective of the email’s content to ensure a high open rate.

Once an email is opened, the content must be structured in a way that guides readers toward the desired action. This is where effective calls-to-action (CTAs) come into play. CTAs should be clear, action-oriented, and visually distinct from the rest of the email content to encourage subscribers to take the next step, whether it’s reading an article, signing up for a webinar, or making a purchase.

Personalization can significantly boost the effectiveness of your CTAs. Using subscriber data to tailor your message can make your emails feel more relevant and targeted. For instance, addressing subscribers by name or recommending products based on past purchases can lead to higher engagement rates and click-throughs.

Analyzing and Optimizing Performance for Continuous Growth

Alt text: A man is analyzing campaign performance charts on a desktop screen using email marketing programs for publishers.

Analytics play a pivotal role in the continuous improvement of your email marketing campaigns. Monitoring key performance indicators such as open rates, click-through rates, conversion rates, and unsubscribe rates can reveal what works and what doesn’t. Tools within your email marketing software or third-party analytics services offer a wealth of data that can guide your decision-making.

Segmentation is a powerful strategy for optimizing the performance of your emails. By dividing your audience into smaller, more targeted groups based on their behavior and preferences, you can deliver more relevant content. This often leads to increased engagement and a stronger return on investment for your email marketing efforts.

Overall, email marketing presents a dynamic and effective avenue for publishers to grow their audience, deepen engagement, and drive business objectives. Embedding best practices into your strategy—ranging from list building to content creation and performance analysis—can transform a fledgling initiative into a thriving conduit for audience connection and revenue generation. As the digital landscape continues to change, those who master the art of email marketing will be well-positioned to succeed in the competitive world of publishing.

The post From Zero to Hero: Kickstart Your Email Marketing Journey as a Publisher appeared first on Ken Information Blog.

The Role of Hands-On Training in Mastering Culinary Skills

Hands-on training in culinary arts provides an indispensable experience that textbooks alone cannot offer. It’s the difference between reading about how to sauté vegetables and actually feeling the pan’s weight, hearing the sizzle, and smelling the aromatics as they release their flavours. Such practical experiences are fundamental in fine-tuning the senses to understand cooking at an instinctive level, which is essential for any chef.

In the controlled environment of a kitchen classroom, mistakes become valuable lessons rather than business liabilities. Hands-on experiences allow students to navigate through errors, learn correct culinary techniques, and understand the nuances of ingredient manipulation. It’s one thing to understand the science of emulsions; it’s another, actually, to create one.

Most culinary schools emphasise hands-on learning through intensive kitchen lab sessions. These simulated environments mirror real-world kitchens, equipping students with the confidence to transition smoothly into professional settings after graduation. Such practical immersion is crucial for understanding the pace and pressures of a culinary career.

Bridging the Gap Between Theory and Practice in Culinary Education

The dichotomy between theoretical knowledge and practical application creates gaps in understanding for many students. Culinary education bridges this divide by intertwining academic concepts with kitchen experiences. In culinary programs, students not only read about food safety and kitchen management but also apply those principles in real-time during cooking exercises.

Understanding food science enhances a chef’s ability to innovate and troubleshoot recipes; however, it’s the application of this knowledge through hands-on training that solidifies the learning. How ingredients react under different temperatures and techniques becomes much clearer when witnessed firsthand, reducing the abstraction of theoretical concepts.

Additionally, culinary practicums serve as a proving ground for students to implement their own menus and manage actual events. In these scenarios, the theoretical aspects of cost control, portioning, and timing converge with the real pressures and constraints found in professional kitchens.

How Hands-On Training Enhances Creativity and Innovation in the Kitchen

Creativity in cooking is more than conceiving a dish; it’s bringing a vision to life through skilful execution. Hands-on training is the catalyst that transforms ideas into edible realities. As students tinker with ingredients and techniques, they discover unique combinations and presentations that define their culinary voice.

With each hands-on assignment, students are encouraged to push boundaries and think creatively. Experimenting in a kitchen, unhampered by the fear of waste or customer dissatisfaction, fosters a mindset conducive to innovative thinking. Overcoming the challenges of a failed sauce or an imperfect pastry is part of the creative process.

