Synchronized Chaos Mid-December 2025: The Stories We Tell Ourselves

Stylized dreamlike painting of a white winged female fairy touching the brown hair of a naked person. Their back is to us and they're sitting at a dark pond on a misty day. Rocks and tree branches are in the water.
Image c/o Dawn Hudson

First, an announcement: published poet and contributor Tao Yucheng would like to host and judge a poetry contest open to all readers of Synchronized Chaos Magazine.

Synchronized Chaos Poetry Contest

We seek short, powerful, imaginative, and strange poetry. While we welcome all forms of free verse and subject matter, we prefer concise work that makes an impact.

Guidelines: Submit up to five poems per person to taoyucheng921129@proton.me. Each poem should not exceed one page (ideally half a page or less). All styles and themes welcome

Prizes: First Place: $50 Second Place: $10, payable via online transfer. One Honorable Mention. Selected finalists will be published in future issues of Synchronized Chaos

Good luck, if you choose to enter!

Stylized image of a group of red and blonde and brown haired children standing in a forest reading to an elephant and giraffe.
Image c/o Circe Denyer

Now, for this month’s issue: The Stories We Tell Ourselves. We explore communication, relationships, myth, history, imagination – different ways of making meaning from life.

Dildora Abdullayeva considers the study of phrases as a part of human language and how phrases have changed over the years. Toychiyeva Madinaxon points out how young people are changing global language through Internet slang. Habibullayeva Lalyokhon Zarifjon kizi explores cultural and linguistic features of phrases in the Uzbek language. Rashidova Shohshanam speaks to the rapid changes in the Uzbek language and the challenges and opportunities that poses for educators. Noah Berlatsky reflects with humor on how our brains’ memory for language might shrink with modernity.

Dildora Qobilova suggests common student grammatical errors and ways to correct them in the classroom. Yarmamatova Sevinch Elyor qizi suggests ways to enhance young children’s speech fluency. Suyarova Gulsanam explicates finer points of Uzbek grammar for audiences speaking all languages. Abulqosimova Bahora highlights the intricacies of the phonetic system of the Uzbek language. Muqaddas Islomova highlights the role of multimedia digital technologies in helping language learners enhance their speech skills. Shamsiddinova Maftuna Hamidjon qizi gives an overview of academic studies into the structure and functions of different parts of speech. Adashaliyeva Durdona Akramjon qizi highlights the central role of linguistics in reinforcing the values of a socialist society. Rukhshona Kamolova Turayeva highlights the importance of studying the history and role of the English language to understanding effective communication. Sharifov Sirojiddin Shavkatovich underscores the critical importance of basic math literacy to social functioning. Satimboyeva Risolet outlines educational benefits of AI technologies in education.

Kucharov Bakhodir outlines principles of written and spoken professional communication. Dilnoza Bekmurodovna Navruzbekovna urges people to carefully consider what career would be right for them, and for schools to facilitate that deliberation. Aslidinova O’giloy highlights the potential of a digital economy and the need to prepare students for that world. Sarvar Eshpulatov also highlights the importance of digital literacy for success in today’s society. Niyozova Shakhnoza Farhod qizi elucidates the potential of digital technologies in education. Iroda Sobirova offers suggestions for fostering entrepreneurship in Central Asia and elsewhere. Choliyev Nurbek Rözimbek ogli highlights the importance of local banks in trusting in the creditworthiness of local entrepreneurs. Eshmurodova Sevinch Bahrom qizi outlines steps credit card bureaus can take to ensure consumer security. Urinova Robiyabonu discusses the use of psychology in professional management. Qarshiboyeva Mavluda Azizbek qizi analyzes the role of international assessment exams in world education. Abduvaliyeva Jasmina Jahongir qizi outlines some upsides and downsides of economic and cultural globalization.

Satimboyeva Rizolat discusses how to develop a social culture of reading and literary appreciation that goes beyond the classroom. Aziza Xasanova highlights the joy and creativity and history of the Uzbek mother tongue. Qudratova Nozima Bahromovna outlines the innovative narrative storytelling techniques of Uzbek author Tog’ay Murod.

