scholarly journals Syntactic complexity in Iranian learners' English writing and speaking

2018 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
pp. 75
Author(s):  
Sarah Yazdani
Keyword(s):  
Placement Test ◽  
Syntactic Complexity ◽  
Spoken Discourse ◽  
English Writing ◽  
Intermediate Group ◽  
Subordinate Clauses ◽  
Elementary Group ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Iranian Students ◽  
Study Participants

<p>This study is aimed at demonstrating the use of syntactic complexity in Iranian learners’ English written and spoken discourse using quantitative-qualitative approach. To fulfill this purpose, forty-five female Iranian students from 3 branches of a private language institute in Mashhad were recruited. The subjects were divided into three groups based on Cambridge Placement Test results: elementary, intermediate, and advanced. All groups (each 15 participants) were asked to write a 200-word essay on a topic. Thereafter, the essays were examined manually for the T-units according to the classification used by the experts. In the follow-up phase of the study, participants were asked to attend an interview on the same topic of their writings to evaluate the usage of C-units in their speaking. The findings illustrate the fact that the most frequent element in macro level was clause in both writing and speaking, while in micro level, there were significant differences between elementary group &amp; intermediate group and between the elementary group and advanced group in writing skill and there was a significant difference between elementary group &amp; advanced group in using subordinate clauses in speaking. A future study investigating syntactic complexity in other skills such as reading would be very interesting.</p>

scholarly journals The Effects of Topic Interest and L2 Proficiency on Writing Skill among Iranian EFL Learners

2018 ◽  
Vol 9 (6) ◽  
pp. 1270 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rasool Mirshekaran ◽  
Ehsan Namaziandost ◽  
Mojtaba Nazari
Keyword(s):  
Placement Test ◽  
L2 Proficiency ◽  
Efl Learners ◽  
English Writing ◽  
High Interest ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Topic Interest ◽  
Writing Skill ◽  
Post Test ◽  
Interest Level

This study investigated the effect of topic interest and l2 proficiency on Iranian EFL learners’ writing skill. To fulfil this objective, 60 (30 pre-intermediate and 30 intermediate) learners from two high schools in Zarindasht, Fars, Iran were selected based on administering an Oxford Quick Placement Test. The selected participants were then non-randomly divided into two equal experimental groups; namely Pre-Intermediate High-Interest Topics group (PHIT group) and Intermediate Low-Interest Topics group (ILIT group). After that, the topic interest questionnaire was given to the students to assess their interest level in each topic. When the students’ level of interest was specified, the PHIT group received five high-interest topics and five low-interest topics were given to the ILIT group. Then, the researcher measured the participants’ English writing skill by administering a researcher-made writing pre-test. In both groups’ classroom, the interested topics were taught to learners in 12 sessions and learners wrote on each topic. After the instruction, a writing post-test was administered to the both groups and finally the data were analyzed by using paired and independent samples t-tests. The obtained results indicated that there was a significant difference between the post-tests of PHIT and ILIT groups. The findings indicated that the PHIT group significantly outperformed the ILIT group (p < .05) on the post-test. The implications of this study can make the teachers aware that topic interest plays an important role in improving writing skill.

scholarly journals The Effect of Linguistic Homogenization on English Proficiency of Students, Case Study: Junior Students of Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, 2018

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kazem Barzegar ◽  
Amir Reza Nemat Tabrizi ◽  
Manoochehr Jafari Gohar ◽  
Fereidoon Vahdany
Keyword(s):  
English Proficiency ◽  
Placement Test ◽  
Academic English ◽  
Academic Majors ◽  
Medical Sciences ◽  
Proficiency Levels ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Group A ◽  
The One ◽  
Iranian Students

Introduction: Iranian students of health need to bone up on their academic English to be able to read the English sources of health as a factor contributing to community health promotion. In the Iranian academia, students are placed in Basic and General English courses not on the basis of proficiency levels, but on the basis of their academic majors with the same protocol, teaching materials, and methodology used for these heterogeneous classrooms leading to failure and dissatisfaction in the use of academic English as a vehicle for increasing their knowledge of community health. This study investigated the effect of English proficiency homogenization on linguistic proficiency of Iranian students of health as a means of health enhancement via reading English sources. Materials & Methods: In this quasi-experimental study conducted in 2018, the Cambridge Placement Test was given to 71 students of three health majors at Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences selected with convenient sampling method. The students were divided into three language ability groups using placement test percentiles and taught with two different protocols which were used till the midterm exam. The midterm exam was given and the data were collected and analyzed with SPSS20 using descriptive statistics, i.e., frequency, percentiles, mean, and standard deviation and also inferential statistics, i.e., one-way ANOVA, Levene statistic, Tukey HSD, and independent T-test. Results: A significant difference was found between the three groups on the placement test (p=0.015); there was no significant difference among the three different academic majors with regard to Criterion-referenced Test (CRT) scores (p=0.05); there was no significant difference among the three Norm-referenced Test (NRT) forms (Forms A, B, & C) (p=0.05); also, there was a significant difference among the two CRT forms (Forms A, B) (p=0.05). Regarding the placement test, the significance indices demonstrated a significant difference between group A, on the one hand, and groups B and C, on the other with no significant difference between groups B and C (p=0.05). The findings of the second part of the post hoc test showed a significant difference for the midterm exam between Group A, on the one hand, and Group B and Group C (p=0.05), on the other, with no significant difference between groups B and C (p=0.05), indicating the success of the present study. Conclusion: The students of health should be grouped in Basic English and EGP courses, not based on their academic majors, but based on their English proficiency levels for a successful English pedagogy leading to successful use of English texts of health as a means of promoting health community. 

