tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32057208287404226012024-03-14T12:07:00.973+08:00IELTS Tips and StrategiesThe IELTS Blog of HighPoint IELTS PrepAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13357300174754281647noreply@blogger.comBlogger485125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3205720828740422601.post-26869419590396053992014-03-29T05:30:00.000+08:002014-03-29T05:30:00.607+08:00Weekly Finds: March 29, 2014<div class="photocontainn">
<a href="http://www.freedigitalphotos.net/images/Other_Business_Conce_g200-A_Man_With_Magnifying_Glass_p41471.html" target="_blank" title="A Man With Magnifying Glass by digitalart">
<img alt="A Man With Magnifying Glass by digitalart" class="photoo" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-A3jLXUxvrwk/T-wQsc-xtCI/AAAAAAAAAYk/DDZ8ay43hrY/s1600/A%2BMan%2BWith%2BMagnifying%2BGlass%2B%255BSmall%255D%2Bby%2Bdigitalart.jpg" />
</a>
<br />
<div class="photocaptionn">
Image courtesy of digitalart / <a href="http://www.freedigitalphotos.net" target="_blank">FreeDigitalPhotos.net</a></div>
</div>
<br />
Every week, we’ll be sharing a list of posts, stories, news, or opinions that we've run across the Internet during the past week or two. We won't be discussing them in detail here, but we do encourage you to check them out as they could contain valuable ideas and insights for your <a href="http://www.highpoint-ieltsblog.com/search/label/IELTS" target="_blank">IELTS</a> exam.<br />
<br />
If you're ready, here we go...<br />
<br />
<h3>LISTENING</h3>
<br />
<h4><a target="_blank" href="http://www.portlandmonthlymag.com/news-and-profiles/culture/articles/dude-wheres-my-accent-december-2013/1">Dude, Where's My Accent?</a></h4>
Jeff Conn, an expert in phonetics and dialects, is paying special attention to the way Portlanders pronounce words like caught, dude, and no. He’s monitoring those words for signs of a phantom invasion—he wants to know if your dude sounds like di-ood, if your caught sounds like cot, if your no sounds like ne-ow. <br />
<br />
<h3>READING</h3>
<br />
<h4><a target="_blank" href="http://mashable.com/2013/12/03/high-chair-learning/">High Chairs Help Toddlers Learn 'Messy' Words</a></h4>
Little ones grasp the words for ooey-gooey stuff better when they smear it, mush it and throw it around from their high chairs, new research finds. The study reveals that context is key for toddlers learning new things.<br />
<br />
<h3>WRITING</h3>
<br />
<h4><a target="_blank" href="http://www.makealivingwriting.com/boost-sagging-motivation-writing/">How to Boost Your Sagging Motivation for Writing</a></h4>
The author encourages us to ask a few important questions to figure out how to rediscover our love of writing.<br />
<br />
<h3>SPEAKING</h3>
<br />
<h4><a target="_blank" href="http://spinsucks.com/communication/public-speaking-presentation-skills-dont-be-a-robot/">Public Speaking & Presentation Skills: Don’t Be a Robot</a></h4>
The author observes that we often try to turn presentations into a science, when the best ones are actually more of an art.<br />
<br />
<h3>GRAMMAR</h3>
<br />
<h4><a target="_blank" href="http://learnenglishteens.britishcouncil.org/grammar-vocabulary/grammar-videos/personal-pronouns-and-possessives">Personal pronouns and possessives</a></h4>
We use personal pronouns (I, me, he, him, etc.) to replace names or nouns when it is clear what they refer to. We use possessives (my, your, her) when it is not necessary to name the person the thing belongs to. Learn more.<br />
<br />
<h3>VOCABULARY</h3>
<br />
<h4><a target="_blank" href="http://blog.oxforddictionaries.com/2013/11/8-words-hunger-games/">8 words you need to know to survive The Hunger Games</a></h4>
Whether your arena is a jungle, a desert, or a ticking time bomb, here are eight pieces of essential vocabulary you need to know in order to survive the Games. Don’t forget, knowing these definitions could save your life, and may the odds be ever in your favour!<br />
<br />
<h3>SELF-IMPROVEMENT</h3>
<br />
<h4><a target="_blank" href="http://www.dumblittleman.com/2013/05/achieving-your-goals-how-to-go-from.html">Achieving Your Goals: How To Go From Spinning Your Wheels To Incredible Traction</a></h4>
Learn about the quarterback method and how it could help you in your goals.<br />
<br /><div class="blogger-post-footer">© <a href="http://www.highpoint-ieltsprep.com/" target="_blank">HighPoint IELTS Preparation Services, Inc.</a></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13357300174754281647noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3205720828740422601.post-5072847940956452792013-12-21T15:35:00.000+08:002013-12-21T15:35:07.621+08:00Weekly Finds: December 21, 2013<div class="photocontainn">
<a href="http://www.freedigitalphotos.net/images/Other_Business_Conce_g200-A_Man_With_Magnifying_Glass_p41471.html" target="_blank" title="A Man With Magnifying Glass by digitalart">
<img alt="A Man With Magnifying Glass by digitalart" class="photoo" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-A3jLXUxvrwk/T-wQsc-xtCI/AAAAAAAAAYk/DDZ8ay43hrY/s1600/A%2BMan%2BWith%2BMagnifying%2BGlass%2B%255BSmall%255D%2Bby%2Bdigitalart.jpg" />
</a>
<br />
<div class="photocaptionn">
Image courtesy of digitalart / <a href="http://www.freedigitalphotos.net" target="_blank">FreeDigitalPhotos.net</a></div>
</div>
<br />
Every week, we’ll be sharing a list of posts, stories, news, or opinions that we've run across the Internet during the past week or two. We won't be discussing them in detail here, but we do encourage you to check them out as they could contain valuable ideas and insights for your <a href="http://www.highpoint-ieltsblog.com/search/label/IELTS" target="_blank">IELTS</a> exam.<br />
<br />
If you're ready, here we go...<br />
<br />
<h3>LISTENING</h3>
<br />
<h4><a target="_blank" href="http://www.businessinsider.com/22-maps-that-show-the-deepest-linguistic-conflicts-in-america-2013-6">22 Maps That Show How Americans Speak English Totally Differently From Each Other</a></h4>
Check out how small lobsters are named in different parts of the US.<br />
<br />
<h3>READING</h3>
<br />
<h4><a target="_blank" href="http://www.salon.com/2013/06/15/book_nerds_make_better_decisions_partner/">Study: Reading novels makes us better thinkers</a></h4>
New research says reading literary fiction helps people embrace ambiguous ideas and avoid snap judgments.<br />
<br />
<h3>WRITING</h3>
<br />
<h4><a target="_blank" href="https://www.udemy.com/blog/essay-writing-tips-2/">Essay Writing Tips: Essays Are Like Sandwiches!</a></h4>
If you want to write a good essay, it helps to think like a sandwich-designer. Like good essays, good sanwiches have organization by parts, strong introductions, and tight detail.<br />
<br />
<h3>SPEAKING</h3>
<br />
<h4><a target="_blank" href="http://mentalfloss.com/article/51150/12-old-words-survived-getting-fossilized-idioms">12 Old Words that Survived by Getting Fossilized in Idioms</a></h4>
English has changed a lot in the last several hundred years, and there are many words once used that we would no longer recognize today.<br />
<br />
<h3>GRAMMAR</h3>
<br />
<h4><a target="_blank" href="http://www.dailywritingtips.com/confusion-of-subjective-and-objective-pronouns/">Confusion of Subjective and Objective Pronouns</a></h4>
How do you decide which form of a pronoun to use, as in the choices of the wording in “John is as fast as him” and “John is as fast as he”? Knowing the varieties of pronouns will help you choose the correct form.<br />
<br />
<h3>VOCABULARY</h3>
<br />
<h4><a target="_blank" href="http://blog.wordnik.com/throne-soup-our-favorite-words-from-game-of-thrones">Throne Soup: Our Favorite Words from ‘Game of Thrones’</a></h4>
Check out the author's favorite words from the show's past season.<br />
<br />
<h3>SELF-IMPROVEMENT</h3>
<br />
<h4><a target="_blank" href="http://blog.iqmatrix.com/learn-from-mistakes">How to Learn from Mistakes</a></h4>
Check out the author's how-to guide with an accompanying mind map that will explain step-by-step how to learn from mistakes you make.<br />
<br /><div class="blogger-post-footer">© <a href="http://www.highpoint-ieltsprep.com/" target="_blank">HighPoint IELTS Preparation Services, Inc.</a></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13357300174754281647noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3205720828740422601.post-66815290849617749712013-12-14T11:26:00.000+08:002013-12-14T11:26:27.869+08:00Weekly Finds: December 14, 2013<div class="photocontainn">
<a href="http://www.freedigitalphotos.net/images/Other_Business_Conce_g200-A_Man_With_Magnifying_Glass_p41471.html" target="_blank" title="A Man With Magnifying Glass by digitalart">
<img alt="A Man With Magnifying Glass by digitalart" class="photoo" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-A3jLXUxvrwk/T-wQsc-xtCI/AAAAAAAAAYk/DDZ8ay43hrY/s1600/A%2BMan%2BWith%2BMagnifying%2BGlass%2B%255BSmall%255D%2Bby%2Bdigitalart.jpg" />
</a>
<br />
<div class="photocaptionn">
Image courtesy of digitalart / <a href="http://www.freedigitalphotos.net" target="_blank">FreeDigitalPhotos.net</a></div>
</div>
<br />
Every week, we’ll be sharing a list of posts, stories, news, or opinions that we've run across the Internet during the past week or two. We won't be discussing them in detail here, but we do encourage you to check them out as they could contain valuable ideas and insights for your <a href="http://www.highpoint-ieltsblog.com/search/label/IELTS" target="_blank">IELTS</a> exam.<br />
<br />
If you're ready, here we go...<br />
<br />
<h3>LISTENING</h3>
<br />
<h4><a target="_blank" href="http://www.news.com.au/finance/work/business-jargon-words-we-never-ever-want-to-hear-again/story-e6frfm9r-1226651466738">16 business jargon words we never, ever want to hear again</a></h4>
Check out the author's list of the worst offenders.<br />
<br />
<h3>READING</h3>
<br />
<h4><a target="_blank" href="http://blogs.smithsonianmag.com/design/2013/05/benjamin-franklins-phonetic-alphabet/">Benjamin Franklin’s Phonetic Alphabet</a></h4>
Franklin’s vision for American didn’t stop with independence and iconography. He also proposed a redesigned alphabet – a new language for a new nation.<br />
<br />
<h3>WRITING</h3>
<br />
<h4><a target="_blank" href="http://www.educatorstechnology.com/2013/06/the-impact-of-writing-on-our-brain.html">The Impact of Writing on Our Brain</a></h4>