Pink and gray stylized image of crow birds, an old treasure chest and vase, an analog clock and lamp and globe.
Image c/o Circe Denyer

Lakshmi Kant Mukul shares some of a people’s history of India through the lens of one architectural landmark, the Qutub Minar. Alan Catlin renders the historical, somnolent, stuck atmosphere of the American Rust Belt into poetry. Xudoyberdiyeva Mohiniso delves into the Islamic Turkish Kara-Khanid state, which reached its height in the 700s. Duane Vorhees traces a variety of Jewish mystical influences on Sigmund Freud. Chimezie Ihekuna relates how the modern Nigerian state came together as a result of colonial powers and bears little relation to cultural realities, causing a legacy of trouble. Jacques Fleury reviews Boston Lyric Stage’s production of a mashup of Sherlock Holmes and A Christmas Carol, providing two different lenses through which to interpret Victorian England. Qulliyeva Feruza Qosimova highlights the role of the Uzbek constitution in guiding contemporary society.

Mahbub Alam reflects with nostalgia on his high school days: friends, teachers, the school environment. Mesfakus Salahin revels in the wonder of childhood and memory. Sobirjonova Rayhona expresses gratitude to a dedicated teacher.

Olga Levadnaya speaks to the ‘halo effect’ of memory, where we remember the best parts of what happened to us. Dr. Jernail S. Anand considers his memories to be friends. Taghrid Bou Merhi holds onto the hazy and charming days of childhood and dreams. Mandy Diamantou Pistikou reminds us of the innocence and joyful curiosity of early childhood. Meanwhile, Luis Cuauhtemoc Berriozabal speaks to the feelings, thoughts, and sensations of middle age.

Taro Hokkyo brings to life a moment of deep soul recognition among two different people. Turkan Ergor wonders at the vast diversity of people’s life experiences, given our common humanity. Dr. Kang Byeong-Cheol reminds us of the ingredients of love: wisdom, compassion, and humility. Mrinal Kanti Ghosh reflects on a love that captures his soul and disrupts his consciousness.

Mohan Maharana also writes of compassion, speaking of his work as a healer and social worker coming alongside people living with mental illness. Juana Del Carmen Soria urges people to make wise and caring choices. Asmonur Rajabboyeva, in a piece translated into English by Shuxratova Nilufar, draws on a chamomile flower as a symbol for innocence and compassion. Eva Petropoulou Lianou puts out an urgent call for global peace. Dianne Reeves Angel looks beyond the commercialism of Christmas to seek out spiritual gifts of peace and love and hope. Brajesh Kumar Gupta affirms that goodness is so much stronger than evil. Zuhra Jumanazarova highlights the critical role of the Uzbek constitution in the country’s governance and respect for internationally recognized human rights. Eva Petropoulou Lianou laments the violence and selfishness of humanity, in poetry translated into Mandarin by Yongbo Ma. Pat Doyne mocks corruption in the United States’ federal government. Bill Tope argues against gambling from a social justice perspective. Yongbo Ma also translates a poem from Ahmed Farooq Baidoon on the weary quest of all too many people for justice. Brendan Dawson sketches some of society’s outsiders – immigrants and poets – and reflects on how society has become less welcoming.

Stylized image of a man with a red head in a black coat and suit with various white, black, red, and brown and blue posters on a wall behind him.
Image c/o Omar Sahel

Sayani Mukherjee wishes an old lover well with their new love during the holidays, while still acknowledging her sorrow. Abdulhafiz Iduoze speaks to the cycle of life and death in her imagistic poem. Kemal Berk yearns for a lost loved one through verse. Aisha Al-Maharabi evokes the pain of loss and longing in love. Graciela Noemi Villaverde mourns the loss of her husband of many years through poetry. Abigail George renders cautious and loving care for her father with cancer into thoughtful and slow poetry. Farzaneh Dorri pays tribute to a departed human rights lawyer.