scholarly journals Emotional Bonding and Sexual Activity During COVID-19 Lockdown: A Cross-National Pilot Study

2021 ◽  
pp. 263183182110274
Author(s):  
Deblina Roy ◽  
Sujita Kumar Kar ◽  
SM Yasir Arafat ◽  
Pawan Sharma ◽  
Russell Kabir
Keyword(s):  
Online Survey ◽  
Sampling Technique ◽  
Sexual Relationships ◽  
Sexually Active ◽  
Online Questionnaire ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Emotional Bonding ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Study Participants

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic and lockdown measures have affected the sexuality and emotional bonding among the couple across the world. Objectives: We aimed to assess the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and lockdown on the married people’s emotional bonding and sexual relationships in 3 south Asian counties (Bangladesh, India, and Nepal). Methods: A cross-sectional online survey was conducted among Bangladesh, India, and Nepal residents from April 3 to April 15, 2020. The survey was designed in English. The participants were selected through convenience sampling technique, the link of the online questionnaire was shared with the participants. Only participants older than 18 years and above, married, and living with their spouses were included in the study. Results: A total number of 120 respondents were included finally for analysis from the participating countries (India, Nepal, and Bangladesh). The mean age of the participants was 35.42 (±5.73) years; the majority were males under the age of 40 years and had completed postgraduation as their qualification. Among the study participants, more than half (53.8%) of the women reported being sexually active during the lockdown, whereas 41% of the men reported being sexually active. Among the sexually active participants, most women (57.7%) reported that they perceived positive emotional bonding with their partners. Nevertheless, there was no significant difference observed when compared with men. There are variations in responses. However, no significant association was identified. Conclusion: There are a few insights from the study, that is, there was no significant difference found in almost 3 countries in emotional intimacy. There had been a trend that there is improved emotional bonding with their partners, although no significant difference was observed.

scholarly journals Efeitos da crioterapia e da diatermia por micro-ondas sobre a capacidade de produção de força de flexores de cotovelo de homens saudáveis

2016 ◽  
Vol 18 (3) ◽  
pp. 332
Author(s):  
Juliana Carvalho Schleder ◽  
Andrelize Müller ◽  
Walkyria Vilas Boas Fernandes ◽  
Andrielle Elaine Capote
Keyword(s):  
Production Capacity ◽  
Peak Strength ◽  
Isometric Strength ◽  
The Other ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Thermal Changes ◽  
Study Participants ◽  
Sedentary Subjects ◽  
Isometric Muscle ◽  
Microwave Diathermy

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5007/1980-0037.2016v18n3p332 Physiological effects of thermal changes in tissues might influence some physical properties of muscle fibers, such as strength. The aim of this study was to compare the effects of cryotherapy and microwave diathermy application on the strength production capacity of the elbow flexor muscles. Thirty male, healthy and sedentary subjects, with average age of 22.40 (±3.42) years, participated in this prospective study. Participants were submitted to assessment of isometric strength production capability by an adapted load cell. Half of volunteers received cryotherapy on the first day of application and microwave diathermy (MD) 48 hours later, whereas the other half was treated the other way around. Cryotherapy was applied up to the temperature of the biceps region reached 25ºC, and MD was applied up to 42ºC. Six peak strength reevaluations were made over 2 hours. There was significant increase in peak strength (PS) up to 15 minutes after cryotherapy, then there was a decrease in maximum isometric strength, however, statistically significant difference remained up to 1 hour and 30 minutes after cryotherapy. In MD, PS decreased significantly after application until 15 min. From this moment, PS returned close to the initial value, and in the last assessment, PS reduced again. Cryotherapy and MD differently interfered in isometric muscle strength production capacity of elbow flexors, while cooling generated increment, heating caused decline.

scholarly journals Prevalence of thinness, overweight and obesity among Tibetan adolescents aged 12-17 years