Check out this interesting set of trivia on <a href="http://www.highpoint-ieltsblog.com/search/label/writing">writing</a>.<br />
<br />
<h3>SPEAKING</h3>
<br />
<h4><a target="_blank" href="http://www.macmillandictionaryblog.com/i-now-pronounce-you">I now pronounce you … Wait, how do I pronounce you?</a></h4>
Pronunciation is a source of constant controversy – and is it con<u>tro</u>versy or <u>con</u>troversy?<br />
<br />
<h3>GRAMMAR</h3>
<br />
<h4><a target="_blank" href="http://theweek.com/article/index/244295/prepositions-the-super-handy-and-horribly-confusing-widgets-of-language">Prepositions: The super-handy and horribly confusing widgets of language</a></h4>
To, from, of, by: The little linguistic bits that we use to fit in gaps and hold things together or keep them apart. The author argues that it's all arbitrary.<br />
<br />
<h3>VOCABULARY</h3>
<br />
<h4><a target="_blank" href="http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2013/may/24/star-trek-hobbit-culture-language">'Hobbitses' and Frankenstein: how pop culture's words become official</a></h4>
Though fantasy and sci-fi have invented hundreds of new words, only a few pass muster to make it into the dictionary.<br />
<br />
<h3>SELF-IMPROVEMENT</h3>
<br />
<h4><a target="_blank" href="http://www.womenworking.com/career-coach-stop-listening-positive-thinking-police">Stop Listening To The Positive Thinking Police</a></h4>
Ignoring your stress isn't "positive thinking." Learn how to acknowledge it and build constructive thoughts.<br />
<br /><div class="blogger-post-footer">© <a href="http://www.highpoint-ieltsprep.com/" target="_blank">HighPoint IELTS Preparation Services, Inc.</a></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13357300174754281647noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3205720828740422601.post-74495124490544609912013-12-07T16:25:00.000+08:002013-12-07T16:25:53.793+08:00Weekly Finds: December 7, 2013<div class="photocontainn">
<a href="http://www.freedigitalphotos.net/images/Other_Business_Conce_g200-A_Man_With_Magnifying_Glass_p41471.html" target="_blank" title="A Man With Magnifying Glass by digitalart">
<img alt="A Man With Magnifying Glass by digitalart" class="photoo" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-A3jLXUxvrwk/T-wQsc-xtCI/AAAAAAAAAYk/DDZ8ay43hrY/s1600/A%2BMan%2BWith%2BMagnifying%2BGlass%2B%255BSmall%255D%2Bby%2Bdigitalart.jpg" />
</a>
<br />
<div class="photocaptionn">
Image courtesy of digitalart / <a href="http://www.freedigitalphotos.net" target="_blank">FreeDigitalPhotos.net</a></div>
</div>
<br />
Every week, we’ll be sharing a list of posts, stories, news, or opinions that we've run across the Internet during the past week or two. We won't be discussing them in detail here, but we do encourage you to check them out as they could contain valuable ideas and insights for your <a href="http://www.highpoint-ieltsblog.com/search/label/IELTS" target="_blank">IELTS</a> exam.<br />
<br />
If you're ready, here we go...<br />
<br />
<h3>LISTENING</h3>
<br />
<h4><a href="http://theweek.com/article/index/244460/a-linguistic-dissection-of-7-annoying-teenage-sounds">A linguistic dissection of 7 annoying teenage sounds</a></h4>
Voiced alveolar stop and breathy-voiced low back unrounded vowel — better known as duhhh.<br />
<br />
<h3>READING</h3>
<br />
<h4><a href="http://io9.com/if-your-brain-were-a-computer-how-much-storage-space-w-509687776">If your brain were a computer, how much storage space would it have?</a></h4>
The comparison between the human brain and a computer is not a perfect one, but it does lend itself to some interesting lines of inquiry. For instance: what is the storage capacity of your brain?<br />
<br />
<h3>WRITING</h3>
<br />
<h4><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wOgIkxAfJsk">The History of Typography - Animated Short</a></h4>
Check out this paper-letter animation about the history of fonts and typography.<br />
<br />
<h3>SPEAKING</h3>
<br />
<h4><a href="http://www.forbes.com/sites/carminegallo/2013/05/16/how-warren-buffett-and-joel-osteen-conquered-their-terrifying-fear-of-public-speaking/">How Warren Buffett And Joel Osteen Conquered Their Terrifying Fear Of Public Speaking</a></h4>
Don’t let your nerves get in the way of achieving your full potential. Take bold steps today to bring them under control so they enhance—and not harm—your career.<br />
<br />
<h3>GRAMMAR</h3>
<br />
<h4><a href="http://www.copyblogger.com/compound-word-mistakes/">11 Compound Word Errors that Might Make You Look like a Numbskull</a></h4>
Check out this helpful list.<br />
<br />
<h3>VOCABULARY</h3>
<br />
<h4><a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2013/05/21/business/media/urban-dictionary-finds-a-place-in-the-courtroom.html">For the Word on the Street, Courts Call Up an Online Witness</a></h4>
Courts are looking to Urban Dictionary, a crowdsourced Web site, as one way to define words on which a case may turn.<br />
<br />
<h3>SELF-IMPROVEMENT</h3>
<br />
<h4><a href="http://www.problogger.net/archives/2013/04/11/what-does-it-take-to-succeed/">What does it take to Succeed?</a></h4>
Consistency, Practice & Routine. Read the details on this post.<br />
<br /><div class="blogger-post-footer">© <a href="http://www.highpoint-ieltsprep.com/" target="_blank">HighPoint IELTS Preparation Services, Inc.</a></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13357300174754281647noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3205720828740422601.post-81880009677845049252013-11-30T08:31:00.000+08:002013-11-30T08:31:07.358+08:00Weekly Finds: November 30, 2013<div class="photocontainn">
<a href="http://www.freedigitalphotos.net/images/Other_Business_Conce_g200-A_Man_With_Magnifying_Glass_p41471.html" target="_blank" title="A Man With Magnifying Glass by digitalart">
<img alt="A Man With Magnifying Glass by digitalart" class="photoo" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-A3jLXUxvrwk/T-wQsc-xtCI/AAAAAAAAAYk/DDZ8ay43hrY/s1600/A%2BMan%2BWith%2BMagnifying%2BGlass%2B%255BSmall%255D%2Bby%2Bdigitalart.jpg" />
</a>
<br />
<div class="photocaptionn">
Image courtesy of digitalart / <a href="http://www.freedigitalphotos.net" target="_blank">FreeDigitalPhotos.net</a></div>
</div>
<br />
Every week, we’ll be sharing a list of posts, stories, news, or opinions that we've run across the Internet during the past week or two. We won't be discussing them in detail here, but we do encourage you to check them out as they could contain valuable ideas and insights for your <a href="http://www.highpoint-ieltsblog.com/search/label/IELTS" target="_blank">IELTS</a> exam.<br />
<br />
If you're ready, here we go...<br />
<br />
<h3>LISTENING</h3>
<br />
<h4><a target="_blank" href="http://www.espressoenglish.net/5-english-expressions-with-the-word-call/">5 English Expressions with the Word CALL</a></h4>
Read this useful list.<br />
<br />
<h3>READING</h3>
<br />
<h4><a target="_blank" href="http://oupeltglobalblog.com/2013/05/09/ten-things-you-might-not-have-known-about-the-english-language/">Ten things you might not have known about the English language</a></h4>
Learn the little-known facts about the origins of the English language.<br />
<br />
<h3>WRITING</h3>
<br />
<h4><a target="_blank" href="http://flavorwire.com/391173/famous-authors-handwritten-outlines-for-great-works-of-literature/view-all">Famous Authors’ Handwritten Outlines for Great Works of Literature</a></h4>
Even these well-known authors draft <a target="_blank" href="http://www.highpoint-ieltsblog.com/2012/09/ielts-writing-system.html">outlines</a> for their masterpieces.<br />
<br />
<h3>SPEAKING</h3>
<br />
<h4><a target="_blank" href="http://www.quickanddirtytips.com/business-career/public-speaking/how-to-schmooze-at-the-holiday-party">How to Schmooze at the Holiday Party</a></h4>
Get five tips to help you mingle and schmooze like a pro.<br />
<br />
<h3>GRAMMAR</h3>
<br />
<h4><a target="_blank" href="http://learnenglish.britishcouncil.org/en/grammar-reference/capital-letters-and-apostrophes">Capital letters and apostrophes</a></h4>
The rules for the use of <a target="_blank" href="http://www.highpoint-ieltsblog.com/2010/03/nouns-1.html">capital letters</a> and apostrophes are quite easy to remember.<br />
<br />
<h3>VOCABULARY</h3>
<br />
<h4><a target="_blank" href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-22545351">20 of your favourite euphemisms</a></h4>
A Magazine feature about some well-known euphemisms got readers thinking about some of their favourites. Here is a selection.<br />
<br />
<h3>SELF-IMPROVEMENT</h3>
<br />
<h4><a target="_blank" href="http://www.stevenaitchison.co.uk/blog/7-reasons-why-you-should-start-stressing-yourself-out/">7 Reasons Why You Should Start Stressing Yourself Out</a></h4>
How can stress be a positive thing?<br />
<br /><div class="blogger-post-footer">© <a href="http://www.highpoint-ieltsprep.com/" target="_blank">HighPoint IELTS Preparation Services, Inc.</a></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13357300174754281647noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3205720828740422601.post-77665552751626621272013-11-23T09:40:00.000+08:002013-11-23T22:26:15.407+08:00Weekly Finds: November 23, 2013<div class="photocontainn">
<a href="http://www.freedigitalphotos.net/images/Other_Business_Conce_g200-A_Man_With_Magnifying_Glass_p41471.html" target="_blank" title="A Man With Magnifying Glass by digitalart">
<img alt="A Man With Magnifying Glass by digitalart" class="photoo" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-A3jLXUxvrwk/T-wQsc-xtCI/AAAAAAAAAYk/DDZ8ay43hrY/s1600/A%2BMan%2BWith%2BMagnifying%2BGlass%2B%255BSmall%255D%2Bby%2Bdigitalart.jpg" />
</a>
<br />
<div class="photocaptionn">
Image courtesy of digitalart / <a href="http://www.freedigitalphotos.net" target="_blank">FreeDigitalPhotos.net</a></div>
</div>
<br />
Every week, we’ll be sharing a list of posts, stories, news, or opinions that we've run across the Internet during the past week or two. We won't be discussing them in detail here, but we do encourage you to check them out as they could contain valuable ideas and insights for your <a href="http://www.highpoint-ieltsblog.com/search/label/IELTS" target="_blank">IELTS</a> exam.<br />
<br />
If you're ready, here we go...<br />
<br />
<h3>LISTENING</h3>
<br />
<h4><a target="_blank" href="http://www.pronuncian.com/Podcast/Default.aspx?Episode=177">-ate suffix revisited--advanced lesson</a></h4>