Repetition and variation in practical tasks broaden a student’s repertoire, providing fertile ground for novel approaches to traditional dishes. As students understand the why behind the how, they begin to innovate on the building blocks learned in culinary school, developing not just new recipes but potentially new techniques.

The Impact of Real-World Experience on Culinary Career Readiness

One of the most valuable aspects of hands-on training is the realistic workplace experience it provides. Culinary students who are well-versed in kitchen operations, thanks to experiential learning, are more prepared for the demands and rigor of a culinary career. Employers often look favourably upon candidates who can demonstrate practical knowledge and competence from the outset.

Externships and internships incorporated into culinary programs are vital as they place students in professional settings, offering them a glimpse into the daily life of a chef. These experiences are potent educational tools, helping to refine students’ skills, speed, and adaptability to meet industry standards.

Furthermore, the professionalism and teamwork inherent in hands-on training are crucial for success in the hospitality industry. Students learn to communicate, coordinate, and compose themselves effectively under pressure, all within the fast-paced environment of a working kitchen. These soft skills are as important as culinary skills when it comes to long-term career success.

Hands-on training is the keystone of culinary education, fostering a learning environment rich with practical knowledge, creativity, and leadership development. It ensures that aspiring chefs are not only proficient in their craft but also poised to meet the challenges of the culinary world with confidence.

The post The Importance of Hands-On Training in Culinary School Programs appeared first on Ken Information Blog.

This article brings out various errors in different aspects of English Language which are recipe for failure among candidates sitting for WAEC, NECO, JAMB exams in English language.

They include:

1. Wrong to say: The house has two bedrooms and a parlour. Say the house has two bedrooms and a sitting room. The expression parlour is outdated. Sitting room or living room is the usual word for relaxation and entertainment of guests.
2. Wrong to say: John’s father is a clergy. Say John’s father is a clergyman. Note: the clergy is the collective body of men and women ordained as religious ministers especially of a Christian church. We can see that clergyman is a member of the clergy.
3. Wrong to say: Have you got the informations? Say you have you got the information? We can also say have you got a piece of information? (The word information is an uncountable noun, and should not be pluralized).
4. Wrong to say: He is a sportman. Say he is a sportsman.
5. Wrong to say: Ade is the spoke man of the organization. Say Ade is the spokesman of the organization.
6. Wrong to say: Statistics are difficult subject. Say statistics is a difficult subject. Likewise other subjects like Economics, Physics, Mathematics and others.
7. Wrong to say: Politics are dirty game. Say politics is a dirty game.
8. Wrong to say: He is a coward boy. Say he is a coward.
9. Wrong to say: Draughts are a beautiful game. Say draughts is a beautiful game.
10. Wrong to say: NAFDAC arraigns a teenager who is in his 20s for importing fake drugs. Say NAFDAC arraigns a young man in his 20s for importing fake drugs. Please, note that the expression is wrong. If he is a teenager, he is in his teenage, that is thirteen, fourteen to nineteen respectively. Thus, someone cannot be a teenager and be in his 20s.
11. Wrong to say: The Vice Chancellor delivered the convocating speech at the university’s convocation. You should however say that the Vice Chancellor delivered the valedictory speech at the university’s convocation.
12. Wrong to say: He is a renowned master of ceremony. Say he is a renowned master of ceremonies. In other words, MC, as fondly called is the one who presides over a public ceremony, events, formal dinner and others.
13. Wrong to say: The meeting will be held next tomorrow. Say the meeting will be held on the day after tomorrow.
14. Wrong to say: He was the former Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice of Edo State. Simply say he was the former Attorney General of Edo State. Note: Attorney General coveys the same meaning as Commissioner for Justice.
15. Wrong to say: The school will hold a send-forth for the former principal. Say the school will hold a send-off for the former principal.
16. Wrong to say: I will do my possible best. Simply say I will do my best. Also correct to say I will do my best. I will do my utmost. I will do all I can.
17. Wrong to say: He is a corper. Say he is a corps member. Also correct to say he is an NYSC member.
18. Wrong to say: I will see you tomorrow next. Say I will say you the day after tomorrow.
19. I have done my washings today. Simply say I have done my washing today.
20. We had funs at the party. Say we had a lot of fun at the party.

In summary, we strongly hope that the above corrections have been noted for our daily written and spoken English Language, which cut across WAEC, NECO, JAMB candidates, board meeting, business lunch, political meeting, annual general meeting, various examinations, high school, editorial work or research and even in the University.

