Book OverviewTitle: Improving Your English Skills: The Ideal Companion for Mastering English | By Vijayan Bala | Build Grammar, Vocabulary & Confidence I Age 13+ Author: Vijayan Bala Publication Date: 2022 (ISBN: 9789354407123) Formats Available: Paperback (primary format; around 200 pages), with potential eBook editions on Amazon Kindle. Genre: Language Learning / English as a Second Language (ESL) / Self-Help for Teens and Young Adults This engaging workbook-style guide is crafted for young learners to conquer English fundamentals with ease and enjoyment. Vijayan Bala, a veteran educationist, English teacher, Vice-Principal, and Principal in leading Indian schools since 1976, brings decades of classroom wisdom to the page. Known for fostering quizzing, public speaking, and teacher workshops, Bala makes complex concepts approachable through examples, fun activities, and a dyslexia-friendly font. Targeted at ages 13+ (teens, high schoolers, and young adults), it's ideal for Indian students or ESL beginners building school, exam, or everyday confidence. The book demystifies grammar, expands vocabulary, and hones composition—turning "I hate English" into "I got this!"Key Themes and Benefits
Each part wraps with review quizzes and progress trackers for motivation.Reader Reviews and Impact
- Core Focus: Holistic English mastery via interactive learning. It breaks down basics like tenses and idioms while boosting speaking/writing poise, emphasizing that fluency comes from practice, not perfection.
- Target Audience: Teens 13+ facing school pressures, competitive exams (e.g., board tests), or casual conversations. Perfect for visual/spatial learners or those with mild dyslexia, thanks to its clear layout and inclusive design.
- Approach: Fun-first with bite-sized lessons, real-life examples, and self-paced exercises—no dry drills. Hard topics (e.g., prepositions) get simplified breakdowns, plus tips for confident expression in debates or essays.
- Outcomes: Builds lasting skills for academics, interviews, or social chats. Readers gain 20-30% vocab growth quickly, per reviews, plus the self-assurance to use English without fear.
Section | Focus Area | Sample Content/Exercises |
|---|---|---|
Grammar Basics | Tenses, Sentences & Rules | Visual charts for verb forms; fill-in-the-blanks for past/present perfect; rewrite awkward sentences with examples like "She runned" → "She ran." |
Vocabulary Builder | Words, Synonyms & Idioms | Themed word lists (e.g., emotions, travel) with fun mnemonics; matching games and quizzes to embed 50+ new terms per chapter. |
Composition & Confidence | Writing, Speaking & Fluency | Essay prompts with outlines; role-play scripts for dialogues; self-reflection journals to track progress and build speaking ease. |
Advanced Tips | Common Errors & Polish | Error-spotting puzzles; composition checklists; bonus sections on public speaking and exam strategies. |
- Average Rating: 4.4/5 on Amazon India (based on 50+ reviews).
- Praise: "Helpful to improve English vocabulary and needful skills—my teen's confidence soared after just two weeks." Parents and students rave about the easy explanations and engaging format, calling it "a fun alternative to boring textbooks." Many highlight the dyslexia-friendly font as a game-changer for accessibility.
- Critiques: A few note it's lighter on advanced topics, suiting beginners best. "Great starter, but pair with novels for depth."
- Real-World Wins: Users report better school grades, smoother group discussions, and even family praise for improved chats—aligning with Bala's mission to spark lifelong language love.
- Amazon India (Paperback) (~₹250-300; free Prime delivery).
- Amazon.com (International) (~$10-15).
- Check local Indian bookstores like Crossword or Sapna for student bundles. Free "Look Inside" preview on Amazon.
Improving Your English Skills: The Ideal Companion for Mastering English Build Grammar, Vocabulary & Confidence I Age 13+

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