Mirta Liliana Ramirez grieves the loss of someone who suffered much and had a difficult life. Sumaiyya Alessmael mourns the passing of her immortal, fanciful beloved. Milana Momcilovic evokes centuries of timeless longing for a lost love. Salimeh Mousavi probes probes a family’s grief to create a complex and layered character sketch and to mourn for parts of individual personhood severed by culture.

Shikdar Mohammed Kibriah speaks to the kind of immortality we find in nature, where one kind of creature lives because of the existence of another. Brian Barbeito relates a late autumn nature walk that left him feeling mystical and thinking of angels and a winter walk with friendly coyotes. Dr. Jernail Singh reminds proud humans of nature’s limits, checks, and balances. Toraqulova Pokiza Sanjarovna highlights the importance of living and working sustainability with nature during climate change. Avazbekova Rayyonakhon outlines some ways young people can work with “nature” close to us, our own bodies, and enhance immunity and stay healthier. Mahmmadjonov Saidjahon Shokirjon ogli and Mirzamansurova Robiya Ahmadjon qizi discuss clinical criteria elucidating when patients need heart valve transplants. Numonova Shohsanam Bahodirjon qizi presents an overview of the causes and effects of genetic mutation. Sejuty Rahman draws on an oyster fashioning an irritating grain of sand into a pearl as part of an extended natural metaphor for love.

Kavi Nielsen poetically expresses a sense of unity and connection with nature and their loved one. Shawn Schooley celebrates the sensual attraction he feels for his lover. Jamal Garougar speaks to the submergence of egos and unity with a broader whole inherent in love.

Petros Kyriakou Veloudas depicts love, grief, and memory feeding into the artistic process. Ana Elisa Medina encourages someone close to her to sing and share his heart’s journey. Kandy Fontaine reflects on how Motorhead frontman Lemmy inspired her artistically and personally.

Pink and purple line drawing of a woman's face with big eyelashes and two other characters, comic book style guy and girl, near her.
Image c/o Victoria Borodinova

Dianne Reeves Angel celebrates the joy of intentional female connection and friendship over many years. Priyanka Neogi reminds women and girls to remember their insight and strength. Amirah al-Wassif’s surreal poetry speaks to womanhood and our relationship with our bodies and minds.

J.J. Campbell shrugs and finds himself in a place of dull resignation, even at the holiday season, and renders his feelings into poems. Alan Hardy speaks to the vulnerability of being alone, whether in the wild or in his own mind, and how he protects himself by letting go of regret. Santiago Burdon depicts some misadventures along the road of guiding an emerging writer towards greater originality.

Richard LeDue captures a feeling common to many creators: seasons of wandering through a morass of scanty inspiration. Mykyta Ryzhykh expresses deep inner emotional pain through vivid imagery. Sara Hunt-Flores evokes the limits of the poetic muse for dealing with extreme emotions. Anna Keiko embarks on a tender journey of self-discovery.

Patrick Sweeney captures moments of revealing character development through one-line monostitch poetry. Christina Chin and Jerome Berglund depict small moments when people are captivated by small pleasures. Zebo Zukhriddinova celebrates the fun and the spontaneous organization of a day students spent folding and flying paper airplanes. Christina Chin depicts brief moments of peace and contemplation at Thanksgiving. Taylor Dibbert highlights the culinary creativity evinced by Thanksgiving meals. Asmonur Rajabboyeva’s short story, translated from Uzbek to English by Shuxratova Nilufar, details an imaginative and curious young girl’s travel to Mars.

Mark Young expresses fascination with arbitrary liminality, how we attempt to classify the world. Duane Vorhees reflects on natural and human moments of energy and transition, such as thunderstorms, from a comfortable distance that lets him think and react with wonder.

We hope this issue brings wonder, new thoughts, and empathy to your life.

Poetry from Milana Momčilović

Young Eastern European woman with long dark hair, earrings, and a black top with white dots.

IN THE SHACKLES OF YOUR SILENCE 

Under your name, the night trembles within me.

In my chest, a bound flame moans.

Like a cold darkness, love stretches me upon its rack.