The post Pass WAEC, NECO And JAMB Exams In English Avoiding Wrong Usage Of Words appeared first on Ken Information Blog.

This article brings out various errors in different aspects of English Language.  They include:

1. Wrong to say: the book is sold for Hundred Naira. Say the book is sold for One Hundred Naira.
2. Wrong to say: students between the ages of 20 to 25. Say students between the ages of 20 and 25. It is also correct to say from the ages of 20 to 25.
3. Wrong to say: The girl is too much. Rather say the girl is good.
4. Wrong to say: You must crack your brain. Correct to say you must rack your brain. Crack your brain does not exist as an idiom. It is merely an expression of joke. Rack your brain on the other hand, has to do with thinking. To think hard and come up with something.
5. Wrong to say: The Nollywood actor is happily married to his wife, Mrs. Edna Oboli. Correct to say the Nollywood actor is happily married to Edna. It is still correct to say: Mr. Oboli is happily married to Edna.
6. Wrong to say: He perceived the smell. Correct to say he noticed the smell. Note that we perceive with the eyes. We hear a sound but notice a smell.
7. Wrong to say: I wish you journey mercy. Say I wish you safe journey. Journey mercy is a wrong expression. When you want to wish someone a good journey, you say safe journey.
8. Wrong to say: Thank God for journey mercy. Say Thank God for safe journey.
9. Wrong to say: I will see you at 9pm in the evening. Simply say I will see you at 9pm. It is therefore tautological to say 9pm which is known to be in the evening and mentioning 9pm and evening.
10. Wrong to say: John is a troubleshooter. I don’t want to see him in my office anymore. Correct to say: John is a troublemaker. I don’t want to see him in my office anymore. Please note, troublemaker is one who often makes or causes trouble. Troubleshooter on the other hand, is someone who finds solution to problems in an organization or company.
11. Wrong to say: She will try as much as possible to make it. Correct to say: she will try as hard as possible to make it. It is also correct to say she will make as much effort as possible to make it.

Other correct examples are: She will try hard to win the race. She will make much effort to win the race.

12. Wrong to say: He emerged into the water. Rather say he immerged into the water. To emerge is to rise out of. to immerge is to plunge into.
13. Wrong to say: The executive governor of Lagos State. Simply say the governor of Lagos State. Here the mention of executive governor is unnecessary whether he has executive power. So, adding executive does not add any meaning intended.
14. Wrong also to say: the executive president of the federal republic of Nigeria. Rather say the president of Nigeria.
15. Wrong to say: He has eaten government money. Correct to say he has stolen government money.
16. Wrong to say: Congratulation on your success at the pool. Correct to say congratulations on your success at the pool. An s must be added to congratulation to mean (congratulations).
17. The meeting will be held at 12 O’clock in the afternoon. Correct to say the meeting will be held at noon. Note that noon is midday. It begins from 12.01.
18. Wrong to say: He does not know the deference between black and white. Correct to say he does not know the difference between black and white. While deference stands for respect or regard for another person’s wishes, difference means dissimilarity. It also means controversy.
19. Wrong to say: I am interested on the matter. Correct to say I am interested in the matter.
20. Wrong to say: You need to do alot to be noticed. Correct to say you need to do a lot to be noticed. Please, note alot is an error of spelling.

In summary, we strongly hope that the above corrections have been noted for our daily written and spoken English Language not only among WAEC, NECO and JAMB candidates, but across board meeting, business lunch, political meeting, annual general meeting, in our examinations, high school, editorial work or research and even in the University.

The post Pass WAEC, NECO, JAMB And Others Avoiding These Common Mistakes In English Language appeared first on Ken Information Blog.

