Essential grammar for English proficiency test

In today’s globalized world, proficiency in English has become an extremely important skill for success in academics, profession, and personal life. Whether it is applying to higher education abroad, seeking a career opportunity, or simply aiming at improving one’s language skills, performing well in an English proficiency test is often a major milestone in the journey. Essentials of Grammar for the English Proficiency Test was designed with one intention in mind: to give learners a full-scale view of the grammar essentials that shall help them feel confident in their English proficiency exams. Drawing from years of teaching and learning English experience, I have compiled this e-book to offer a clear and accessible approach to mastering English grammar, which is the foundation of these exams. Whereas grammar is often considered the nightmare of language learning, this book tries to make it rather easy and accessible. In every section, grammatical rules are simplified into smaller pieces, with practical examples and exercises that will definitely help to reinforce learning. The focus is not just on understanding grammar in theory but on applying it correctly in the context of proficiency tests

Language styles within translanguaging in Deddy Corbuzier's podcast with Vincent Verhaag and El Barack

Nowadays, one of the prerequisites for the virality of podcasts on social media is determined by the host's expertise in guiding the show by using the right language style and language choice. Research in the field of language style and language choice still explores the dynamics of conversation without looking at the application of translanguaging. Therefore, research is needed that combines translanguaging and language style in the context of social media. This research explores the relationship between translanguaging and language style in one of the episodes of Deddy Corbuzier's podcast with guests Vincent Verhaag and El Barack. The podcast received many viewers and likes, as well as a lot of positive comments. This research refers to the theory of language style to analyze how speakers adjust their language choices in a multicultural environment to achieve various communication goals. The approach used is descriptive qualitative, transcribing and analyzing data in the form of dialogues that appear in the podcast. The research results show the presence of seven translanguaging patterns, with the Indonesian to Code-Mixing (ICM) pattern being the most dominant, reflecting the natural integration of languages in informal conversations. In addition, the dynamics of language change were also found, indicating three types of language styles as described by Martin Joos. The most dominant language style is the casual style, followed by the Consultative Style and the Intimate Style. It can be concluded that this study indicates that language speakers adjust their speech style based on the audience, the topic being discussed, and the communication goals they wish to achieve. This research will help readers gain deeper insights into multilingual communication, particularly in the realm of digital media which shows that translanguaging can be used strategically to enhance clarity, emotional expression, and audience engagement

Integrating academic talent, personal resilience, and study persistence: The role of DAT in university counseling services

Balancing academic talent with personal and academic resilience is essential for sustaining students’ commitment to their studies. Counseling programs aim to reinforce personal resilience and enhance persistence among students. This study explores the individual and combined effects of academic talent and personal resilience on study persistence. It also evaluates student responses to three academic support initiatives: the Differential Aptitude Test (DAT), Academic Guidance and Counseling (BKA), and Advanced Educational Guidance and Counseling (BEKAL). A quantitative research design was employed with 233 student participants. Academic talent was assessed using the DAT, personal resilience via the Resilience Scale for Adolescents (READ), and study persistence through the Persistence/Voluntary Dropout Decisions Scale. Multiple regression analysis was used to examine the relationships between these variables. Findings revealed statistically significant positive correlations between academic talent and personal resilience, academic talent and study persistence, and personal resilience and study persistence (all p = 0.000). Academic talent and personal resilience together accounted for 57% of the variance in study persistence. Additionally, students expressed favorable views of the DAT, BKA, and BEKAL programs, citing their value in guiding academic major selection. The results underscore the importance of integrating academic and personal development strategies in educational planning. Counseling interventions like DAT, BKA, and BEKAL can play a critical role in fostering resilience and improving student persistence

Language and humor: Arabic-English translation errors in bilingual memes

Translation is not just a transition between different languages, but a transfer and transformation of meaning and form between different cultures. This study aims to analyze translation errors in the landscape of bilingual information in the form of memes, as well as explore the translation errors that result in cuteness and humor. This study uses a qualitative approach with the data source of memes from websites containing Arabic-English bilingual information. The data were analyzed using error analysis and through informative discourse analysis. The research findings show that the bilingual information memes have shown translation failures namely literal translation errors, loss of context and meaning, misinterpretation and lack of contextual explanation. This study concludes that the translation failures that occur give rise to cuteness and a sense of humor

