Mir Afzal

Mir Afzal is an experienced and passionate educator with numerous degrees, including a B.Sc, M.A in English Language and Literature, M.A in Sociology, and M.Ed. He has spent over a decade shaping young minds in various classroom settings. Mir views the world as a classroom and considers himself a torchbearer of knowledge, with a vision of illuminating minds. Through his websites Smart English Notes, he ignites this passion by sharing insightful perspectives on diverse topics. His goal is to stimulate awareness, inspire action, and weave understanding across societies. Beyond imparting knowledge, Mir aims to transform minds and build a more empathetic world.

Glossary of Grammatical Terms

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Glossary of Grammatical Terms I’ve noticed that none of the books I use bother to define the terms they are describing. I’ve added definitions to the beginning of each entry and collected them here. Noun – The part of speech that is used to name a person, place, thing, quality, or action and can function … Read more

Adjectives and Adverbs

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Adjectives and Adverbs I think the adjective ”post-modernist” really means ”mannerist.” Books about books is fun but frivolous. – Angela Carter Adjectives – A part of speech that describes a noun or pronoun. Adjectives are usually placed just before the words they qualify. Adverb– A part of speech that modifies a verb, an adjective, or another adverb. Adverbs usually answer … Read more

Matching Words With Their Meanings – Vocabulary Questions

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Matching Meanings Choose the word which best matches the meaning of the academic word that’s been highlighted in each sentence below.  Increased spending on direct advertising is a key component of our marketing plan.   limit framework result part This is a complex question which requires careful consideration. important new not simple separate We see a lot of each other … Read more

Commonly Used Words In English With Meanings In English

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  Matching Meanings Find on the word which best matches the meaning of the academic word that’s been highlighted in each sentence below.  Evidence has accumulate(d) that passive smoking is a serious risk to public health. become worse presented researched built up The new regulations will be phase (d) in over two years to allow companies to revise their … Read more

The Times They Are Changing – Summary, Analysis and Questions and Answers

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The poem was released in 1963, during the hippie/civil rights movement in America. The song "The Times They Are A-Changing" became a rallying cry in the early 1960s. The poem calls on the common people to band together and question the flaws of government. Through the line "For The Times They Are A-Changing," Bob Dylan also provides an optimistic assurance to those who stood up.

Old Folks Laugh by Maya Angelou – Summary, Analysis, Theme, Structure and Questions and Answers

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Old Folks Laugh by Maya Angelou Introduction The poem ‘Old Folks Laugh’ by Maya, Angelo is a tribute to the positive attitude that elderly people develop towards life. They no longer practise simpering and are free to laugh as they wish. They don’t bother the people around them; their laughter is an act of liberation. … Read more

Satire: Origin, Definition, Features and Examples

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THE SATIRE Origin The satire is of classical origin. Its chief exponents in Latin Literature were Horace, Perseus and Juvenal. They were initiated in Europe. They set the model for Elizabethan and Augustan Satire in England. In English literature, a satire is unpolished verse. It may be defined as a literary composition whose principal aim … Read more

An Horatian Ode: upon Cromwell’s Return from Ireland  Andrew Marvell – Historical Background and Analysis

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An Horatian Ode: upon Cromwell’s Return from Ireland Andrew Marvell Horatian Ode The Horatian Ode is the Latin descendant of the Aeolic ode, both of which were written to project a tranquil, contemplative tone meant for meditation. Both retain the purpose and formality of all odes, however, the Latin descendant attributed to Horace in 20 … Read more

Making Questions in English

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Making Questions in English In English, there is a simple formula for making questions: Simply invert the order of the subject and the first auxiliary verb.  It is raining. = Is it raining? He can speak English. = Can he speak English? He has lived here for a long time. = Has he lived here … Read more