In this article, we have various errors in different aspects of English Language that will WAEC, NECO and JAMB candidates to excel in their examinations.  They include:

1. Wrong to say: We had a fun. Rather say we had fun.
2. Wrong to say: the matter was put to test. Rather say the matter was put to the test. For instance, the phrase put to the test is used when we mean someone or something is forced into a difficult situation in order to discover what the limits of their qualities are.
3. Wrong to say: John raised a alarm over impending danger. Say John raised the alarm over impending danger.
4. Wrong to say: She is a mediocre. Say she is a mediocrity. The word mediocre is an adjective, meaning not very good. It can be used to qualify a noun. For instance, we can rightly say she is a mediocre writer.
5. Wrong to say: Otu has kidney infection. Rather say Otu has a kidney infection.
6. Wrong to say: He has ache in his stomach. Say he has an ache in his stomach or he has a stomachache.
7. Wrong to say: Efosa has head ache. Say Efosa has a headache. Also correct to say Efosa has caught a headache.
8. Wrong to say: My brother has cold. Say My brother has a cold.
9. Wrong to say: He has stomach ulcer. Say he has a stomach ulcer.
10. Wrong to say: He has been sick for about a year. Say he has been ill for about a year. Note: you are said to be sick if you vomit or feel as if this will happen or if you are temporarily indisposed. To be ill means suffering from disease or not feeling well.
11. Wrong to say: Ebi lives in self-contain flat. Say Ebi lives in self-contained flat.
12. Wrong to say: I and John are good friends. Say John and I are good friends. In polite usage, you do not address yourself first.
13. Wrong to say: It is for myself and Okoh to decide. Rather say it is for Okoh and myself to decide.
14. Wrong to say: She is living overs. Correct to say she is now living overseas or she is now abroad.
15. Wrong to say: She did not loss her wristwatch. Say she did not lose her wristwatch. Note loss is a noun. It is used when we talk about something lost. Lose is a verb meaning to suffer the loss o for to part with unintentionally.
16. Wrong to say: We have some stationary for use in this office. Say we have some stationery for used in this office. Note stationary is an adjectival word that means fixed, e.g. the car is stationary. Stationery is the collective word for writing materials, such as pen, pencil, book and others.
17. Wrong to say: Where are you going to? Say where are you going? Where refers to a place. It is repetitive or tautological to ask.
18. Wrong to say: The man who’s biro you used was here this morning. Say the man whose biro you used was here this morning. Note whose is the possessive of who whereas who’s is a contraction of who is or who has.
19. Wrong to say: She is suffering from heart disease. Say she is suffering from a heart disease.
20. Wrong to say: She has fibroid. Say she has a fibroid.

In summary, we strongly hope that the above corrections have been noted for our daily written and spoken English Language  for candidates writing WAEC, NECO and JAMB  exams and other social gatherings.

The post Everyday Errors In English Language For WAEC, NECO And JAMB Candidates appeared first on Ken Information Blog.

In this post, we shall bring you some of the everyday errors people make in English language.

1. Wrong to say: Our team is n high spirit. Say our team is in high spirits. The word spirits in the above sense means a person’s feelings or state of mind.
2. Wrong to say: for more detail contact the principal. Say for more details, contact the principal.
3. Wrong to say: We often experience much traffics on the road. Say we often experience much traffic on the road.
4. Wrong to say: He lives on the outskirt of Lagos. Say He lives on the outskirts of Lagos.
5. Wrong to say: The committee chairman will soon publish the finding of the committee. Say the committee chairman will soon publish the findings of the committee. Findings, usually in the plural , is information that is discovered as the result of research into something.
6. Wrong to say: Report states that there will be anarchy if a curfew is declared in the state. Say reports state that there will be anarchy if a curfew is declared in the state.
7. Wrong to say: The man get luck. Say the man is lucky. Also correct to say the man has had a lot of good luck, he has had much luck. Or he has had a it of luck.
8. Wrong to say: Lilian is endowed with long hairs. Say Lilian is endowed with long hair.
9. Wrong to say: The whereabout of the thief is yet unknown. Say the whereabouts of the thief is yet unknown.
10. Wrong to say: This is a rare specie of monkeys. Say this is a rare species of monkeys.
11. Wrong to say: The scissor is not good. Say the pair of scissors is not good.
12. Wrong to say: John left his eyeglass on the table. Say John left his eyeglasses on the table.
13. Wrong to say: He has bought the equipments. Say he has bought the equipment.
14. Wrong to say: The driver left his luggages in the car. Say the driver left his luggage in the car. It is wrong to pluralize luggage as luggages.
15. Wrong to say: He danced in the public. Say he danced in public. Please, note that the public refers to ordinary people who do not work for the government or have any special position in government. On the other hand, ‘in public’ is an expression used for something done where anyone can see.
16. Wrong to say: Okon is taking part in the drama. Say Okon is taking part in the play.
17. Wrong to say: After the victory, his happiness knew no bound. Say after the victory, his happiness knew no bounds.
18. Wrong to say: Yaba is the headquarter of MFM Church worldwide. Say Yaba is the headquarters of MFM Church worldwide.
19. Wrong to say: The accident has caused great damages in the area. Say the accident has caused a lot of damage in the area. Note, the word damages is a legal term, meaning compensation money. On the other hand, the word damage as in the above sentence is an uncountable noun.
20. Wrong to say: Mary bought furnitures for One Hundred Thousand Naira. Say Mary bought furniture for One Hundred Thousand Naira.