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-17
Author(s):  
Yunfei Zhang ◽  
Jiahong Sun ◽  
Min Zhao ◽  
Costan G. Magnussen ◽  
Xi Bo
Keyword(s):  
Sampling Method ◽  
Total Sample ◽  
Overweight And Obesity ◽  
Cluster Sampling ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Clear Trend ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Prevalence Of Obesity ◽  
Study Participants

Abstract Objective: To estimate the prevalence of thinness, overweight and obesity among Tibetan adolescents aged 12-17 years. Design: Cross-sectional survey. Setting: Shigatse city of Tibet municipality, with an average altitude of more than 4000 m. Subjects: Study participants included 2,642 adolescents aged 12-17 years selected from 6 schools using a convenient cluster sampling method. Results: The prevalence of thinness/overweight/obesity among Tibetan adolescents was 9.4%/5.4%/1.4% (China definition), 14.7%/4.4%/0.7% (IOTF definition), and 2.8%/5.7%/0.9% (WHO definition). The prevalence of thinness and overweight was significantly different between both sexes based on each of three BMI classification criteria (P <0.001). There was no significant difference in the prevalence of obesity between both sexes according to each of three BMI criteria. There was no clear trend in the prevalence of thinness across ages according to the China or IOTF definition (both P >0.05), whereas an upward trend was observed for thinness in boys according to the IOTF definition (P for trend <0.05). In contrast, the prevalence of thinness tended to decrease with increasing age in girls according to the IOTF definition, and in total sample according to the WHO definition (P for trend <0.05). Conclusions: Among Tibetan adolescents, the prevalence of overweight and obesity is relatively low, while the prevalence of thinness is high, especially in boys. These data suggest urgent attention is needed to control adolescent thinness in Tibet.

Association of blood pressure with diabetic retinopathy and its severity in patients of type-II diabetics.

2021 ◽  
Vol 28 (03) ◽  
pp. 422-427
Author(s):  
Kanwal Ijaz ◽  
Muhammad Luqman Ali Bahoo ◽  
Beenish Karamat ◽  
Asia Aziz
Keyword(s):  
Blood Pressure ◽  
Diabetic Retinopathy ◽  
Diastolic Blood Pressure ◽  
Demographic Data ◽  
Study Results ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Qualitative Variables ◽  
Type Ii Diabetics ◽  
Study Participants ◽  
Study Setting

Objective: To identify the association of blood pressure with DR and its severity in type two diabetics. Study Design: Descriptive, Correlational study. Setting: Outpatient Department of Layton Rahmatulla Benevolent Trust Eye Hospital, Lahore. Period: 1st July, 2016 to 30th August, 2016. Materials & Method: After recording of demographic data, 80 type two diabetics of age 45-65 years of both genders were evaluated by consultant ophthalmologist for status and grading of diabetic retinopathy. Blood pressure was recorded with the help of mercury sphygmomanometer. Data were entered and analyzed on SPSS version 22. Qualitative variables were mentioned as percentages. For comparison of quantitative variables, student ”t” test or mann whiten U test as per distribution of data, were applied. For exploring the association between blood pressure and diabetic retinopathy, spearman rho correlation test was employed. Results: Out of total 80 patients, 42 had DR of varying grade. Most of the study participants were females (62.5 %). On comparison between two groups, systolic blood pressure was not significantly different however, diastolic blood pressure had significant difference. Both systolic and diastolic blood pressure had significant association with severity of DR in both eyes of the patients with only exception of diastolic blood pressure with severity in left eye, which had non-significant correlation. Conclusion: The study results suggest that, blood pressure should be considered as a contributing factor for development and progression of diabetic retinopathy.

scholarly journals Using Podcasts to Improve Second Language Comprehension in Iranian Language Classrooms

2016 ◽  
Vol 6 (2) ◽  
pp. 24
Author(s):  
Mohammad Davoudi ◽  
Mojtaba Rezaei
Keyword(s):  
Language Comprehension ◽  
Good Method ◽  
Placement Test ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Efl Learners ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Language Classrooms ◽  
Post Test ◽  
Experimental Group ◽  
Transcript File

<p>The present study aims at investigating the influence of podcasts (POD) on language comprehension of Iranian pre-intermediate EFL learners. An Oxford Placement Test (OPT) was administered to 60 male and female university students. The participants were considered as pre-intermediate learners and were divided into two groups (one experimental group and one control group). During the fifteen sessions of the treatment, thirty podcasts were presented to the two groups. The experimental group received just the audio file of the POD, and the control group received a different treatment which was the transcript file of the same audio podcast file of the experimental group. The results of the t-tests revealed that there was no significant difference in language comprehension scores across the posttest between two groups. Based on the interview results after the post-test, all of the participants (100%) agreed that both audio and the transcripts (written texts) were useful for them and claimed that it is a good method of improving language comprehension.</p>

scholarly journals A Comparison of Efficiency in Teacher Correction Strategies in Iranian EFL Learners’ Speaking Improvement