Your shadow drinks my breath.

My bones remember your touch.

Within me, centuries collapse without you.

Like spilled gold, my sorrow flows.

Your eyes — two abysses above my soil.

My heart bears the shackles of your silence.

My skin is a book of your wounds.

I have written you in my own blood.

I have carried you through my own ashes.

Into your voice, I placed my final peace.

And when I sink, your shadow will remain in me.

And when I fall silent, I will still long for you.

Milana Momčilović was born on April 4, 1999 in Vrbas. She currently lives in Srbobran, a place near Novi Sad in the Republic of Serbia.

She published the collection of poetry TALISMAN.

She doesn’t like to talk about herself, so in the end she can describe herself through the verses of Sergei Yesenin: “What am I?” Who am I? I’m just a dreamer, whose sight fades in the fog and mist, I lived along the way, who can dream, like many other people on that earth.”

Prose from Brian Barbeito

Middle aged man with reading glasses and a tan and red sweater.

Cold Are the December Fields

and vast,

see the far evergreens dutiful,

sagacious and still

but wait, what’s this?

the afternoon winds,

vexatious and letting

the world know it is 

winter’s turn…

I had a vision in which

I asked an old man,

‘Do you see the coyotes here?’

He answered, ‘Yes,’

and in the vision, I walked incredibly

far by the near frozen river and

the coyotes walked alongside me,

for we were friends and family,

living on the outside of worlds,

by purlieu and perimeter…

yes, ‘round almost unknown old

lonesome loams,

in the cold December fields

~~~~~

Closeup of a plant's seed pod covered with small white fibers.

Essay from Abulqosimova Bahora

Peculiar Features of the Phonetic System of the Uzbek Language
Kattakurgan State Pedagogical Institute
Faculty of Philology and Social Sciences
Department of Uzbek Language and Literature, Group 25_04
Student: Abulqosimova Bahora


Abstract:
This scientific article analyzes the peculiar features of the phonetic system of the Uzbek language. The study investigates the pronunciation of vowels and consonants, their changes in phonetic processes, and their roles in word formation. Additionally, phonetic phenomena such as stress, intonation, and assimilation are highlighted as factors influencing semantic distinctions in the language. The article also examines phonetic changes that have occurred throughout the historical development of the Uzbek language and their reflections in dialectal variations. The research findings hold theoretical and practical significance for ongoing studies in the fields of phonetics and phonology.


Keywords:
Phonetics, phonology, vowel sounds, consonant sounds, stress, intonation, assimilation, pronunciation, phonetic system.
Introduction:
Language is the most important social phenomenon of humanity and serves as the primary tool of communication among people. The formation and development of any language are primarily manifested through its phonetic system, as speech sounds constitute the fundamental material of language structure. Phonetic units are directly related to all levels of language — lexical, grammatical, and morphological — and play a crucial role in accurately conveying meaning.


The Uzbek language belongs to the Turkic language family and possesses a phonetic system characterized by complex phenomena and unique features formed over its historical development. The pronunciation of vowels and consonants, their changes in phonetic processes, and their functions in word formation are key criteria defining the national characteristics of the language. In particular, features such as vowel length, consonant voicing and devoicing, as well as processes like assimilation, dissimilation, stress, and intonation, have a unique realization in Uzbek.


This article provides a detailed analysis of the peculiarities of the Uzbek phonetic system, the role of vowels and consonants in phonetic processes, and the differences found in dialectal variations. Furthermore, it examines how phonetic phenomena affect meaning distinctions and phonetic changes over the course of historical development, based on scientific sources. The research results are theoretically and practically significant for modern studies in phonetics and phonology.


Literature Review:
Several prominent scholars have made significant contributions to the study of the Uzbek phonetic system.