In summary, it is hoped that the above corrections are noted in our daily spoken and written English especially candidates sitting for WAEC, NECO and JAMB examinations so that they can come out in flying colours.

The post Everyday Mistakes In English Language For WAEC,NECO And JAMB Candidates appeared first on Ken Information Blog.

This article brings to focus how people use unnecessary repetition of words in our daily spoken and written English, examinations and various functions or gatherings without knowing that they are wrong. It also proffers solutions by bringing out some words considered unnecessary repetition of words in English Language. For instance, the sentence, this is ‘more better’ than theirs is wrong. Rather simply say, ‘this is better’ than theirs.

Other good examples include:

1. Wrong to say: This comes in various different sizes. Rather say this comes in various sizes or it comes in different sizes. Note that the expression ‘various different’ is superfluous.
2. Wrong to say: As at the time of filing this report. Rather say at the time of filing this report. Please note that as at the time in a sentence is redundant.
3. Wrong to say: He cannot come as at now. Rather say he cannot come now or he cannot come here at this moment.
4. Wrong to say: He is very unique. Rather say he is unique. Since unique is taken to describe an absolute state, it is not needed to precede it.
5. Wrong to say: The girl waved her hand to me. Simply say she waved to me. Wave does not need one’s hand, since it means ‘move one’s hand’.
6. Wrong to say: John got up from bed at 4pm. Rather say John got up at 4pm. Note that the phrase ‘get up’ does not give room to any ambiguity, so ‘from bed’ is unnecessary.
7. Wrong to say: There are many road bumps on the road. Say there are many bumps on the road. It can also be referred to as ‘speed bump’, a protuberance on a road. So a repetition of road makes the sentence tautological.
8. Wrong to say: The girl had not arrived as at then. Rather say the girl had not arrived then. ‘As at’ is unacceptable in a sentence like this. We can as well say the girl had not arrived at that time or at that time, the girl had not arrived.
9. Wrong to say: it is more superior than yours. Rather say it is superior to yours. For instance, two errors have been identified in the above sentence. What is superior is the ultimate and does not need more to describe it. Additionally, in British standard usage, we say superior to and not superior than.
10. Wrong to say: Abihu is more taller than you. Rather say Abihu is taller than you. Please, avoid using two comparative together. Taller has already conveyed the message.
11. Wrong to say: He did his utmost best for the survival of the family. Simply say he did his best for the survival of the family. You can as well say ‘he did his utmost’.
12. Wrong to say: Awuli is more stronger than Jerry. Rather say Awuli is stronger than Jerry. Needless to use more in the above sentence since stronger has already performed the same role.
13. Wrong to say: I am the most happiest man on earth. Rather say I am the happiest man on earth. Both most and happiest are superlatives. It is bad English to use them together.
14. Wrong to say: This man is more bigger than you. Rather say this man is bigger than you.
15. Wrong to say: You are more luckier than John. Simply say you are luckier than John.
16. Wrong to say: Ebo is more leaner than Jude. Say Ebo is leaner than Jude.
17. Wrong to say: This is the most longest river in the world. Say this is the longest river in the world. The superlative longest is the right word and it does not need a helper to make this sentence meaningful.
18. Wrong to say: He is more perfect than his neighbor. Simply say he is perfect.
19. Wrong to say: He is the most supreme god. Say He is the supreme God.
20. Wrong to say: Good health is more preferable to money. Say good health is preferable to money.
21. Wrong to say: He didn’t even remember all what I did for him. Correct to say he didn’t even remember what I did for him. All what is tautological. You can as well say he didn’t even remember all I did for him.
22. Wrong to say: And again, the boxer was defeated. Say again, the boxer was defeated. And again is another overloaded expression.
23. Wrong to say: it is very vital for your health. Say it is vital for your health.
24. Wrong to say: This is very essential. Say it is essential.
25. Wrong to day: The resultant effect of using weak equipment is collapse of the building. Say the effect of the collapse of the building is using weak equipment.
26. Wrong to say: The child will start learning from the basic fundamentals. Say the child will start learning from the basics. It becomes tautological to use both words together. You can as well say that he will start learning from the fundamentals.
27. Wrong to say: On my way going home. Rather say on my way home.
28. Wrong to say: And also, he has been discharged. Correct to say, also he has been discharged.
29. Wrong to say: It is very serious. Say it is serious.
30. Wrong to say: This is the most preferable option. Correct to say this is a preferable option.