Listen to the proper pronunciation of the suffix -ate.<br />
<br />
<h3>READING</h3>
<br />
<h4><a target="_blank" href="http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/04/130429164821.htm">Reading Wordless Storybooks to Toddlers May Expose Them to Richer Language</a></h4>
Researchers at the University of Waterloo have found that children hear more complex language from parents when they read a storybook with only pictures compared to a picture-vocabulary book.<br />
<br />
<h3>WRITING</h3>
<br />
<h4><a target="_blank" href="http://www.quickanddirtytips.com/education/grammar/first-second-and-third-person?buffer_share=0328c">First, Second, and Third Person</a></h4>
Grammar Girl explains the difference between first person, second person, and third person. It all comes down to the pronouns.<br />
<br />
<h3>SPEAKING</h3>
<br />
<h4><a target="_blank" href="http://www.quickanddirtytips.com/business-career/public-speaking/how-to-use-and-incorporate-gestures">How to Use and Incorporate Gestures</a></h4>
Get expert tips on what your body language says about you and learn easy ways to naturally come across as more confident, approachable, calm, friendly, and intelligent by using and incorporating the right gestures.<br />
<br />
<h3>GRAMMAR</h3>
<br />
<h4><a target="_blank" href="http://www.engvid.com/try-to-do-try-doing/">“try to do” or “try doing”</a></h4>
The meaning of "I tried to watch the movie." is not the same as "I tried watching the movie." Watch this lesson and find out why.<br />
<br />
<h3>VOCABULARY</h3>
<br />
<h4><a target="_blank" href="http://grammarist.com/spelling/lay-out-layout/">Lay out vs. layout</a></h4>
Learn the difference.<br />
<br />
<h3>SELF-IMPROVEMENT</h3>
<br />
<h4><a target="_blank" href="http://www.keepinspiring.me/why-you-need-to-set-goals/">On The Importance Of Goal Setting: 6 Reasons Why You Need To Set Goals</a></h4>
Understanding the importance of goal setting and knowing how to set goals for yourself is crucial to accomplishing great things in your life.<br />
<br /><div class="blogger-post-footer">© <a href="http://www.highpoint-ieltsprep.com/" target="_blank">HighPoint IELTS Preparation Services, Inc.</a></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13357300174754281647noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3205720828740422601.post-25670528674630475502013-11-16T10:43:00.000+08:002013-11-16T18:37:56.709+08:00Weekly Finds: November 16, 2013<div class="photocontainn">
<a href="http://www.freedigitalphotos.net/images/Other_Business_Conce_g200-A_Man_With_Magnifying_Glass_p41471.html" target="_blank" title="A Man With Magnifying Glass by digitalart">
<img alt="A Man With Magnifying Glass by digitalart" class="photoo" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-A3jLXUxvrwk/T-wQsc-xtCI/AAAAAAAAAYk/DDZ8ay43hrY/s1600/A%2BMan%2BWith%2BMagnifying%2BGlass%2B%255BSmall%255D%2Bby%2Bdigitalart.jpg" />
</a>
<br />
<div class="photocaptionn">
Image courtesy of digitalart / <a href="http://www.freedigitalphotos.net" target="_blank">FreeDigitalPhotos.net</a></div>
</div>
<br />
Every week, we’ll be sharing a list of posts, stories, news, or opinions that we've run across the Internet during the past week or two. We won't be discussing them in detail here, but we do encourage you to check them out as they could contain valuable ideas and insights for your <a href="http://www.highpoint-ieltsblog.com/search/label/IELTS" target="_blank">IELTS</a> exam.<br />
<br />
If you're ready, here we go...<br />
<br />
<h3>LISTENING</h3>
<br />
<h4><a target="_blank" href="http://www.proofreadnow.com/blog/bid/96563/It-s-me-or-It-s-I">It's me or It's I?</a></h4>
You're trying to make the right impression as you knock on the door of your blind date's apartment, or on the door of the personnel manager who has your job application. "Who's there?" you're asked. What's your reply?<br />
<br />
<h3>READING</h3>
<br />
<h4><a target="_blank" href="http://pinoywords.wordpress.com/2013/04/17/what-is-the-oed-and-why-do-we-want-philippine-english-to-be-in-it/">WHAT IS THE OED AND WHY DO WE WANT PHILIPPINE ENGLISH TO BE IN IT?</a></h4>
Read the author's thoughts on why it is important for Philippine English to be a part of it.<br />
<br />
<h3>WRITING</h3>
<br />
<h4><a target="_blank" href="http://www.copyediting.com/about-precise-communication-vs-precise-information">Precise Communication vs. Precise Information</a></h4>
Learn how to use them.<br />
<br />
<h3>SPEAKING</h3>
<br />
<h4><a target="_blank" href="http://blog.bufferapp.com/what-happens-to-our-brains-when-we-have-stage-fright-the-science-of-public-speaking">What happens to our brains when we have stage fright: The science of public speaking</a></h4>
Palms sweaty. Heart racing. You know the feeling of stage fright. Whether it’s five people or fifty, public speaking is a gut-wrenching experience for most of us.<br />
<br />
<h3>GRAMMAR</h3>
<br />
<h4><a target="_blank" href="http://blog.visual.ly/grammar-spelling-infographics/">11 Infographics That Will Help You Improve Your Grammar and Spelling</a></h4>
In the era of texting, instant messaging and grumpy cat memes, proper grammar and spelling seem to have taken a backseat to the need to communicate with.<br />
<br />
<h3>VOCABULARY</h3>
<br />
<h4><a target="_blank" href="http://blog.oxforddictionaries.com/2013/05/disney/">A little bit of pixie dust: five of Disney’s contributions to the English language</a></h4>
Check out some of Disney's words that made it all the way to the OED.<br />
<br />
<h3>SELF-IMPROVEMENT</h3>
<br />
<h4><a target="_blank" href="http://www.earlytorise.com/staying-up-up-up-in-a-down-down-world/">Staying Up, Up, Up in a Down, Down World</a></h4>
Check out the benefits of having a cheerful and upbeat personality.<br />
<br /><div class="blogger-post-footer">© <a href="http://www.highpoint-ieltsprep.com/" target="_blank">HighPoint IELTS Preparation Services, Inc.</a></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13357300174754281647noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3205720828740422601.post-6201006741720605602013-11-09T10:10:00.001+08:002013-11-16T09:28:25.014+08:00Weekly Finds: November 9, 2013<div class="photocontainn">
<a href="http://www.freedigitalphotos.net/images/Other_Business_Conce_g200-A_Man_With_Magnifying_Glass_p41471.html" target="_blank" title="A Man With Magnifying Glass by digitalart">
<img alt="A Man With Magnifying Glass by digitalart" class="photoo" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-A3jLXUxvrwk/T-wQsc-xtCI/AAAAAAAAAYk/DDZ8ay43hrY/s1600/A%2BMan%2BWith%2BMagnifying%2BGlass%2B%255BSmall%255D%2Bby%2Bdigitalart.jpg" />
</a>
<br />
<div class="photocaptionn">
Image courtesy of digitalart / <a href="http://www.freedigitalphotos.net" target="_blank">FreeDigitalPhotos.net</a></div>
</div>
<br />
Every week, we’ll be sharing a list of posts, stories, news, or opinions that we've run across the Internet during the past week or two. We won't be discussing them in detail here, but we do encourage you to check them out as they could contain valuable ideas and insights for your <a href="http://www.highpoint-ieltsblog.com/search/label/IELTS" target="_blank">IELTS</a> exam.<br />
<br />
If you're ready, here we go...<br />
<br />
<h3>LISTENING</h3>
<br />
<h4><a target="_blank" href="http://blog.myhappyenglish.com/2013/04/english-conversation-lesson-casual-greetings-with-how-what/">English Conversation Lesson: Casual Greetings with "How" & What"</a></h4>
An English conversation a conversation usually starts with a question. There are two kinds of questions we use – how and what. Learn the rules.<br />
<br />
<h3>READING</h3>
<br />
<h4><a target="_blank" href="http://visual.ly/english-language-0">The English Language</a></h4>
The British Empire plastered the English language around the globe. But what is left of its legacy?<br />
<br />
<h3>WRITING</h3>
<br />
<h4><a target="_blank" href="http://www.dailywritingtips.com/10-types-of-transitions/">10 Types of Transitions</a></h4>
Writing is simply a matter of expressing ideas, but as we all know, it’s not so simple after all. One challenge is to coherently connect those ideas.<br />
<br />
<h3>SPEAKING</h3>
<br />
<h4><a target="_blank" href="http://www.engvid.com/5-ways-to-say-yes/">5 ways to say YES in English!</a></h4>
How many ways can you say yes? Expand your vocabulary by learning 5 popular ways native speakers respond positively to questions, without using the word yes.<br />
<br />
<h3>GRAMMAR</h3>
<br />
<h4><a target="_blank" href="http://www.englishpractice.com/quiz/verb-simple-present-tense/">Uses of the verb be and have in the simple present tense</a></h4>
The verb be has five forms: is, am, are, was and were. Of these, the forms is, am and are are used in the simple present tense. Was and were are used in the simple past tense.<br />
<br />
<h3>VOCABULARY</h3>
<br />
<h4><a target="_blank" href="http://www.visualthesaurus.com/cm/teachersatwork/always-never-something-eliminating-five-overused-words/">Always Never Something: Eliminating Five Overused Words</a></h4>
The author shows how teachers can work with students to improve their writing by focusing on five overused words.<br />
<br />
<h3>SELF-IMPROVEMENT</h3>
<br />
<h4><a target="_blank" href="http://blogs.hbr.org/2012/07/a-simple-exercise-to-help-you/">A Simple Exercise to Help You Get Unstuck</a></h4>
How do you use narrative structure to unearth your inner leader?<br />
<br /><div class="blogger-post-footer">© <a href="http://www.highpoint-ieltsprep.com/" target="_blank">HighPoint IELTS Preparation Services, Inc.</a></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13357300174754281647noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3205720828740422601.post-83851111855869671502013-11-08T05:00:00.000+08:002013-11-08T07:48:08.737+08:005 Techniques for Describing a Person's Appearance<div class="photocontainn">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/mikecogh/7704165402/" target="_blank" title="Happy Face by mikecogh, on Flickr">
<img alt="Happy Face" class="photoo" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8n_i_UdOXR0/UnsOZtPZKLI/AAAAAAAAAtE/BoD5Qg6dLxA/s1600/7704165402_d215aed5e4_q.jpg" />
</a>
<br />
<div class="photocaptionn">
Photo credit: <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/mikecogh/7704165402/" target="_blank">mikecogh</a> on Flickr.