Globalisasi dan pendidikan kewarganegaraan: Menyiapkan generasi cerdas dan toleran

Di tengah arus globalisasi yang terus berkembang, dunia semakin terhubung dalam berbagai aspek kehidupan, mulai dari ekonomi, budaya, politik, hingga teknologi. Meskipun membawa berbagai peluang, globalisasi juga menimbulkan tantangan besar, terutama bagi generasi muda yang akan menjadi pemimpin di masa depan. Dalam konteks ini, pendidikan kewarganegaraan (PKn) memainkan peran yang sangat penting, tidak hanya sebagai sarana untuk menanamkan pengetahuan tentang hak dan kewajiban sebagai warga negara, tetapi juga untuk membentuk karakter dan sikap yang dibutuhkan untuk hidup harmonis dalam masyarakat yang semakin beragam. Buku ini hadir untuk menggali peran pendidikan kewarganegaraan dalam menyiapkan generasi cerdas dan toleran yang siap menghadapi tantangan global. Buku ini terbagi menjadi empat bagian utama yang saling terhubung dan menawarkan wawasan mendalam tentang hubungan antara globalisasi dan pendidikan kewarganegaraan, serta bagaimana keduanya saling mempengaruhi dalam membentuk masa depan bangsa. Bagian pertama mengulas secara mendalam tentang tujuan, ruang lingkup, serta landasan pendidikan kewarganegaraan, yang meliputi sejarah dan perkembangan materi PKn di Indonesia. Penulis menjelaskan bagaimana pendidikan kewarganegaraan di Indonesia berkembang seiring dengan perubahan sosial, politik, dan budaya negara ini. Dari periode penjajahan hingga pasca kemerdekaan, pendidikan kewarganegaraan telah berperan dalam membentuk pemahaman warga negara tentang identitas nasional, nilai-nilai kebangsaan, dan semangat untuk menjaga persatuan. Bagian ini juga memberikan gambaran tentang peran penting pendidikan kewarganegaraan dalam menumbuhkan sikap patriotisme dan kesadaran berbangsa, dengan memperhatikan dinamika sosial yang terus berkembang. Bagian kedua membahas pengaruh globalisasi terhadap Indonesia, dengan mengidentifikasi peristiwa-peristiwa besar yang mempercepat proses globalisasi dan bagaimana hal tersebut berdampak pada kehidupan sehari-hari masyarakat Indonesia. Buku ini menguraikan secara rinci bagaimana globalisasi membawa perubahan besar dalam berbagai sektor, seperti pendidikan, ekonomi, budaya, dan politik. Dalam bidang pendidikan, globalisasi mengharuskan adanya pembaruan kurikulum dan metode pengajaran yang lebih terbuka, kritis, dan berbasis pada pemahaman global. Di bidang ekonomi, Indonesia dihadapkan pada persaingan internasional yang semakin ketat, yang memerlukan kesiapan generasi muda untuk beradaptasi dengan perkembangan teknologi dan dinamika pasar global. Globalisasi juga membawa tantangan besar dalam bidang budaya, di mana nilai-nilai tradisional sering kali tergerus oleh pengaruh budaya asing yang lebih dominan. Penulis menggambarkan bagaimana dampak-dampak ini memengaruhi identitas dan keharmonisan sosial di Indonesia, serta bagaimana pendidikan kewarganegaraan dapat menjadi sarana untuk menjaga integritas dan keberagaman bangsa. Bagian ketiga menjadi inti dari buku ini, yang mengajak pembaca untuk lebih memahami bagaimana pendidikan kewarganegaraan dapat menyiapkan generasi muda yang tidak hanya cerdas secara akademis, tetapi juga memiliki kecerdasan sosial dan global yang tinggi. Penulis menguraikan konsep kecerdasan sosial—kemampuan untuk memahami, berinteraksi, dan bekerja sama dengan orang-orang dari latar belakang budaya yang berbeda—dan bagaimana pendidikan kewarganegaraan dapat mengembangkan sikap toleransi, empati, serta keterampilan berkomunikasi yang efektif dalam masyarakat global. Pendidikan kewarganegaraan diharapkan tidak hanya mengajarkan teori, tetapi juga memberikan pengalaman praktis yang memungkinkan siswa untuk terlibat langsung dalam kegiatan sosial, baik di tingkat lokal maupun global. Buku ini juga membahas pentingnya kurikulum yang mendukung pembentukan karakter yang inklusif, adil, dan penuh toleransi, yang dapat mengatasi polarisasi sosial dan memperkuat rasa kebersamaan di tengah keberagaman yang ada. Bagian terakhir menyajikan studi kasus tentang implementasi pendidikan kewarganegaraan di berbagai negara, baik negara maju maupun negara berkembang. Penulis memilih beberapa contoh negara untuk menunjukkan bagaimana pendidikan kewarganegaraan diterapkan dengan cara yang inovatif dan menanggapi tantangan sosial-politik yang berbeda. Dalam studi kasus ini, pembaca dapat melihat bagaimana negara-negara di Eropa, Amerika, Asia, dan Afrika mengadaptasi pendidikan kewarganegaraan sesuai dengan kebutuhan dan tantangan yang mereka hadapi. Dari sini, pembaca diharapkan dapat mengambil pelajaran dan inspirasi untuk memperbaiki dan mengembangkan pendidikan kewarganegaraan di Indonesia. Penulis menyoroti tantangan-tantangan yang dihadapi oleh negara-negara tersebut dalam menerapkan pendidikan kewarganegaraan yang efektif, serta inovasi-inovasi yang telah mereka lakukan untuk menghadapi masalah-masalah sosial dan politik yang muncul. Melalui buku ini, pembaca akan mendapatkan pemahaman yang lebih komprehensif tentang bagaimana pendidikan kewarganegaraan dapat menjadi pilar yang kokoh dalam menciptakan generasi muda yang tidak hanya cerdas secara intelektual, tetapi juga memiliki kesadaran sosial, rasa toleransi yang tinggi, dan kemampuan untuk beradaptasi dengan dinamika global. Buku ini tidak hanya ditujukan untuk pendidik, pembuat kebijakan, dan akademisi, tetapi juga untuk siapa saja yang peduli dengan masa depan bangsa dan ingin melihat Indonesia menjadi negara yang semakin kuat dalam menghadapi tantangan global. “Globalisasi dan Pendidikan Kewarganegaraan: Menyiapkan Generasi Cerdas dan Toleran” adalah buku yang sangat relevan di tengah perubahan zaman yang semakin cepat. Dengan pendekatan yang holistik dan berbasis pada kajian-kajian terkini, buku ini memberikan pandangan mendalam mengenai peran pendidikan kewarganegaraan dalam membentuk karakter bangsa yang inklusif, adil, dan penuh toleransi. Pembaca akan diajak untuk merefleksikan kembali nilai-nilai dasar pendidikan kewarganegaraan, serta bagaimana kita dapat menghadapinya dalam dunia yang semakin kompleks dan saling terhubung