In summary, we strongly hope that the above corrections have been noted for our daily written and spoken English Language especially among WAEC, NECO and JAMB candidates in order to pass their examinations with ease.

The post Pass WAEC, NECO And JAMB Avoiding Unnecessary Repetition of Words In English Language appeared first on Ken Information Blog.

In English Language, the letter S is not omitted in some words. For instance, the statement: Your team will lock horn with our team is not correct. Rather, you say: Your team will lock horns with our team.

Lock horns is an expression which means “to argue or fight with someone”.

Others include:

1. Wrong to say: He passed the exams in flying colour. Rather say he passed the exams with flying colours. This is an indication that you are very successful in it.
2. Wrong to say: It is easy to pick hole in his argument. Rather say: it is easy to pick holes in his argument. By so doing, you are criticizing it and bringing out the weak points.
3. Wrong to say: She has a pair of legging. Rather say: she has a pair of leggings.
4. Wrong to say: My joy knew no bound. Rather say: my joy knew no bounds.
5. Wrong to say: The room is out of bound to non-staff. Rather say: the room is out of bounds to non-staff.
6. Wrong to say: He addressed us in the early hour of yesterday. Rather say: he addressed us in the early hours of yesterday. The phrase ‘in the early hours’ refers to the time between around midnight and 2 or 3 o’clock in the morning.

It is also right to say: office hours, opening hours, working hours, visiting hours and after hours respectively.

7. Wrong to say: The unfortunate girl was raped turn by turn. Rather say: the unfortunate girl was raped in turns. The expression turn by turn is non-standard. In a sense, when people take turns to do something in turns, they do it one after the other.
8. Wrong to say: I’m worried about his manner. Rather say: I’m worried about his manners. We can as well say you have no manners, that is he behaves badly. Manners refers to behavior that is considered polite in a particular society or culture.
9. Wrong to say: The robbers are behind bar. Rather say: The robbers are behind bars.
10. Wrong to say: Two-third of the members supported his motion. Rather say: two-thirds of the members supported his motion.
11. Wrong to say: so you have the gut to address me this way. Rather say: so you have the guts to address me this way.
12. Wrong to say: He has spent three-quarter of an hour. Rather say: he has spent three-quarters of an hour.
13. Wrong to say: I consider it bad manner to eavesdrop. Rather say: I consider it bad manners to eavesdrop. Note: someone may have good or bad manners.
14. Wrong to say: Rumours doing the round is that he has resigned his appointment. Rather say: Rumours doing the rounds is that he has resigned his appointment. This is the British way of expressing it. The America equivalent is make the rounds.
15. Wrong to say: John went to pay his last respect to the deceased. Rather say: John went to pay his last respects to the deceased.
16. Wrong to say: Three-eighth of the members went home. Rather say: three-eighths of the members went home.
17. Wrong to say: He has spent three-quarters of an hour. Rather say: He has spent three-quarters of an hour.
18. Wrong to say: No appeal fund was held for the purpose. Rather say: No fundraiser was held for that purpose.
19. Wrong to say: We have discussed the eleven and half years of his political career. Rather say: we have discussed the eleven and a half years of his political career.
20. Wrong to say: the lady has all the lecturers in the palm of her hands. Rather say: the lady has all the lecturers in the palms of her hands.

In summary, we must put into consideration that in our daily written and spoken English, the letter S is not omitted in some words. WAEC, NECO and JAMB  candidates and others should note that they  read and know them so that they don’t make mistakes in their examinations and in the public domain.