</div>
</div>
In Part 2 of the <a href="http://www.highpoint-ieltsblog.com/search/label/IELTS">IELTS</a> Speaking exam, you could be asked to describe a certain person. You could be asked to talk about a teacher, a person you admire, or a famous person you want to meet, among others.<br />
<br />
Have you ever wondered how to go about answering these types of questions?<br />
<br />
We've discovered this <a href="http://jodyhedlund.blogspot.com/2011/08/describing-appearances-moving-beyond.html" target="_blank">article</a> from author Jody Hedlund where she was sharing the way to describe character appearances for her next novel. She thus suggests that we can make use of:<br />
<br />
<h4>
eye and hair descriptions.</h4>
<br />
You should mention eye color, hair color, hair length, or hair style.<br />
<br />
<h4>
other physical attributes</h4>
<br />
Let's say, the person had a thin face or knobbly knees.<br />
<br />
<h4>
verbal aspects</h4>
<br />
This applies when the person that you're describing has a favorite expression or catch phrase.<br />
<br />
<h4>
other characteristics</h4>
<br />
For example, a boy who's extremely forgetful.<br />
<br />
<h4>
actions</h4>
<br />
For instance, a person who always twitches his eyes.<br />
<br />
<h3>
TAKEAWAY:</h3>
<br />
Keep in mind that in your <a href="http://www.highpoint-ieltsblog.com/search/label/speaking">Speaking</a> exam, your examiners are checking for the criteria of Lexical Resource and Fluency and Coherence. As these techniques involve the use of adverbs and adjectives, you would be able to highlight your skills in Lexical Resource. Also, if you add more descriptions on the person that you're talking about, then you could provide more depth to your two-minute talk in Part 2, which in turn would afford you a chance to get higher marks in Fluency and Coherence.<br />
<br />
<hr />
<i><span style="font-size: small;">Hat tip to Jody Hedlund, for sharing these helpful techniques. Head on over to <a href="http://jodyhedlund.blogspot.com/2011/08/describing-appearances-moving-beyond.html" target="_blank">her blog</a> for more information about writing.</span></i><br />
<hr />
<div class="blogger-post-footer">© <a href="http://www.highpoint-ieltsprep.com/" target="_blank">HighPoint IELTS Preparation Services, Inc.</a></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13357300174754281647noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3205720828740422601.post-32705001782907406732013-11-06T21:00:00.000+08:002013-11-07T23:42:43.572+08:00How Do You Pronounce These Six Words?<div class="photocontainn">
<a target="_blank" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/kellyhogaboom/8681724524/" title="Monster Boxes! "Purple Startle" by kellyhogaboom, on Flickr">
<img alt="Monster Boxes! "Purple Startle"" class="photoo" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GlQGtwoaI9s/Unm3d4hBPfI/AAAAAAAAAso/6brQYxs2-jw/s1600/8681724524_d62ab48b8a_q.jpg" />
</a>
<br />
<div class="photocaptionn">
Photo credit: <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/kellyhogaboom/8681724524/" target="_blank">kellyhogaboom</a> on Flickr.
</div>
</div>
We found this article written by Maeve Maddox and she was discussing the <a href="http://www.dailywritingtips.com/50-incorrect-pronunciations-that-you-should-avoid/" target="_blank">50 Incorrect Pronunciations That You Should Avoid</a>. Notable for Coach Jon and I were these six words because we've heard their mispronounced versions many times during conversations or on local TV.<br />
<br />
Here are the 6 words, together with Ms. Maddox's tips:<br />
<br />
<h3>
aegis</h3>
<br />
This word shouldn't be pronounced <i>/ ay-his /</i>. The <i>ae</i> in this word is rather pronounced <i>/ ee /</i>. Therefore, it should be <i>/ EE-JIS /</i>.<br />
<br />
<h3>
anyway</h3>
<br />
<i>Anyways</i> is not correct. The word is <i>anyway</i>.<br />
<br />
<h3>
cache</h3>
<br />
Coach Jon usually sees this word when technology websites talk about processors (CPUs). The word is pronounced as <i>/ KASH /</i>. He remembers this because many years ago, he said <i>/ ka-shay /</i>.<br />
<br />
<h3>
niche</h3>
<br />
<i>/ Nitch /</i> is not correct. <i>/ NEESH /</i> is the correct one.<br />
<br />
<h3>
pronunciation</h3>
<br />
This should be <i>/ PRO-NUN-CI-A-TION /</i>, not <i>/ pro-nounce-i-a-tion /</i>.<br />
<br />
<h3>
vehicle</h3>
<br />
This one we hear often. When people say this word, we hear <i>/ vee-Hikl /</i>. If you want to say this correctly, try <i>/ VEE-IKL /</i>.<br />
<br />
We know there are other difficult words out there. The good thing is that there are dictionary apps that could guide us with <a target="_blank" href="http://www.highpoint-ieltsblog.com/search/label/pronunciation">pronunciation</a>. Let's make use of them. Who knows, improving your pronunciation could play a deciding factor in your quest for a high band score in <a target="_blank" href="http://www.highpoint-ieltsblog.com/search/label/speaking">Speaking</a>.<br />
<br />
<hr />
<i><span style="font-size: small;">Hat tip to Maeve Maddox, for sharing these helpful reminders. Head on over to <a target="_blank" href="http://www.dailywritingtips.com/">Daily Writing Tips</a> for more information about grammar, writing, and the English language.</span></i><br />
<hr /><div class="blogger-post-footer">© <a href="http://www.highpoint-ieltsprep.com/" target="_blank">HighPoint IELTS Preparation Services, Inc.</a></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13357300174754281647noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3205720828740422601.post-51293642587873101902013-11-05T17:00:00.000+08:002013-11-07T23:42:11.432+08:00Tongue Twisters for Your Speaking Exam<div class="photocontainn">
<a target="_blank" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lctkw/3612660867/" title="Tongue-twister by lo5t, on Flickr">
<img alt="Tongue-twister" class="photoo" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-c3cY0W-YFNg/UneK4qxtJKI/AAAAAAAAAsY/wiWEgr_t3H8/s1600/3612660867_418e78c398_q.jpg" />
</a>
<br />
<div class="photocaptionn">
Photo credit: <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lctkw/3612660867/" target="_blank">lo5t</a> on Flickr.
</div>
</div>
Here's one tip that has worked for me in <a href="http://www.highpoint-ieltsblog.com/search/label/speaking" target="_blank">IELTS Speaking</a>.<br />
<br />
Before leaving home for the exam, I recite some tongue twisters just to help me avoid mispronouncing the words when I answer the examiner's questions. I usually visit a website for this. It's called <a href="http://www.twisterking.com/" target="_blank">Twister King</a>. There, you'll see lots of practice exercises for each letter of the alphabet.<br />
<br />
Say, you need to practice pronouncing the <a href="http://www.highpoint-ieltsblog.com/2011/03/filipino-pronunciation.html" target="_blank">F, P, and TH sounds</a>. Simply proceed to the relevant page, then practice. Here are some of my favorites:<br />
<br />
Re: F<br />
"<i>Four free-flow pipes flow freely.</i>"<br />
<br />
Re: P<br />
"<i>Pick a partner and practice passing, for if you pass proficiently, perhaps you'll play professionally.</i>"<br />
<br />
Re: TH<br />
"<i>Tim, the thin twin tinsmith.</i>"<br />
<br />
Keep in mind that in the IELTS speaking test, one criteria checked by your examiners is pronunciation. In other words, to get high scores when it comes to pronunciation, IELTS candidates should always pronounce words in the correct manner. You don't need to spend a whole hour for the tongue twister exercises. Even a few minutes would be enough to warm you up. However, if you decide to make it an everyday habit to recite an exercise or two, then good for you. You'll be on your way to improving your performance in the exam.<br />
<br />
<hr />
<i><span style="font-size: small;">Hat tip to Twister King, for sharing these helpful exercises. Head on over to <a href="http://www.twisterking.com/" target="_blank">the site</a> to improve your pronunciation for the IELTS exam.</span></i><br />
<hr /><div class="blogger-post-footer">© <a href="http://www.highpoint-ieltsprep.com/" target="_blank">HighPoint IELTS Preparation Services, Inc.</a></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13357300174754281647noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3205720828740422601.post-44120594618875302322013-11-04T16:12:00.001+08:002013-11-07T23:40:58.514+08:002 Ways to Highlight Your Skill in Lexical Resource<div class="photocontainn">
<a target="_blank" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/pattipics/2760842739/" title="plushteam blog words by patti haskins, on Flickr">
<img alt="plushteam blog words" class="photoo" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-H_quk0OAv0w/UneJEX8OozI/AAAAAAAAAsM/4I6D3Zjqzs4/s1600/2760842739_b93bd7efc5_q.jpg" />
</a>
<br />
<div class="photocaptionn">
Photo credit: <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/pattipics/2760842739/" target="_blank">patti haskins</a> on Flickr.