Liquidity and leverage impact on Islamic bank value: A test on multigroup moderated mediation effect

Firm value is a critical indicator for evaluating a company's performance and future prospects in the market. Factors such as liquidity, leverage, and dividend policy can influence firm value, particularly in the Islamic banking sector, which is characterized by distinct financial management principles. This study aims to examine the impact of liquidity and leverage on firm value, with profitability serving as a mediating variable and dividend policy as a moderating variable. The analysis focuses on Islamic Commercial Banks in Indonesia, Pakistan, and Bangladesh over the period 2019–2023. A quantitative research approach is employed, utilizing Moderated Regression Analysis (MRA) and Path Analysis. The sample comprises financial statement data from Islamic Commercial Banks in the three countries. The independent variables are liquidity, measured by the Current Ratio (CR), and leverage, measured by the Debt to Equity Ratio (DER). The dependent variable is firm value, proxied by the Price to Book Value (PBV). Profitability, measured by Return on Assets (ROA), functions as the mediating variable, while the Dividend Payout Ratio (DPR) represents the moderating variable. he findings reveal that both liquidity and profitability have a significant positive effect on firm value, while leverage exerts a significant negative effect. Profitability mediates the relationship between leverage and firm value but does not mediate the relationship between liquidity and firm value. Additionally, dividend policy does not moderate the effect of either liquidity or leverage on firm value. These results suggest that Islamic bank management should prioritize enhancing liquidity and profitability to improve firm value, while also exercising caution in managing leverage due to its adverse impact. Furthermore, as dividend policy does not function effectively as a moderating mechanism, strategies aimed at increasing firm value should focus more on strengthening fundamental financial performance