The post Words That Must End With ‘S’ In English Language: A Must Read Article For WAEC, NECO And JAMB Candidates appeared first on Ken Information Blog.

This article which has its start from Common Mistakes in English Language in our secondary, tertiary and other institutions and we bring out various errors in different aspects of English Language.  They include:

1. Wrong to say: Bernard spoke to us with Yoruba. Rather say Bernard spoke to us in Hausa.
2. Wrong to say: John hit his head on the wall. Say John hit his head against the wall.
3. Wrong to say: Sign your signature at the end of the letter. Rather say put your signature at the end of the letter. Again, right to say sign your name or append your signature.
4. Wrong to say: I am feeling pain in my hand. Say I have a pain in my hand.
5. Wrong to say: Ojo has scaled through his exams. Rather say Ojo has sailed through his exams.
6. Wrong to say: He dabbled into another storm. Say he dabbled in another storm. You can as well say he dabbled with another storm. Dabble into is wrong.
7. Wrong to say: Congratulation my brother over victory. Say congratulations my brother on victory.
8. Wrong to say: I continued to remain loyal to her. Say I continued to be loyal to her.
9. Wrong to say: I prefer this book than the other. Say I prefer this book to the other.
10. Wrong to say: We look forward to see you tomorrow. Say we look forward to seeing you tomorrow.
11. Wrong to say: Please dress for me to sit down. Say please make room for me to sit down.
12. Wrong to say: He emerged into the water. Rather say he immerged into the water. To emerge is to rise out of. to immerge is to plunge into.
13. Wrong to say: The executive governor of Lagos State. Simply say the governor of Lagos State. Here the mention of executive governor is unnecessary whether he has executive power. So, adding executive does not add any meaning intended.
14. Wrong also to say: the executive president of the federal republic of Nigeria. Rather say the president of Nigeria.
15. Wrong to say: He has eaten government money. Correct to say he has stolen government money.
16. Wrong to say: You can be rest assured that your salary will be paid tomorrow. Say you can rest assured that your salary will be paid tomorrow.
17. The meeting will be held at 12 O’clock in the afternoon. Correct to say the meeting will be held at noon. Note that noon is midday. It begins from 12.01.
18. Wrong to say: I want to cut my hair. Say I want to have my hair cut. You can as well say I am going to have my hair barbered.
19. Wrong to say: I am interested on the matter. Correct to say I am interested in the matter.
20. Wrong to say: Please less the price. Simply say please, reduce the price or lessen the price.

In summary, we strongly hope that the above corrections have been noted not only in our various institutions of learning but in our daily written and spoken English Language, which cut across board meeting, business lunch, political meeting, annual general meeting, in our examinations, high school, editorial work or research and even in the University.

The post Common Mistakes In English Language In WAEC, NECO, JAMB And Others. appeared first on Ken Information Blog.

Robert Schuler, a Christian Author and Pastor, is a testifier of this fact when he declares in one of his books “Tough Times Never Last But Tough People”. Even the scriptures give credence to this truth when it said in II Tim. 31:1 that “……in the last day’s perilous times shall come”.

The current economic hardship in Nigeria is alarming inspite of the abundance of natural resources. Most families are deep down, frustrated and not knowing what to do. Some have taken to the shortest possible cut to life just cope with the growing economic woes.

The reason for this ugly trend is corruption which has become endemic in the system. Imagine one idiot will steal billions and billions of money and would want to be justified and celebrated. What is supposed to be blessing to all Nigerians have become the fortune of the few. It is indeed very sad and must be discontinued.

In this post, we are looking at the hardship in the country and the ways to handle the tough times in Nigeria what to do during such times and the benefits of standing strong when times are tough. We also bring in some Biblical facts to aide us in getting over this problem.

1. WHAT ARE TOUGH TIMES?

Tough times simply mean an interval in one’s life when hope seems lost and the tears flow unceasingly. It is a time when fear jumps into one’s mind to sap out and destroy enthusiasm. It is a time when one is tempted to question the integrity of God’s word and His sovereignty too. The truth about tough times is that though they appear long, they do not last forever. Tough times could be a trial or test of faith for a Christian. In Nigeria today, for example, we must not surrender to tough times. Remember satan was allowed to try Job. Job 1:12 & 3:25-26.