A. Mahmudov explored the pronunciation of vowels and consonants, their articulatory changes in speech processes, and described them using experimental methods. He relied on phonetic observations to establish norms of literary pronunciation. His work laid the scientific foundation for determining pronunciation standards and demonstrated the practical importance of phonetics.


Ayyub G‘ulomov specialized in theoretical linguistics and studied word formation and morphology in the Uzbek language. Although his work did not focus directly on phonetics and phonology, it emphasized language structure, word formation, and speech organization. His theoretical methodology is considered valuable in phonetic research.


Abdulhamid Nurmonov focused on the phonological system of the Uzbek language, the functions of phonemes, and positional and combinatorial features of language units.
M. Mirtojiev investigated the structure of the vowel system in Uzbek, their labialization, height, and historical development. He also compared phonetic differences in Karluk, Kipchak, and Oghuz dialects.


S. Otamirzayeva discussed the impact of phonetic phenomena on the teaching process, highlighting the role of stress, intonation, and assimilation in speech.
M. Yusupova conducted an in-depth analysis of consonants, including voicing and devoicing relationships, and outlined rules and patterns of phonetic changes.
A. Hojiyev developed theoretical foundations of phonology, paying special attention to the meaning-distinguishing function of phonemes.
Sh. Rahmatullayev specialized in historical phonetics, analyzing phonetic changes in ancient written sources.


The works of these scholars have enriched the theoretical and practical understanding of the Uzbek phonetic system and contributed significantly to the development of phonetics as a discipline.


Analysis and Results:
The Uzbek phonetic system shares common features with Turkic languages while exhibiting unique national characteristics. Research shows that the articulatory features of vowels and consonants, their changes during speech, and phonetic rules have evolved throughout the language’s historical development.
Analysis of the vowel system demonstrates classification based on labialization, front-back position, and tongue height. Historical developments include certain phonetic changes, such as the shortening of long vowels in Old Turkic. In dialectal speech, vowel position shifts give rise to phonetic variants.


Stress and intonation play a crucial role in proper comprehension. Phonetic rules are key in establishing standards of literary pronunciation. Scientific studies in phonetics have shown that speech sounds possess not only physical and physiological characteristics but also semantic properties.
Overall, studies on Uzbek phonetics provide a systematic understanding of phonemes, their role in distinguishing meaning, and factors influencing historical development. This strengthens the theoretical foundation of phonetics and contributes to the formation of literary language norms.


Conclusion:
The phonetic system of the Uzbek language represents a fundamental layer of the language’s internal structure. The system of speech sounds, their articulatory and acoustic properties, and the role of phonetic processes are central to the field of phonetics. Sounds are not only the material basis of speech but also serve as meaning-distinguishing elements that connect language units. Therefore, scientific study of the phonetic system is essential for shaping literary norms, improving pronunciation culture, and enhancing overall speech culture in Uzbek.


In the Uzbek sound system, vowels and consonants function in harmony. Vowels are classified by labialization, front-back position, and tongue height, while consonants are categorized by voicing-devoicing, plosive-fricative, and sonorant characteristics. Phonetic processes — such as assimilation, dissimilation, stress, intonation, and elision — ensure natural adaptation of speech sounds and play a vital role in conveying the meaning of words and sentences.
Research in phonetics confirms that the Uzbek phonetic system is continuously developing and evolving. Historical sound changes, dialectal variations, and pronunciation peculiarities reflect the richness and national spirit of the language. A thorough understanding of phonetic theory expands linguistic knowledge and provides a scientific foundation for teaching Uzbek, reinforcing literary standards, and developing speech culture.


References:
Mahmudov A. Issues of Uzbek Literary Phonetics. – Tashkent: Fan, 2007.
Mirtojiev M. The Vowel System in the Uzbek Language and Its Development. – Tashkent: O‘qituvchi, 1991.
Otamirzayeva S., Yusupova M. Phonetics, Orthography, Orthoepy, and Orthography. – Tashkent: O‘qituvchi, 2010.
