Model answer by Lifestyle Training Centre:

Embarking on a journey to transcend my introverted nature and conquer limited communication skills, I delved into the intricacies of the English language about five years ago. Not claiming to be the sharpest tool in the shed, I honed my English speaking skills with dedication and persistence, knowing that it could give me an edge, not only in the professional arena but also in forging meaningful connections with a diverse array of individuals.   

This linguistic prowess, particularly in English, I deem as a coveted skill, a veritable ace up the sleeve in the realm of effective communication. The dividends reaped from this proficiency have been manifold.

First and foremost, navigating interviews became a breeze after mastering the art of eloquent expression. The facility to articulate thoughts seamlessly has proven invaluable not only in professional settings but also in addressing diverse audiences and engaging in spontaneous, free-flowing conversations. Gone are the days of hesitation and stumbling over words.

Is this linguistic finesse essential for others to acquire? Absolutely. In an era where the world is a global village, English stands as the lingua franca. Students, in particular, stand to gain significantly as English serves as the conduit for international communication and academic discourse.

Now, let’s delve into the roadmap for cultivating this linguistic finesse. Mastery begins with an understanding of grammatical nuances, encompassing the labyrinth of tenses, verb forms, and subject-verb agreements. Weaving these threads of knowledge together, one can fashion a tapestry of articulate expression. Furthermore, the auditory senses play a pivotal role; regular exposure to native English speakers through podcasts, films, or conversations can be likened to a linguistic workout, enhancing proficiency.

In the tapestry of life, the skill of articulate English speaking can be likened to a vibrant thread that weaves connections, bridges gaps, and opens doors. It’s not merely a skill; it’s a passport to a world of opportunities. So, one can embrace the challenge, navigate the linguistic labyrinth, and let the eloquence of their words become a symphony that resonates across borders.

Idioms and phrases used

The passage incorporates several idioms and phrases that enhance its expressiveness. Here are some identified idioms and phrases:

1. Embarking on a journey:

   – Idiomatic expression indicating the beginning of a new endeavor or experience.

2. Not the sharpest tool in the shed/the sharpest knife in the drawer:

   – Idiomatic phrase used to convey humility or self-awareness about one’s abilities.

3. Ace up the sleeve:

   – Metaphorical phrase suggesting a hidden advantage or resource that can be used strategically.

4. Dividends reaped:

   – Metaphorically referring to the positive outcomes or benefits gained from a particular action or skill.

5. Breeze:

   – Idiomatic expression, “navigating interviews became a breeze,” indicating that something became very easy.

6. Gone are the days:

   – Idiomatic phrase used to emphasize a positive change or improvement from the past.

7. Lingua franca:

   – Phrase referring to a language that is widely used as a common means of communication between speakers of different native languages.

8. Conduit for:

   – Idiomatic use of “conduit” to indicate a medium or means through which something is achieved or conveyed.

9. Roadmap for cultivating:

   – Metaphorical use of “roadmap” to describe a plan or strategy for developing a particular skill.

10. Labyrinth of tenses:

   – Metaphorical expression referring to the complexity and intricacies of grammatical tenses.

11. Weaving these threads together:

   – Metaphorical phrase suggesting the integration or combination of different elements to create a cohesive whole.

12. Linguistic workout:

   – Metaphorically comparing exposure to native English speakers to a workout, emphasizing its beneficial impact on language proficiency.

13. Tapestry of life:

   – Metaphorical use of “tapestry” to symbolize the interconnected and varied experiences of life.

14. Bridges gaps:

   – Idiomatic expression indicating the act of connecting or overcoming differences.

15. Opens doors:

   – Idiomatic phrase suggesting opportunities or possibilities becoming available.

16. Passport to a world of opportunities:

   – Metaphorical use of “passport” to represent access or entry into a realm of various opportunities.

17. Navigate the linguistic labyrinth:

   – Metaphorical expression describing the process of skillfully managing the complexities of language.

18. Symphony that resonates:

   – Metaphorically comparing the eloquence of words to a harmonious musical composition that has a lasting impact.

Tenses used:

Let’s break down the speech and identify the tenses used for each part, sentence, and phrase:

1. Embarking on a journey:

   – Present participle (gerund): “Embarking”

2. I delved into the intricacies:

   – Past simple: “delved”

3. Not claiming to be the sharpest tool in the shed:

   – Present participle (gerund): “claiming”

   – Present simple: “am”

4. I honed my English speaking skills:

   – Past simple: “honed”

5. Knowing that it could give me an edge:

   – Present participle (gerund): “Knowing”

   – Present simple: “could give”

6. This linguistic prowess, particularly in English, I deem as a coveted skill:

   – Present simple: “deem”

7. The dividends reaped from this proficiency have been manifold:

   – Present perfect: “have been”

8. Navigating interviews became a breeze:

   – Past simple: “became”

9. The facility to articulate thoughts seamlessly has proven invaluable:

   – Present perfect: “has proven”

10. Gone are the days of hesitation and stumbling over words:

    – Present perfect: “are”

11. Is this linguistic finesse essential for others to acquire?:

    – Present simple: “Is”

12. English stands as the lingua franca:

    – Present simple: “stands”

13. Students, in particular, stand to gain significantly:

    – Present simple: “stand”

    – Infinitive: “to gain”

14. Now, let’s delve into the roadmap:

    – Present simple: “let’s delve”

15. Mastery begins with an understanding:

    – Present simple: “begins”

16. Encompassing the labyrinth of tenses, verb forms, and subject-verb agreements:

    – Present participle (gerund): “Encompassing”

17. Weaving these threads of knowledge together:

    – Present participle (gerund): “Weaving”

18. One can fashion a tapestry of articulate expression:

    – Present simple: “can fashion”

19. Furthermore, the auditory senses play a pivotal role:

    – Present simple: “play”

20. Regular exposure to native English speakers through podcasts, films, or conversations can be likened to a linguistic workout:

    – Present simple: “can be likened”

21. The skill of articulate English speaking can be likened to a vibrant thread:

    – Present simple: “can be likened”

22. It’s not merely a skill; it’s a passport:

    – Present simple: “It’s”

23. So, one can embrace the challenge, navigate the linguistic labyrinth:

    – Present simple: “can embrace,” “navigate”

24. And let the eloquence of their words become a symphony that resonates across borders:

    – Present simple: “let become,” “resonates”