2. WHY TOUGH TIMES?

The world system is contrary to man (believers and unbelievers alike) due to sin. Life will not give you what you desire until you make a demand for it. The scripture declares that the world system was contrary to our Lord Jesus Christ, and so you should not expect anything different as a believer. Tough times are allowed by God, neither to destroy nor to torment us, but to strengthen and stabilize us, and produce character in us. James 1:2-4; Deut. 8:3; 1Cor. 10:13.

Whatever the nature of the problem you are confronted with, one thing is certain; God did not permit it to destroy you. It could be true that you did not choose the kind of tough times you pass through, but you can at lease choose how to react to it. Your reaction will determine whether you would sink with the ugly situation or come out of it unscathed.

1. ACKNOWLEDGE THE PROBLEM

Accept the fact that the problem exists. Never under-estimate nor over-estimate the challenge or affliction. Put it in its proper perspective. If you are having the problem of infertility for instance, acknowledge that fact and set your heart to overcome it. 1Sam. 1-11; II Kgs. 7:1-5.

2. LOOK UP TO JESUS

When everything looks dark and hopeless, look unto Jesus, the Author and Finisher of our faith. He has promised that He will not leave you comfortless. Remind Him of His promises as often as you can. Jn. 14:18; Heb. 12:2; Mk5:36c; Matt. 28:20b.

3. CONFESS THE WORD OF GOD

It is very important that you find out what the Bible says about your situation. Study the scriptures relevant to your problem, meditate on them and confess them. God expects you to reason with Him and plead your case before Him. Don’t close your mouth so as not to close your destiny. Your confession will bring about your deliverance. Isa. 43:26; II Cor. 4:13; Rom. 10:8-10.

4. REJOICE ALWAYS

The Bible declares that the joy of the Lord is your strength. It is with joy you overcome hardship. Do not let the devil steal your joy. And do not allow your situation dictate your day. Isa. 12:3; Neh. 8:10c; Jer. 15:16.

5. THINK POSITIVELY

The way you see your situation determines your reaction and attitude towards the challenges you are faced with. If you are mentally calm and persistent, you can think your way through the problems. The thought that dominates your mind determines what your life will become much more than the circumstances you are confronted with. No one can overcome the challenges of life until his/her thoughts are positive. Let your mind be above defeat and your life will be above failure. Phil. 4:7; Prov. 23:7.

6. ENGAGE IN INTENSE AND PERSISTENT PRAYERS:

Prayer is one of the potent and unconquerable weapons at your disposal. When we pray, heaven responds to rescue and deliver us from trials and challenges of life. Pray and engage in meaning ventures until your change comes. Don’t give up, victory is guaranteed for you. You can add days of fasting to enhance your prayer times. God hears and answers prayers. Jer. 33:3; Luke 18:1-8.

BENEFITS OF TOUGH TIMES

God has not left you in this world to fight a battle you are not equipped to win. Do not run away from the problems, face them and convert them to stepping stones that will catapult you to greatness in life. The benefits are:

1. VICTORY

Victory is assured each time you handle your tough time properly because satan is a defeated foe already. If you refuse to quit but confront the situation, you will surely have the victory. 1 Cor. 15:57-58; 2 Cor. 2:4

2. PROMOTION

Tough times, if well handled, could open door to greater achievements. What you think is a stumbling block could very well be your stepping stone to higher heights after all. Job 42:12; Rom. 8:28.

3. MATURITY

Tough times create the opportunity to grow to maturity both physically and spiritually. You become more confident of the greatness of the God you serve that is able to save in times of trouble. Moreover, you will able to comfort/counsel others who are going through similar situations in the future. II Cor. 1:3-4.

CONCLUSION

Tough times are inevitable experiences in the life of every individual no matter your social standing. They could be beneficial and are not peculiar to any particular set or group of people. No human being is excluded. But within every man is the power to overcome when the times are not favourable. If well handled, every adversity can be turned into an advantage. For no matter how dark the night may be, it must surely break into day. At the end of every dark tunnel is the bright shining light of God’s love. Ps. 30:5b.

Note, your solution is in your ability to endure hardship as our Lord Jesus Christ said. Do not be intimidated by what you are passing through. Stand firm and confront the situation, your victory is assured in Christ Jesus. Rom. 8:37.

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