Hojiyev A. Explanatory Dictionary of Linguistic Terms. – Tashkent: Fan, 2002.
Rahmatullayev Sh. Historical Phonetics of the Uzbek Language. – Tashkent: Universitet, 1995.
Yoldoshev I., et al. Fundamentals of Linguistics. – Tashkent: Fan, 2014.
Zokirova H., Nabiyeva D. Phonetics of the Uzbek Language. – Andijan: ASU Press, 2016.

Essay from Diyora Qobilova

COMMON GRAMMAR ERRORS FOUND IN STUDENTS’ WRITING AND WAYS TO REDUCE THEM


Zunnira Almatova
Diyora Qobilova
Sabrina Mengqobilova
Denov tadbirkorlik va pedagogika instituti 1-kurs talabalari


Abstract


This paper explores the most common grammar errors found in students’ writing and examines practical strategies to reduce them. Frequent mistakes such as subject–verb agreement errors, tense misuse, article omission, incorrect prepositions, sentence fragments, and word order problems are analyzed in detail. The study also discusses the underlying causes of these errors, including first language interference, limited exposure to authentic texts, insufficient practice, and lack of corrective feedback. The findings highlight the importance of integrating explicit grammar instruction with writing practice, extensive reading, collaborative learning, and systematic error correction. The paper concludes that a balanced, targeted approach can significantly improve students’ grammatical accuracy and overall writing proficiency.


KEY WORDS: grammar errors; student writing; subject–verb agreement; tense misuse; article errors; prepositions; sentence structure; error correction; academic writing; language learning.


The Role of Sentence Structure in Writing
Sentence structure plays a fundamental role in effective writing because it determines how clearly, logically, and powerfully a writer’s ideas reach the reader. Writing is not only about choosing the right words; it is about arranging those words in a meaningful and organized way. A well-structured sentence guides the reader through the writer’s thoughts, allowing ideas to flow smoothly from one point to another. When sentences are crafted with attention to clarity and logical order, the message becomes more impactful and easier to understand.


Writers often face difficulties not because they lack vocabulary, but because their sentences do not convey relationships between ideas clearly. For example, if a sentence mixes multiple thoughts without proper connectors, the meaning can become confusing. Similarly, very short or poorly linked sentences may make writing feel choppy and unprofessional. On the other hand, extremely long and complex sentences can overwhelm the reader and hide the main point. This shows that good writing requires balance—sentences should be clear, logical, and appropriate in length.


Mastering sentence structure allows writers to express contrast, cause and effect, emphasis, conditions, and sequence more accurately. For instance, connectors such as “however,” “therefore,” “as a result,” and “in contrast” help the writer show how ideas relate to one another. The ability to combine clauses correctly also helps writers build arguments, explain concepts, and support opinions more convincingly. These skills are especially important in academic and professional writing, where clarity and logical flow are essential.
Furthermore, varied sentence structures make writing more engaging. Using only simple sentences may make the text sound flat or repetitive, while combining simple, compound, and complex sentences creates rhythm and sophistication. This variation keeps the reader’s attention and improves the overall quality of the writing. It also reflects the writer’s ability to think critically and express ideas flexibly.


Ultimately, sentence structure is not just a grammatical concept; it is the foundation of effective communication in writing. When writers understand how to shape sentences with precision and purpose, they are able to present their ideas in a clear, organized, and convincing way. For this reason, studying sentence structure is essential for anyone who aims to improve writing skills and produce thoughtful, well-developed texts.


Importance of Sentence Structure in Developing Coherent Writing
Sentence structure is a key indicator of how well a writer can express and organize thoughts. Coherence – the smooth and logical flow of ideas – heavily depends on how sentences are built. When sentences follow a clear structure, readers can easily track the development of arguments and understand how each idea connects to the next. This is especially important in academic writing, where clarity and logic define the quality of the text.