Semantic analysis of Arabic language in chat communication and social media: Meaning shifts and formation of new terms

The shift in meaning and the formation of new terms in Arabic on social media and chat applications represent an important linguistic phenomenon in this digital age. This study aims to analyze how Arabic words undergo shifts in meaning and how new terms are formed through interactions on digital platforms. Using a literature review method, this research examines scholarly articles, books, and digital conversations from various sources such as WhatsApp and Instagram. The results show that communication via social media has driven changes in the meaning of everyday words, as well as the emergence of new terms often influenced by social, cultural, and globalization factors. Although this phenomenon enriches the Arabic language with new, more flexible, and expressive variations, there are also challenges in understanding word meanings, especially among generations not accustomed to digital language. The study concludes that the Arabic language in cyberspace continues to evolve in response to the demands of the times, although these changes may create difficulties in communication between generations. Further research is recommended to explore the impact of these changes on the structure of formal language and Arab cultural identity

Peningkatan partisipasi siswa dalam pembelajaran matematika melalui model pembelajaran kooperatif tipe teams games tournament pada siswa kelas X MA Mazroatul Ulum Paciran

Lack of student involvement and low level of student participation in the mathematics learning process. During the learning process, students are less actively involved and often chat with their deskmates. To overcome this, researchers applied a cooperative learning model of the Teams Games Tournament (TGT) type. This study is a type of classroom action research with a cycle model that includes four stages: planning, action implementation, observation, and reflection. Data collection techniques include observation, interviews and documentation. The instruments in this study were observation sheets and interviews. The type of data analysis used in this study was qualitative analysis reinforced with descriptive quantitative data. The results of the analysis showed that in the pre-cycle stage, the average student participation was at 14.8%, the average student participation level in cycle I was 37.4%, and the average student participation level in cycle II was 87.0%. The three data indicate an increase in student participation, which is 22.6% from pre-cycle to cycle I, and 49.6% from cycle I to cycle II. The Teams Games Tournaments learning model applied in mathematics learning has a positive impact on increasing the learning participation of class X students of MA Mazroatul Ulum Paciran. This is shown by students expressing opinions and providing responses in the mathematics learning process

Formulasi Sabun mandi cair berbasis Virgin Coconut Oil (VCO): Optimalisasi pemanfaatan produk lokal untuk perawatan kulit dan pencegahan dehidrasi

Skin dehydration is a common issue affecting 40–50% of the adult population, resulting in dry, rough, and dull skin, as well as itching, irritation, and premature aging. The "back to nature" trend has increased interest in natural skincare products that are more environmentally friendly and gentler on the skin. Virgin coconut oil (VCO) is a popular natural ingredient known for its ability to maintain skin moisture and provide protection. This study aims to develop a liquid soap formulation using VCO to address skin dehydration. The research methods included formulation and evaluation of liquid soap through organoleptic testing, foam stability, specific gravity, pH, as well as hedonic and irritation tests. The results showed that: (1) Formula III met all physical evaluation parameters, including organoleptic characteristics, foam stability and height, specific gravity, and pH, in accordance with SNI standards; (2) Formula III was the most preferred by panelists in the hedonic test and caused no skin irritation based on irritation test results. Therefore, Formula III can be concluded as the optimal formulation for VCO-based liquid bath soap

Decolonizing Language Learning: Power Dynamics and Social Justice in Critical Language Pedagogy

This chapter examines language education's historical and current power relations to discuss decolonizing language learning. It shows how colonial histories have forced underprivileged groups to speak English, eroding their linguistic and cultural identity. The chapter challenges linguistic hierarchies to promote social justice and linguistic variety in language education. Critical Language Pedagogy examines how language training reinforces or challenges social inequality. Creating a more fair language education system requires including indigenous languages and knowledge systems, tackling linguistic hegemony, and developing alternative evaluation methodologies. It requires a future-focused approach that prioritizes social justice, equity, and undoing colonial legacies in language learning