Compared with / compared to/ in comparison:

Use compared with or compared to when comparing two or more things. In comparison with or by comparison with can also be used to compare things but these are fairly formal and most often used in written English.

Adding:

Moreover (very formal); furthermore (formal); in addition; as well as that; on top of that (in formal); another thing is; besides; in any case

These expressions can be used to add information or arguments to what has already been said.

The prime minister is unwilling to admit that he can never be mistaken. Moreover, he is totally incapable of….

The peasants are desperately short of food. In addition, they urgently need doctors and medical supplies.

She borrowed my bicycle and gave it back. And as well as that/ on top of that, she broke the lawnmower and then pretended she hadn't.

 Besides and in any case can add an extra, more conclusive fact or argument.

What are you trying to get a job as a secretary for? You'd never manage to work eight hours a day. Besides/in any case, you can't type.

Everyone can take steps to improve their memory, and with time and practice most people can gain the ability to memorize seemingly impossible amounts of information. Whether you want to win the World Memory Championships, ace your history test, or simply remember where you put your keys, this article can get you started. Scientists believe that exercising your brain can create a ‘cognitive reserve’ that will help you stay sharp as you age.

  Special difficulties (1):

I hope this information will help you get over some common problematic areas of speaking and writing.

at the end/in the end   They fought the case for years, but at the end they lost. …in the end they lost. In the end of the course there is a test. At the end of the course…   -At the end refers to the point where something finishes, and it is usually followed by the preposition of.   -In the end means after a long period of time’ or ‘eventually’. It is never followed By of.

half/a quarter     I’ve written the half of my essay. I’ve written the half (of) my essay. We’ve only got half of a kilometer to go. We’ve only got half of a kilometer  To go.   I’ve been living here for two and half/  … for two and a half/  Quarter years.   -Don’t use the before half expect when talking about a particular half of something, e.g. the second half of the match was pretty boring. -You can say half or half of, but half is more common. -Use half (not half of) in front of measurement words like kilometer, litre or hour. After number, half and quarter take an indefinite article, e.g. two and a half metres; Four and a quarter years.

One in ten/nine out of ten   It was a one out of a million chance. It was a one in a million chance. Three in four cats prefer ‘Maggie’ cat food. Three out of four cats prefer…   -Use the preposition in to talk about very small proportions, e.g. one or two in ten. -Use the prepositions out of talk large proportions, e.g.99 out of 100.

Driving in some cities:

My Name is Rose

The first day of school our professor introduced himself and challenged us to get to know someone we didn't already know. I stood up to look around when a gentle hand touched my shoulder.

I turned around to find a wrinkled, little old lady beaming up at me with a smile that lit up her entire being.

She said, “Hi handsome. My name is Rose. I’m eighty-seven years old. Can I give you a hug?”

I laughed and enthusiastically responded, “Of course you may!” and she gave me a giant squeeze.

“Why are you in college at such a young, innocent age?” I asked.

The art of conversation takes practice, and is not as hard as you might think. It will take some knowledge, practice, and patience, and you can learn to relax and enjoy a great conversation.

With these tips you will be well on your way to having a good, meaningful and entertaining conversation with anyone!

1. Make a good first impression. Smile, ask questions that require more than a yes/no answer, and really listen. Maintain eye contact and keep as friendly and polite as possible.
2. Listen. This is the most important part of any conversation. You might think a conversation is all about talking, but it will not go anywhere if the listener is too busy thinking of something to say next. Pay attention to what is being said. When you talk to the other person, injecting a thought or two, they will often not realize that it was they who did most of the talking, and you get the credit for being a good conversationalist - which of course, you are!
3. Find out what the other person is interested in. You can even do some research in advance when you know you will have an opportunity to talk with a specific person. Complimenting them is a great place to start. Everyone likes sincere compliments, and that can be a great ice-breaker.

Read this story and guess how the story continues. The best story writer receives a prize.

 Try yourself. May be it is you.

“Self Appraisal”

A little boy went into a drug store, reached for a soda carton and pulled it over to the telephone. He climbed onto the carton so that he could reach the buttons on the phon and proceeded to punch in seven digits (phone numbers).

The store-owner observed and listened to the conversation:

Boy : “lady, can you give me the job of cutting your lawn?

Woman: (at the other end of the phone line): “I already have someone to cut my lawn”.

Boy: “Lady, I will cut your lawn for half the price of the person who cuts your lawn now”.

Woman: I’m very satisfied with the person who is presently cutting my lawn.

Boy: (with more perseverance): “Lady, I’ll even sweep                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 

Your curb and your sidewalk, so on Sunday you will

Have the prettiest lawn in all of Palm beach, Florida”.

Woman: No, thank you.

ُTry yourself.see if you can guess the meanings. I will help you afterwards,

Bringing home the bacon

                    On the gravy train

Bob works hard to bring home the bacon and put bread and butter on his family’s table. Every morning, he drags him self to his desk at the bank and faces his tedious 10-hour-a-day job. His boss, mark, is a bad egg but has somehow taken a liking to bob so he always speak well of bob in front Mr. Davies, the owner and big cheese of the company. Mark tells Mr. Davis that Bob is the cream of the crop and is one smart cookie who uses his noodles. Mark likes to chew the fat with bob during coffee break and discusses half-baked company plans with him because he trusts bob and knows that bob won’t spill the beans behind his back. On these occasions, Bob tries to avoid any hot potatoes and, even if Mark isn’t his cup of tea Bob makes an effort to butter him up by leading Mark into discussion about electronic gadgets which Mark is nuts about. Bob really think that Mark is out to lunch and nutty as a fruitcake, but in a nutshell, if he polishes the apple, his job could become a piece of cake and maybe one day he will find

                                                       his gravy train.