A coherent paragraph, for example, usually begins with a topic sentence, followed by supporting details, explanations, examples, and a concluding thought. However, even if these elements are present, the writing may still seem disorganized if the sentences lack proper connectors or if ideas are not linked grammatically. For instance, cause-and-effect relationships require specific structures such as “because,” “therefore,” or “as a result,” whereas comparisons need constructions with “although,” “however,” or “on the other hand.” Without such linguistic signals, the reader must guess the writer’s intention, which can reduce clarity and weaken the argument.


Moreover, sentence structure helps maintain the tone and style of the writing. Academic and formal writing often requires complex sentences that demonstrate critical thinking and detailed explanation. Yet, complexity must not come at the cost of readability. A well-trained writer knows how to balance complexity with clarity by using subordination, coordination, and parallelism in appropriate places. This balance makes the text both sophisticated and accessible.


Changes Writers Face with Sentence Structure


Many students struggle with constructing well-organized sentences, not because they lack ideas, but because they do not fully understand how grammatical structures support meaning. One common issue is the misuse of connectors, which leads to logical gaps or unintended shifts in meaning. For example, using “however” instead of “therefore” can completely change the interpretation of a sentence.


Another frequent challenge is incorrect clause combination. Students often join multiple ideas in one long sentence without proper punctuation or conjunctions, resulting in run-on sentences. Conversely, some writers avoid complex structures entirely and rely only on simple sentences, which makes their writing sound basic and fragmented.


Faulty parallelism is also an issue. When a writer lists ideas or constructs comparisons without maintaining grammatical parallelism, the sentence becomes awkward and harder to understand. These errors may seem small, but they significantly affect the professionalism and clarity of the writing.


To overcome these difficulties, learners must practice identifying clause types, understanding sentence patterns, and applying various connectors correctly. Regular exposure to well-written texts also helps writers internalize natural and effective sentence patterns.


Improving Writing Quality Through Structured Practice
Teaching sentence structure effectively involves combining grammar instruction with meaningful writing activities. Instead of studying grammar rules in isolation, students benefit more when they apply sentence patterns directly in writing tasks. For example, after learning about complex sentences, students can rewrite simple paragraphs using subordinate clauses to show cause, contrast, or condition. This not only reinforces grammatical knowledge but also strengthens writing skills.


Another effective method is sentence combining exercises, where students merge short, choppy sentences into more sophisticated ones. This helps them see how ideas can connect logically and how structure influences rhythm and clarity. Likewise, sentence expansion tasks—with prompts that require adding details using adverbial or adjectival clauses—encourage creativity while improving syntactic awareness.


Peer review activities also play a role in improving sentence structure. When students analyze each other’s writing, they become more aware of structural weaknesses and learn to identify common errors. This reflection helps them revise their own writing more effectively.


Overall, structured practice makes writers more confident in manipulating sentences to express meaning precisely. It also builds the foundation for strong academic writing, where clear, cohesive, and logically structured sentences are essential.


Conclusion
Sentence structure is more than a grammatical concept; it is the core of effective writing. Writers who understand how to build clear, logical, and varied sentences can communicate ideas more coherently and persuasively. By mastering the use of connectors, clause relationships, and balanced complexity, learners improve not only the quality of their sentences but the overall flow and effectiveness of their writing. Therefore, integrating sentence structure training into writing practice is essential for developing strong, independent, and confident writers.


References
Azar, B. (2007). Understanding and Using English Grammar. Pearson Education.