</div>
</div>Lexical Resource is a criteria of your <a target="_blank" href="http://www.highpoint-ieltsblog.com/search/label/IELTS">IELTS</a> writing and speaking exam. Here, your examiners are checking on the extent of your vocabulary skills in your writing tasks and speaking performance. Despite this requirement, many candidates still copy the exact words from the question. Others always repeat the same set of words. As a consequence, they fail to highlight their skill in vocabulary. In other words, this becomes a possible cause for their <a href="http://www.highpoint-ieltsblog.com/2010/07/low-scores-at-ielts.html" target="_blank">low band scores</a> in the IELTS exam.<br />
<br />
<h3>
How do we maximize our band scores with regard to Lexical Resource?</h3>
<br />
The goal is for you to use a variety of related words. We came across an <a href="http://goinswriter.com/weak-words/" target="_blank">article</a> by writer Jeff Goins where he mentioned two specific solutions that could help you with your IELTS exam.<br />
<br />
He recommends that we:<br />
<br />
<h4>
Use a more descriptive <a target="_blank" href="http://www.highpoint-ieltsblog.com/search/label/nouns">noun</a>.</h4>
<br />
For example, instead of merely saying the generic word 'machine,' we could use a more accurate term such as 'grass cutter' or 'lawn mower,' when we are talking about garden care.<br />
<br />
<h4>
Or, use a better <a target="_blank" href="http://www.highpoint-ieltsblog.com/search/label/verb">verb</a>.</h4>
<br />
For instance, instead of just saying the commonly used word 'make,' why not use a suitable word like 'produce,' 'assemble,' or 'manufacture?'<br />
<br />
<h3>
TAKEAWAY:</h3>
<br />
If you find yourself having this problem of copied/repeated words, remember these 2 tips. Not only will you be able to express compelling arguments, but you will also be able to clearly convey your ideas. This translates to a good chance of complying with criteria of Lexical Resource, which then affords you an opportunity to receive a better overall band score.<br />
<br />
<hr />
<i><span style="font-size: small;">Hat tip to Mr. Jeff Goins, for sharing these important tips. Head on over to his <a href="http://goinswriter.com/" target="_blank">blog</a> to learn more about writing.</span></i><br />
<hr /><div class="blogger-post-footer">© <a href="http://www.highpoint-ieltsprep.com/" target="_blank">HighPoint IELTS Preparation Services, Inc.</a></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13357300174754281647noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3205720828740422601.post-17945721155150769112013-11-03T09:00:00.000+08:002014-05-16T17:37:46.562+08:002014 IELTS Test Dates<div class="photocontainn">
<a target="_blank" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/koalazymonkey/3885824225/" title="Am I organized? by koalazymonkey, on Flickr">
<img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Y-IO6Xgj0Ac/UntT6aebY_I/AAAAAAAAAug/M8kH4zVnhUw/s1600/3885824225_a505ea7a33_q.jpg" alt="Am I organized?" class="photoo">
</a>
<br>
<div class="photocaptionn">
Photo credit: <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/koalazymonkey/3885824225/" target="_blank">koalazymonkey</a> on Flickr.</div>
</div>
<br />
The 2014 <a href="http://www.highpoint-ieltsblog.com/search/label/IELTS" target="_blank">IELTS</a> Test dates for <a href="#BC">British Council Philippines</a> and <a href="#IDP">IDP Philippines</a> are now available. We have posted a copy of the schedules here for your reference.<br />
<br />
<h3><a name="BC">British Council Philippines</a></h3>
<h4>January to December</h4>
<a href="http://www.highpoint-ieltsblog.com/2013/11/2014-ielts-test.html" oncontextmenu="return false;" data-ob="lightbox" data-ob_share="false" style="-webkit-touch-callout: none; -webkit-user-select: none;"><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-G5689dVMvSA/U3XcLnlZeGI/AAAAAAAAAzU/ZEj-Aj5Jv4w/s1600/2014+IELTS+Test+Dates+-+BC+Phils+-+Jan+-+Dec+v2.png" /></a><br />
<br />
<h3><a name="IDP">IDP Philippines</a></h3>
<h4>January to December</h4>
<a href="http://www.highpoint-ieltsblog.com/2013/11/2014-ielts-test.html" oncontextmenu="return false;" data-ob="lightbox" data-ob_share="false" style="-webkit-touch-callout: none; -webkit-user-select: none;"><img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dbqHBDzmR6U/UvnqKMTazlI/AAAAAAAAAys/V1zqGTEVqpw/s1600/2014+IELTS+Test+Dates+-+IDP+Phils+-+Jan+-+Dec.png" /></a>
<br />
<br />
Regularly check <a target="_blank" href="http://www.highpoint-ieltsblog.com/2013/11/2014-ielts-test.html">this blog post</a>. We will post updates on the IELTS schedules as soon as they are available.<br />
<br />
Cheers!<div class="blogger-post-footer">© <a href="http://www.highpoint-ieltsprep.com/" target="_blank">HighPoint IELTS Preparation Services, Inc.</a></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13357300174754281647noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3205720828740422601.post-36016550103539242102013-11-02T09:00:00.000+08:002013-11-02T09:00:03.213+08:00Weekly Finds: November 2, 2013<div class="photocontainn">
<a href="http://www.freedigitalphotos.net/images/Other_Business_Conce_g200-A_Man_With_Magnifying_Glass_p41471.html" target="_blank" title="A Man With Magnifying Glass by digitalart">
<img alt="A Man With Magnifying Glass by digitalart" class="photoo" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-A3jLXUxvrwk/T-wQsc-xtCI/AAAAAAAAAYk/DDZ8ay43hrY/s1600/A%2BMan%2BWith%2BMagnifying%2BGlass%2B%255BSmall%255D%2Bby%2Bdigitalart.jpg" />
</a>
<br />
<div class="photocaptionn">
Image courtesy of digitalart / <a href="http://www.freedigitalphotos.net" target="_blank">FreeDigitalPhotos.net</a></div>
</div>
<br />
Every week, we’ll be sharing a list of posts, stories, news, or opinions that we've run across the Internet during the past week or two. We won't be discussing them in detail here, but we do encourage you to check them out as they could contain valuable ideas and insights for your <a href="http://www.highpoint-ieltsblog.com/search/label/IELTS" target="_blank">IELTS</a> exam.<br />
<br />
If you're ready, here we go...<br />
<br />
<h3>READING</h3>
<br />
<h4><a target="_blank" href="http://www.prdaily.com/Main/Articles/14312.aspx">10 signs with disastrous typos</a></h4>
From misplaced quotation marks and apostrophes to sentences that just don't make sense, these signs offer a good laugh.<br />
<br />
<h3>WRITING</h3>
<br />
<h4><a target="_blank" href="http://www.seerinteractive.com/blog/quick-tips-that-will-improve-your-writing">Quick Tips That Will Improve Your Writing</a></h4>
The author shares a few fixes to improve the collective grammatical fluency of the Web.<br />
<br />
<h3>SPEAKING</h3>
<br />
<h4><a target="_blank" href="http://www.sinosplice.com/life/archives/2013/04/24/reasons-for-and-against-code-switching">Reasons for (and against) Code-Switching</a></h4>
The author shares that while there are benefits to using this technique, there are also times when it can be annoying.<br />
<br />
<h3>GRAMMAR</h3>
<br />
<h4><a target="_blank" href="http://blogs.telegraph.co.uk/culture/allanmassie/100068924/a-few-thoughts-on-grammar/">A few thoughts on grammar</a></h4>
Ignorance of grammar means ignorance of the structure of the language.<br />
<br />
<h3>VOCABULARY</h3>
<br />
<h4><a target="_blank" href="http://blog.myhappyenglish.com/2013/04/one-point-english-grammar-lesson-because-vs-because-of/">Because vs. Because of</a></h4>
This grammar lesson shows the basic difference between because and because of.<br />
<br />
<h3>SELF-IMPROVEMENT</h3>
<br />
<h4><a target="_blank" href="http://www.pickthebrain.com/blog/7-ways-to-be-more-optimistic/">7 Ways To Be More Optimistic</a></h4>
Optimism is absolutely essential for winning, meeting and exceeding goals, and feeling accomplished and fulfilled. It helps us deal with unexpected change, worries and stress, and inevitable disappointments.<br />
<br /><div class="blogger-post-footer">© <a href="http://www.highpoint-ieltsprep.com/" target="_blank">HighPoint IELTS Preparation Services, Inc.</a></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13357300174754281647noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3205720828740422601.post-50746034726384301522013-10-27T03:11:00.000+08:002013-10-27T03:11:40.768+08:00Weekly Finds: October 26, 2013<div class="photocontainn">
<a href="http://www.freedigitalphotos.net/images/Other_Business_Conce_g200-A_Man_With_Magnifying_Glass_p41471.html" target="_blank" title="A Man With Magnifying Glass by digitalart">
<img alt="A Man With Magnifying Glass by digitalart" class="photoo" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-A3jLXUxvrwk/T-wQsc-xtCI/AAAAAAAAAYk/DDZ8ay43hrY/s1600/A%2BMan%2BWith%2BMagnifying%2BGlass%2B%255BSmall%255D%2Bby%2Bdigitalart.jpg" />
</a>
<br />
<div class="photocaptionn">
Image courtesy of digitalart / <a href="http://www.freedigitalphotos.net" target="_blank">FreeDigitalPhotos.net</a></div>
</div>
<br />
Every week, we’ll be sharing a list of posts, stories, news, or opinions that we've run across the Internet during the past week or two. We won't be discussing them in detail here, but we do encourage you to check them out as they could contain valuable ideas and insights for your <a href="http://www.highpoint-ieltsblog.com/search/label/IELTS" target="_blank">IELTS</a> exam.<br />
<br />
If you're ready, here we go...<br />
<br />
<h3>LISTENING</h3>
<br />
<h4><a target="_blank" href="http://www.engvid.com/english-grammar-comparing-with-like-as/">Comparing with LIKE & AS</a></h4>