2016 ◽  
Vol 6 (6) ◽  
pp. 183
Author(s):  
Roya Keshavarz ◽  
Amin Marzban
Keyword(s):  
Corrective Feedback ◽  
Placement Test ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Teaching Methodology ◽  
Moderator Variable ◽  
Efl Learners ◽  
Feedback Type ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
And Control

<p>The present study was an attempt to investigate the effect two types of corrective feedback (i.e., recast and metalinguistic) in order to find out which one is more effective on EFL learners’ speaking improvement and also to see if gender could play a role in the relative impact of the two types of corrective feedback on learners’ speaking ability. To this end, 65 EFL learners of intermediate level in one of language institutes in Shiraz, Iran were selected and divided into three groups including two experimental groups and one control. The instruments used to collect the data included IELTS test as the pre and post tests and Oxford Placement Test (OPT) in order to obtain the homogeneity in participants’ English proficiency. The collected data were codified and entered into SPSS Software (Version 22) and were analysed using descriptive statistics, t-test, and Tukey test. The results indicated that although applying these two types of corrective feedback could have made improvement in EFL learners’ speaking ability, there was not observed any significant difference between impacts of recast and metalinguistic on EFL learners’ production. The test results also indicated that there was not any significant difference regarding gender within the three groups. This homogeneity further shows that in this study, the gender variable did not have any effect on the role of corrective feedback and it can be concluded that the observed difference between metalinguistic group, recast group, and control group is just the result of the provided corrective feedback type which has acted as the intervening variable and the moderator variable such as gender did not prove to have any effect in the outcome of this study. The findings can contribute to syllabus design and teaching methodology areas.</p>

scholarly journals Nurses’ Knowledge toward Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C in Guilan, Iran

2017 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
pp. 34-42 ◽  
Author(s):  
Farahnaz Joukar ◽  
Fariborz Mansour-Ghanaei ◽  
Mohammad Reza Naghipour ◽  
Tolou Hasandokht
Keyword(s):  
Hepatitis C ◽  
Hepatitis B ◽  
Knowledge Score ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Teaching Hospitals ◽  
High Risk Population ◽  
Continuous Training ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Study Participants

Background: Health care workers (HCWs) represent high risk population for viral hepatitis infection. Objectives: This study sought to assess the knowledge of HCWs regarding hepatitis B (HBV) and hepatitis C (HCV) infection. Methods: In a multi-center cross sectional study, all HCWs from eight teaching hospitals were invited to participate in the study and to fill in a self-administered questionnaire. Results: A total of 1008 eligible HCWs have responded to the study. A high proportion of the study participants (55.4% and 52.9%) had unsatisfactory knowledge about HBV and HCV. Mean knowledge score toward HBV was significantly higher among more educated staff, p <0.001 and vaccinated personnel, P=0.02. Majority of responders answered correctly to transmission questions toward HBV and HCV (90% and 80%, respectively). There was statistically significant difference in only transmission domain score between various hospitals (p<0.05). The highest scores were related to surgical hospital. Conclusion: Although more than ninety percent of our participants were educated about HBV and HCV, knowledge about nature of disease, prevention, treatment and vaccine availability was unsatisfactory. Continuous training program toward viral infection is a matter of necessity.

scholarly journals The Impact of Visual Aids on the Retention of English Word Stress Patterns

2018 ◽  
Vol 7 (2) ◽  
pp. 225 ◽  
Author(s):  
Farid Ghaemi ◽  
Fahimeh Rafi
Keyword(s):  
English Word ◽  
Placement Test ◽  
Visual Aids ◽  
Word Stress ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Group A ◽  
Group B ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Stress Patterns

The present study aimed at comparing the effectiveness of three different techniques on learners’ long term memorization of English word stress patterns. After administering a quick placement test, 67 Iranian EFL elementary learners at language institutes were selected to participate in the study. Then they were divided into three groups. Before starting the instruction, a pretest was conducted to classify the participants’ abilities on word stress patterns. Then the new techniques were used to teach English word stress patterns. In all three groups, words were printed largely on a piece of paper and the syllables were clearly specified by dots. In group ‘A’, pronunciation and stress pattern of new words were taught aurally through the repetition of the words. In group ‘B’, all the procedure was exactly similar to that of group ‘A’, the only difference was that the stressed syllables were printed in bold. In group ‘C’, all the procedure was exactly similar to that of group ‘B’,  except that the stressed syllables were not only printed in bold, but also introduced by teacher’s hand gesture. After two weeks, a delayed posttest was conducted to check long term memorization of the word stress patterns. The results of the study indicated that there was a significant difference between pretest and delayed posttest in all three groups. But the most meaningful difference belonged to group ‘C’. That is, the participants in the third group (gesture group) outperformed those in the other groups. Finally, some implications and suggestions provided for further research.   

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document