Brown, H. D. (2001). Teaching by Principles: An Interactive Approach to Language Pedagogy. Longman.
Ferris, D. (2011). Treatment of Error in Second Language Student Writing (2nd ed.). University of Michigan Press.
Harmer, J. (2007). The Practice of English Language Teaching (4th ed.). Pearson Longman.
Richards, J. C., & Schmidt, R. (2010). Longman Dictionary of Language Teaching and Applied Linguistics. Longman.
Nation, I. S. P. (2009). Teaching ESL/EFL Reading and Writing. Routledge.
Ur, P. (2012). A Course in Language Teaching: Practice and Theory. Cambridge University Press.
Nunan, D. (2015). Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages: An Introduction. Routledge.
Crystal, D. (2004). The Cambridge Encyclopedia of the English Language. Cambridge University Press.
Ellis, R. (2008). The Study of Second Language Acquisition (2nd ed.). Oxford University Press.

Poetry from Brajesh Kumar Gupta

Older South Asian man with a green collared shirt and reading glasses and a red bindi dot on his head.

BRIGHTNESS TRIUMPHS OVER SHADOW —————–

A flicker awakens, a soft light, In the quiet of the night, as shadows move,
And shadows murmur hidden truths,
A glimmer of hope starts to appear
The moon might conceal, the stars could sorrow,
Yet light, despite its brevity, resists slumber
It twirls freely on a quivering breeze,
A quiet vow, apparent and uncommon
Within the core of the night’s hold,
Light discovers its bravery, and finds its position
One ray, a beam so radiant,
Can drive off the darkest night
For light is powerful, even when it dims,
It ascends once more, responding to invitations
And even if the night appears so endless,
The inner light will forever endure
Let the shadows dread the light,
Light will forever discover its path
And in that light, so genuine, so bright,
Darkness has no possibility of captivating.

Dr. Brajesh Kumar Gupta, also known as “Mewadev,” has been recognized on several prestigious platforms for his contributions to literature and the arts. Notably, the state of Birland commemorated him with a special edition postage stamp. He is the recipient of the Presidency of the International Prize De Finibus Terrae (IV edition), awarded in memory of Maria Monteduro in Italy. Dr. Gupta has been honoured with an honorary Doctorate of Literature (Doctor Honoris Causa) by both The Institute of the European Roma Studies and Research into Crimes Against Humanity and International Law in Belgrade, Republic of Serbia, and the Brazil International Council CONIPA and ITMUT Institute. In addition to his literary achievements, Dr. Gupta was awarded the Uttar Pradesh Gaurav Samman in 2019, further solidifying his impact on regional and international platforms. Currently, he holds the position of the 3rd Secretary-General of the World Union of Poets, serving from December 30, 2017, through December 31, 2024. His role in this organization is pivotal, reflecting his commitment to advancing the global literary community.

Dr. Gupta is an accomplished author of eight books and the editor of twenty-seven volumes, showcasing his extensive contribution to literary scholarship. Beyond his literary pursuits, he serves as the principal of S.K. Mahavidyalaya, Jaitpur, Mahoba (U.P.), and resides in Banda, Uttar Pradesh, India. For further engagement, he can be reached via his social media profiles at facebook.com/brajeshg1, or through email at dr.mewadevrain@gmail.com. His work and legacy are also featured on www.mewadev.com.

Yongbo Ma translates a poem from Ahmed Farooq Baidoon

正义的马戏本人已被抛下,在此声明,离开我的舰队,无人道别,挣脱我那恶作剧的队伍,锯齿之刃在等候我炽热的巨龙,一朝被蛇咬,十年怕井绳,我脆弱的冰山,将我倾覆,末日倒计时在终点触发,忏悔的回声徒劳地试图弥合。一路上叮当摇响我新岁的铃铛,拆解无形的残忍伎俩,谁又能知晓,人类远离正义——更遑论信仰,恍惚与混乱化作奔逃的洪流,不可侵犯的角落阻碍了我的行旅,贞洁与仁慈,鲜少有人坚守,道德中滋生的鄙夷,我无从言说,诚然如此,正义——于那被误导者而言不过幻影,全能的神自会以其威能裁决。***************作者:埃及诗人_艾哈迈德·法鲁克·拜杜恩

(Ahmed Farooq Baidoon)

The Circus of Justice:

Jettisoned, the undersigned hereby,

Out of my fleet, no one say goodbye,

Untied from my prank bandwagon,

Serrated blade a waiting my ardent dragon,

Twice shy, once bitten, Iceberg of my frailty, thereby I am smitten,

Countdown of doomsday triggered at the end,

Echoes of repentance vainly on the mend.

Jingle my new yearly bell on the go,

Unravel unseen brutal tricks, who might know,

Stranded humanity from righteousness—let alone a creed,

Trance and turmoil manifested stampede,

Inviolable nook impeded my ride,

Chastity and charity,

by which rare mob abide,

Engendered in morality disdain, I can’t tell,

It was so,

Justice—be it a phantom for that misled,

The Almighty divinity wills his might instead.***************

By the Egyptian Poet_Ahmed Farooq Baidoon