Learn how to compare things and actions correctly.<br />
<br />
<h3>READING</h3>
<br />
<h4><a target="_blank" href="http://blog.oxforddictionaries.com/2012/09/etymology-of-programming-languages/">Java, C, and Python: the etymology of programming languages</a></h4>
Visual BASIC, HTML, XML, PHP? Or the intriguingly named Java, C, or Python? The author sheds a little light on the entertaining and sometimes downright weird world of technology industry etymologies.<br />
<br />
<h3>WRITING</h3>
<br />
<h4><a target="_blank" href="http://www.dailywritingtips.com/is-there-a-reason-the-reason-why-is-considered-wrong/">Is There a Reason "the Reason Why" Is Considered Wrong?</a></h4>
Many well-meaning writers and editors condemn "the reason why" and "the reason is because" for the crime of redundancy. But that stance (or, at least, part of it) is shaky.<br />
<br />
<h3>SPEAKING</h3>
<br />
<h4><a target="_blank" href="http://blog.myhappyenglish.com/2013/04/english-vocabulary-lesson-talking-about-shopping/">Talking About Shopping</a></h4>
Learn about the various words related to buying.<br />
<br />
<h3>GRAMMAR</h3>
<br />
<h4><a target="_blank" href="http://blog.oxforddictionaries.com/2013/04/may-or-might-whats-the-difference/">May or might: what’s the difference?</a></h4>
Over the years, the usage recommendations regarding might and may have become more flexible, but there are still points which you should be aware of, especially if you’re writing or speaking in formal situations.<br />
<br />
<h3>VOCABULARY</h3>
<br />
<h4><a target="_blank" href="http://esl.about.com/b/2013/04/14/set-word-combinations.htm">Set Word Combinations</a></h4>
Certain verbs are much more common than others and will be found in a wide range of set combinations with other words. These are referred to as collocations.<br />
<br />
<h3>SELF-IMPROVEMENT</h3>
<br />
<h4><a target="_blank" href="http://www.marcandangel.com/2013/04/02/9-power-quotes-for-times-of-struggle/">9 Power Quotes for Times of Struggle</a></h4>
The author shares nine power quotes and some additional tips to help inspire you when you need it most.<br />
<br /><div class="blogger-post-footer">© <a href="http://www.highpoint-ieltsprep.com/" target="_blank">HighPoint IELTS Preparation Services, Inc.</a></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13357300174754281647noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3205720828740422601.post-7340060180110461072013-10-20T06:38:00.000+08:002013-10-20T06:38:20.287+08:00Weekly Finds: October 19, 2013<div class="photocontainn">
<a href="http://www.freedigitalphotos.net/images/Other_Business_Conce_g200-A_Man_With_Magnifying_Glass_p41471.html" target="_blank" title="A Man With Magnifying Glass by digitalart">
<img alt="A Man With Magnifying Glass by digitalart" class="photoo" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-A3jLXUxvrwk/T-wQsc-xtCI/AAAAAAAAAYk/DDZ8ay43hrY/s1600/A%2BMan%2BWith%2BMagnifying%2BGlass%2B%255BSmall%255D%2Bby%2Bdigitalart.jpg" />
</a>
<br />
<div class="photocaptionn">
Image courtesy of digitalart / <a href="http://www.freedigitalphotos.net" target="_blank">FreeDigitalPhotos.net</a></div>
</div>
<br />
Every week, we’ll be sharing a list of posts, stories, news, or opinions that we've run across the Internet during the past week or two. We won't be discussing them in detail here, but we do encourage you to check them out as they could contain valuable ideas and insights for your <a href="http://www.highpoint-ieltsblog.com/search/label/IELTS" target="_blank">IELTS</a> exam.<br />
<br />
If you're ready, here we go...<br />
<br />
<h3>LISTENING</h3>
<br />
<h4><a target="_blank" href="http://mentalfloss.com/article/49238/7-sentences-sound-crazy-are-still-grammatical">7 Sentences That Sound Crazy But Are Still Grammatical</a></h4>
Here are some tricks you can do to make crazy sounding sentences that are still grammatical.<br />
<br />
<h3>READING</h3>
<br />
<h4><a target="_blank" href="http://bits.blogs.nytimes.com/2013/03/31/disruptions-what-does-a-tablet-do-to-the-childs-mind/">The Child, the Tablet and the Developing Mind</a></h4>
Spending time with devices instead of interacting with people may hinder communication skills, researchers say.<br />
<br />
<h3>WRITING</h3>
<br />
<h4><a target="_blank" href="http://www.usingenglish.com/weblog/archives/000028.html">Rules for Comparisons</a></h4>
Check these rules out. These could be helpful for your writing and speaking exams.<br />
<br />
<h3>SPEAKING</h3>
<br />
<h4><a target="_blank" href="http://www.quickanddirtytips.com/business-career/public-speaking/proper-pronunciation-is-i-spesh-uh-lee-important">Proper Pronunciation Is [i-spesh-uh-lee] Important</a></h4>
Keep in mind that pronunciation is also a criteria of the speaking exam.<br />
<br />
<h3>GRAMMAR</h3>
<br />
<h4><a target="_blank" href="http://www.espressoenglish.net/when-do-we-include-by-someone-in-a-sentence-in-the-passive-voice/">When do we include “by _______” in a sentence in the passive voice?</a></h4>
Check out these additional tips for correct use of the <a href="http://www.highpoint-ieltsblog.com/2011/06/passive-voice-in-ielts.html">passive voice</a>.<br />
<br />
<h3>VOCABULARY</h3>
<br />
<h4><a target="_blank" href="http://www.oxforddictionaries.com/words/spelling-rules-and-tips">Spelling rules and tips</a></h4>
There are some tricky English words, like necessary, Mediterranean, or rhythm, whose spelling you just have to learn. But plenty of others do follow special rules. Here are some straightforward guidelines to help you with the spelling of everyday words.<br />
<br /><div class="blogger-post-footer">© <a href="http://www.highpoint-ieltsprep.com/" target="_blank">HighPoint IELTS Preparation Services, Inc.</a></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13357300174754281647noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3205720828740422601.post-84053362151440778902013-10-12T10:16:00.001+08:002013-10-12T10:16:07.266+08:00Weekly Finds: October 12, 2013<div class="photocontainn">
<a href="http://www.freedigitalphotos.net/images/Other_Business_Conce_g200-A_Man_With_Magnifying_Glass_p41471.html" target="_blank" title="A Man With Magnifying Glass by digitalart">
<img alt="A Man With Magnifying Glass by digitalart" class="photoo" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-A3jLXUxvrwk/T-wQsc-xtCI/AAAAAAAAAYk/DDZ8ay43hrY/s1600/A%2BMan%2BWith%2BMagnifying%2BGlass%2B%255BSmall%255D%2Bby%2Bdigitalart.jpg" />
</a>
<br />
<div class="photocaptionn">
Image courtesy of digitalart / <a href="http://www.freedigitalphotos.net" target="_blank">FreeDigitalPhotos.net</a></div>
</div>
<br />
Every week, we’ll be sharing a list of posts, stories, news, or opinions that we've run across the Internet during the past week or two. We won't be discussing them in detail here, but we do encourage you to check them out as they could contain valuable ideas and insights for your <a href="http://www.highpoint-ieltsblog.com/search/label/IELTS" target="_blank">IELTS</a> exam.<br />
<br />
If you're ready, here we go...<br />
<br />
<h3>LISTENING</h3>
<br />
<h4><a href="http://www.engvid.com/pronunciation-x-t-ck/">Pronunciation – words ending with X, T, CK</a></h4>
Learn the differences in how to say some common word endings in English. Many ESL students get confused with these sounds.<br />
<br />
<h3>READING</h3>
<br />
<h4><a href="http://www.grammarphobia.com/blog/2013/03/contrite-and-sarcastic.html">Contrite and sarcastic?</a></h4>
Can someone be both contrite and sarcastic?<br />
<br />
<h3>WRITING</h3>
<br />
<h4><a href="http://www.midweek.com/correcting-common-writing-errors/">Correcting Common Writing Errors</a></h4>
Check out the author's take on the common grammar errors that can be fixed easily.<br />
<br />
<h3>SPEAKING</h3>
<br />
<h4><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JMY-iNnqUIo">(Video) Where do you see Google Search 10 years from now?</a></h4>
Check out how one Google co-founder answers this. Very useful for your Speaking exam.<br />
<br />
<h3>GRAMMAR</h3>
<br />
<h4><a href="http://www.englishpractice.com/grammar/formation-questions-negatives-beginner-level/">Formation of questions and negatives (beginner level)</a></h4>
Sentences in the simple present and simple past tenses do not contain an auxiliary verb. Therefore, we use the auxiliary verbs do, does and did to change them into negatives and questions.<br />
<br />
<h3>VOCABULARY</h3>
<br />
<h4><a href="http://blog.myhappyenglish.com/2013/03/english-lesson-idioms-about-money/">Idioms About Money</a></h4>
Shopping is a common topic in your exam. Find out how money and spending could be expressed in various ways.<br />
<br />
<h3>SELF-IMPROVEMENT</h3>
<br />
<h4><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/today/post/article/20130325120757-15077789-how-to-turn-your-weaknesses-into-strengths">How to Turn Your Weaknesses Into Strengths</a></h4>
We all have weaknesses, and we tend to try to work on eliminating them - on changing ourselves in order to become better. But change is difficult- very difficult. What if instead of trying to eliminate our weaknesses, we embraced them for what they were?<br />
<br />
<div class="blogger-post-footer">© <a href="http://www.highpoint-ieltsprep.com/" target="_blank">HighPoint IELTS Preparation Services, Inc.</a></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13357300174754281647noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3205720828740422601.post-71009777230202516492013-10-05T10:16:00.001+08:002013-10-05T10:16:48.906+08:00Weekly Finds: October 5, 2013<div class="photocontainn">
<a href="http://www.freedigitalphotos.net/images/Other_Business_Conce_g200-A_Man_With_Magnifying_Glass_p41471.html" target="_blank" title="A Man With Magnifying Glass by digitalart">
<img alt="A Man With Magnifying Glass by digitalart" class="photoo" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-A3jLXUxvrwk/T-wQsc-xtCI/AAAAAAAAAYk/DDZ8ay43hrY/s1600/A%2BMan%2BWith%2BMagnifying%2BGlass%2B%255BSmall%255D%2Bby%2Bdigitalart.jpg" />
</a>
<br />
<div class="photocaptionn">
Image courtesy of digitalart / <a href="http://www.freedigitalphotos.net" target="_blank">FreeDigitalPhotos.net</a></div>
</div>
<br />
Every week, we’ll be sharing a list of posts, stories, news, or opinions that we've run across the Internet during the past week or two. We won't be discussing them in detail here, but we do encourage you to check them out as they could contain valuable ideas and insights for your <a href="http://www.highpoint-ieltsblog.com/search/label/IELTS" target="_blank">IELTS</a> exam.<br />
<br />
If you're ready, here we go...<br />
<br />
<h3>LISTENING</h3>
<br />
<h4><a target="_blank" href="http://www.quickanddirtytips.com/education/grammar/good-versus-well">Good Versus Well</a></h4>
Learn whether it is grammatically acceptable to answer "how are you?" with "I'm good."<br />
<br />
<h3>READING</h3>
<br />
<h4><a target="_blank" href="http://leaderswest.com/2013/03/24/will-social-media-shorthand-ruin-the-english-language/">Will social media shorthand ruin the English language?</a></h4>
The English language may be imperiled…<br />
<br />
<h3>WRITING</h3>
<br />
<h4><a target="_blank" href="http://blog.myhappyenglish.com/2013/03/one-point-english-lesson-find-vs-find-out/">Find Vs Find Out</a></h4>
Do you know the difference between the two expressions?<br />
<br />
<h3>SPEAKING</h3>
<br />
<h4><a target="_blank" href="http://www.grammarphobia.com/blog/2013/03/whether-or-not.html">Whether … or not?</a></h4>
When you use “whether,” do you need “or not”?<br />
<br />
<h3>GRAMMAR</h3>
<br />
<h4><a target="_blank" href="http://www.parents.com/blogs/homeschool-den/2013/03/21/freebies/grammar-practice-possessive-nouns-and-pronouns/">Possessive Nouns and Pronouns</a></h4>
Check out the cool practice sheet and review your knowledge of pronouns.<br />
<br />
<h3>VOCABULARY</h3>
<br />
<h4><a target="_blank" href="http://blog.bufferapp.com/which-words-matter-the-most-when-we-talk-the-psychology-of-language">Which words matter the most when we talk?</a></h4>
What are the most persuasive words in english? Recent research points to "Free", "Because", "You", "Instantly" and "New".<br />
<br />
<h3>SELF-IMPROVEMENT</h3>
<br />
<h4><a target="_blank" href="http://blogs.hbr.org/2013/03/how-resisting-temptation-makes/">How to Use Temptation to Strengthen Your Willpower</a></h4>
Tip: Your ability to change takes practice.<br />
<br />
<div class="blogger-post-footer">© <a href="http://www.highpoint-ieltsprep.com/" target="_blank">HighPoint IELTS Preparation Services, Inc.</a></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13357300174754281647noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3205720828740422601.post-34374341787850246852013-09-21T09:00:00.000+08:002013-09-21T09:00:02.821+08:00Weekly Finds: September 21, 2013<div class="photocontainn">
<a href="http://www.freedigitalphotos.net/images/Other_Business_Conce_g200-A_Man_With_Magnifying_Glass_p41471.html" target="_blank" title="A Man With Magnifying Glass by digitalart">
<img alt="A Man With Magnifying Glass by digitalart" class="photoo" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-A3jLXUxvrwk/T-wQsc-xtCI/AAAAAAAAAYk/DDZ8ay43hrY/s1600/A%2BMan%2BWith%2BMagnifying%2BGlass%2B%255BSmall%255D%2Bby%2Bdigitalart.jpg" />
</a>
<br />
<div class="photocaptionn">
Image courtesy of digitalart / <a href="http://www.freedigitalphotos.net" target="_blank">FreeDigitalPhotos.net</a></div>
</div>
<br />
Every week, we’ll be sharing a list of posts, stories, news, or opinions that we've run across the Internet during the past week or two. We won't be discussing them in detail here, but we do encourage you to check them out as they could contain valuable ideas and insights for your <a href="http://www.highpoint-ieltsblog.com/search/label/IELTS" target="_blank">IELTS</a> exam.<br />
<br />
If you're ready, here we go...<br />
<br />
<h3>READING</h3>
<br />
<h4><a target="_blank" href="http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/language-blog/bal-its-just-an-apostrophe-people-20130322,0,1561359.story">It's just an apostrophe, people</a></h4>
You may want to grab a paper bag to breathe into in case this post provokes hyperventilation.<br />
<br />
<h3>WRITING</h3>
<br />
<h4><a target="_blank" href="http://www.prdaily.com/Main/Articles/14101.aspx">52 transitional phrases to keep your writing connected</a></h4>
Transitions can make or break your writing. Consider the following words when you need some new transition ideas. <br />
<br />
<h3>SPEAKING</h3>
<br />
<h4><a target="_blank" href="http://blog.oxforddictionaries.com/2013/03/better-the-weather-you-know-proverbs-and-quotations-about-the-weather/">Better the weather you know: proverbs and quotations about the weather</a></h4>
The author has gathered together a range of weather-related sayings to provide a line or two when you’re next stuck for conversation.<br />
<br />
<h3>GRAMMAR</h3>
<br />
<h4><a target="_blank" href="http://theweek.com/article/index/241295/7-grammar-rules-you-really-should-pay-attention-to">7 grammar rules you really should pay attention to</a></h4>
Anyone who wants to write in a public setting has to be aware of grammar. Read the author's tips.<br />
<br />
<h3>VOCABULARY</h3>
<br />
<h4><a target="_blank" href="http://blog.myhappyenglish.com/2013/03/english-grammar-lesson-using-it-this-that-to-refer-to-what-was-said/">Using It, This, & That to Refer to What Was Said</a></h4>
This could help in your writing and speaking exam.<br />
<br />
<h3>SELF-IMPROVEMENT</h3>
<br />
<h4><a target="_blank" href="http://tinybuddha.com/blog/the-blessings-in-disguise-we-dont-realize-weve-received/">The Blessings in Disguise We Don’t Realize We’ve Received</a></h4>
Let’s change how we think about inconveniences, missed opportunities, and problems, because oftentimes, it is for the best; we might just not know it.<br />
<br /><div class="blogger-post-footer">© <a href="http://www.highpoint-ieltsprep.com/" target="_blank">HighPoint IELTS Preparation Services, Inc.</a></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13357300174754281647noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3205720828740422601.post-4213598296886867932013-09-14T09:00:00.000+08:002013-09-14T09:00:02.733+08:00Weekly Finds: September 14, 2013<div class="photocontainn">
<a href="http://www.freedigitalphotos.net/images/Other_Business_Conce_g200-A_Man_With_Magnifying_Glass_p41471.html" target="_blank" title="A Man With Magnifying Glass by digitalart">
<img alt="A Man With Magnifying Glass by digitalart" class="photoo" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-A3jLXUxvrwk/T-wQsc-xtCI/AAAAAAAAAYk/DDZ8ay43hrY/s1600/A%2BMan%2BWith%2BMagnifying%2BGlass%2B%255BSmall%255D%2Bby%2Bdigitalart.jpg" />
</a>
<br />
<div class="photocaptionn">
Image courtesy of digitalart / <a href="http://www.freedigitalphotos.net" target="_blank">FreeDigitalPhotos.net</a></div>
</div>
<br />
Every week, we’ll be sharing a list of posts, stories, news, or opinions that we've run across the Internet during the past week or two. We won't be discussing them in detail here, but we do encourage you to check them out as they could contain valuable ideas and insights for your <a href="http://www.highpoint-ieltsblog.com/search/label/IELTS" target="_blank">IELTS</a> exam.<br />
<br />
If you're ready, here we go...<br />
<br />
<h3>LISTENING</h3>
<br />
<h4><a target="_blank" href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a8t3aolwS-o">37 English Words for Describing a Person's Appearance</a></h4>
Here's a video to consider. It contains great ideas for your listening and speaking exam.<br />
<br />
<h3>READING</h3>
<br />
<h4><a target="_blank" href="http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424127887323874204578219563353697002.html">Don't Burn Your Books—Print Is Here to Stay</a></h4>
The e-book had its moment, but sales are slowing. Readers still want to turn those crisp, bound pages.<br />
<br />
<h3>WRITING</h3>
<br />
<h4><a target="_blank" href="http://www.writerightwords.com/obsession-writing-rules/">Why Do You Obsess about the Writing Rules?</a></h4>
Read the author's thoughts on following writing rules.<br />
<br />
<h3>SPEAKING</h3>
<br />
<h4><a target="_blank" href="http://www.business2community.com/public-relations/39-ways-to-become-a-better-speaker-0427589">39 Ways to Become a Better Speaker</a></h4>
Here are the author's tips for you to foster a deeper connection with your audience and give you the ability to broadcast your message to the world.<br />
<br />
<h3>GRAMMAR</h3>
<br />
<h4><a target="_blank" href="http://learnenglishkids.britishcouncil.org/en/grammar-games/adverbs-frequency">Adverbs of frequency</a></h4>
Here are two games for you to play to practise using adverbs of frequency in English.<br />
<br />
<h3>VOCABULARY</h3>
<br />
<h4><a target="_blank" href="http://www.knoxnews.com/news/2013/mar/23/don-fergusons-grammar-gremlins-alright-is-not/">'Alright' is not all right</a></h4>
Read the author's views on whether “alright” for “all right” is acceptable use.<br />
<br />
<h3>SELF-IMPROVEMENT</h3>
<br />
<h4><a target="_blank" href="http://io9.com/what-will-human-cultures-be-like-in-100-years-453934475">What Will Human Cultures Be Like in 100 Years?</a></h4>
Three futurists and one science fiction writer share their view on the social changes that we should expect to see in the next century.<br />
<br /><div class="blogger-post-footer">© <a href="http://www.highpoint-ieltsprep.com/" target="_blank">HighPoint IELTS Preparation Services, Inc.</a></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13357300174754281647noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3205720828740422601.post-75662207601828609832013-09-07T09:04:00.000+08:002013-09-07T09:04:18.118+08:00Weekly Finds: September 7, 2013<div class="photocontainn">
<a href="http://www.freedigitalphotos.net/images/Other_Business_Conce_g200-A_Man_With_Magnifying_Glass_p41471.html" target="_blank" title="A Man With Magnifying Glass by digitalart">
<img alt="A Man With Magnifying Glass by digitalart" class="photoo" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-A3jLXUxvrwk/T-wQsc-xtCI/AAAAAAAAAYk/DDZ8ay43hrY/s1600/A%2BMan%2BWith%2BMagnifying%2BGlass%2B%255BSmall%255D%2Bby%2Bdigitalart.jpg" />
</a>
<br />
<div class="photocaptionn">
Image courtesy of digitalart / <a href="http://www.freedigitalphotos.net" target="_blank">FreeDigitalPhotos.net</a></div>
</div>
<br />
Every week, we’ll be sharing a list of posts, stories, news, or opinions that we've run across the Internet during the past week or two. We won't be discussing them in detail here, but we do encourage you to check them out as they could contain valuable ideas and insights for your <a href="http://www.highpoint-ieltsblog.com/search/label/IELTS" target="_blank">IELTS</a> exam.<br />
<br />
If you're ready, here we go...<br />
<br />
<h3>LISTENING</h3>
<br />
<h4><a target="_blank" href="http://moms.popsugar.com/Bad-Words-Kids-Shouldnt-Say-28491890">The Mom List of Naughty Words</a></h4>
We all know the really bad words, like those that would get us into seriously hot water at work. But there's another list to be aware of, too. Mom Cristina A. calls them "ugly words," while other moms call them "bad" or "potty" words. While they're not really curse words, many moms still think they're unacceptable. Keep reading to see which words make the list.<br />
<br />
<h3>READING</h3>
<br />
<h4><a target="_blank" href="http://www.educatorstechnology.com/2013/03/5-awesome-infographics-on-english.html">5 Awesome Infographics on English Language</a></h4>
Learn about cool trivia about the English language.<br />
<br />
<h3>WRITING</h3>
<br />
<h4><a target="_blank" href="http://writerswrite1.wordpress.com/2013/03/15/17-writing-secrets/">17 Writing Secrets</a></h4>
Check out the author's useful tips for writing. Many of them could be used for the exam.<br />
<br />
<h3>SPEAKING</h3>
<br />
<h4><a target="_blank" href="http://www.publicspeakinginternational.com/blog/bid/174701/Cat-and-Mouse-Are-Your-Speaking-Skills-Authentic-or-Cheesy">Cat-and-Mouse: Are Your Speaking Skills Authentic or Cheesy?</a></h4>
For great speaking skills, you need to work on yourself as much as your presentations. Here's how to stay authentic and successful.<br />
<br />
<h3>GRAMMAR</h3>
<br />
<h4><a target="_blank" href="http://www.ideastap.com/IdeasMag/the-knowledge/five-common-grammar-mistakes">Five common grammar mistakes</a></h4>
Using grammar correctly helps you make a good impression. Watch out for these slip-ups...<br />
<br />
<h3>VOCABULARY</h3>
<br />
<h4><a target="_blank" href="http://litreactor.com/columns/ten-more-words-you-literally-didnt-know-you-were-getting-wrong">10 More Words You Literally Didn't Know You Were Getting Wrong</a></h4>
Check out the author's list. This could be helpful when you use our <a href="http://www.highpoint-ieltsblog.com/2012/09/ielts-writing-system.html">writing system</a>, particularly when you proofread your work.<br />
<br />
<h3>SELF-IMPROVEMENT</h3>
<br />
<h4><a target="_blank" href="http://maniactive.com/blog/overcoming-the-gross-out-factor/421">OVERCOMING THE GROSS OUT FACTOR</a></h4>
The author asks, "Am I grossed out by the actual thing? Or just by the thought of the thing? How can I outgrow, embrace, or accept this idea?"<br />
<br /><div class="blogger-post-footer">© <a href="http://www.highpoint-ieltsprep.com/" target="_blank">HighPoint IELTS Preparation Services, Inc.</a></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13357300174754281647noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3205720828740422601.post-92132279014802741982013-08-31T09:00:00.000+08:002013-08-31T09:00:01.912+08:00Weekly Finds: August 31, 2013<div class="photocontainn">
<a href="http://www.freedigitalphotos.net/images/Other_Business_Conce_g200-A_Man_With_Magnifying_Glass_p41471.html" target="_blank" title="A Man With Magnifying Glass by digitalart">
<img alt="A Man With Magnifying Glass by digitalart" class="photoo" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-A3jLXUxvrwk/T-wQsc-xtCI/AAAAAAAAAYk/DDZ8ay43hrY/s1600/A%2BMan%2BWith%2BMagnifying%2BGlass%2B%255BSmall%255D%2Bby%2Bdigitalart.jpg" />
</a>
<br />
<div class="photocaptionn">
Image courtesy of digitalart / <a href="http://www.freedigitalphotos.net" target="_blank">FreeDigitalPhotos.net</a></div>
</div>
<br />
Every week, we’ll be sharing a list of posts, stories, news, or opinions that we've run across the Internet during the past week or two. We won't be discussing them in detail here, but we do encourage you to check them out as they could contain valuable ideas and insights for your <a href="http://www.highpoint-ieltsblog.com/search/label/IELTS" target="_blank">IELTS</a> exam.<br />
<br />
If you're ready, here we go...<br />
<br />
<h3>LISTENING</h3>
<br />
<h4><a target="_blank" href="http://learnenglishkids.britishcouncil.org/en/sounds">English Sounds</a></h4>
In this section listen, watch, sing and dance with Sam and Pam. Discover English phonemes with fun and interactive action songs. All of the songs are based on the UK phonics programme Letters and Sounds. Have fun while you learn to read and speak in English!<br />
<br />
<h3>READING</h3>
<br />
<h4><a target="_blank" href="http://www.grammarphobia.com/blog/2013/03/lex-appeal.html">Lex appeal: Does size matter?</a></h4>
How many words do most English speakers know?<br />
<br />
<h3>WRITING</h3>
<br />
<h4><a target="_blank" href="http://www.fastcocreate.com/1682452/how-deep-sea-fishing-prepares-you-for-writing">HOW DEEP SEA FISHING PREPARES YOU FOR WRITING</a></h4>
Linda Greenlaw, the swordfish boat captain made famous in The Perfect Storm, has carved out a second career as an author. With the release of her ninth book, she discusses the rules that govern life at sea and at the keyboard and how hauling lobster traps primes the creative pump.<br />
<br />
<h3>SPEAKING</h3>
<br />
<h4><a target="_blank" href="http://socialtimes.com/twictionary-twitter-buzzwords_b119930">Twictionary: 15 Hilarious Twitter Buzzwords For Social Marketers [Graphic]</a></h4>
Are you “attwicted” to Twitter? If so, you’re not going to want to miss out on the hilarious Twitter buzzwords, Twitter speak and Twitter jargon in this fun infographic from Marketo. The infographic rounds up fifteen of the most ridiculous Twitter-related “words” out there, complete with definitions, examples and illustrations. Twitter Lingo FTW!<br />
<br />
<h3>GRAMMAR</h3>
<br />
<h4><a target="_blank" href="Who or whom? The great debate…">Who or whom? The great debate…</a></h4>
Although whom is certainly on the wane in informal situations, there are enough grammar websites devoting screenfuls of advice about how to use who and whom correctly to prove that many English-speakers still care about such things.<br />
<br />
<h3>VOCABULARY</h3>
<br />
<h4><a target="_blank" href="http://jezebel.com/5990297/are-you-a-spermologer-find-out-with-18-obsolete-words-that-never-should-have-gone-out-of-style">Are You a Spermologer? Find Out With 18 Obsolete Words That Never Should Have Gone Out of Style</a></h4>
Just like facts and flies, English words have life-spans. Some are thousands of years old, from before English officially existed, others change, or are replaced or get ditched entirely.<br />
<br />
<h3>SELF-IMPROVEMENT</h3>
<br />
<h4><a target="_blank" href="http://www.ivanwalsh.com/business-writing/how-to-improve-grammar/">How to improve your grammar without hardly trying</a></h4>
Learn the author's tips on how to get started.<br />
<br /><div class="blogger-post-footer">© <a href="http://www.highpoint-ieltsprep.com/" target="_blank">HighPoint IELTS Preparation Services, Inc.</a></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13357300174754281647noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3205720828740422601.post-39897006627401367052013-08-24T09:46:00.003+08:002013-08-30T18:22:50.166+08:00Weekly Finds: August 24, 2013<div class="photocontainn">
<a href="http://www.freedigitalphotos.net/images/Other_Business_Conce_g200-A_Man_With_Magnifying_Glass_p41471.html" target="_blank" title="A Man With Magnifying Glass by digitalart">
<img alt="A Man With Magnifying Glass by digitalart" class="photoo" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-A3jLXUxvrwk/T-wQsc-xtCI/AAAAAAAAAYk/DDZ8ay43hrY/s1600/A%2BMan%2BWith%2BMagnifying%2BGlass%2B%255BSmall%255D%2Bby%2Bdigitalart.jpg" />
</a>
<br />
<div class="photocaptionn">
Image courtesy of digitalart / <a href="http://www.freedigitalphotos.net" target="_blank">FreeDigitalPhotos.net</a></div>
</div>
<br />
Every week, we’ll be sharing a list of posts, stories, news, or opinions that we've run across the Internet during the past week or two. We won't be discussing them in detail here, but we do encourage you to check them out as they could contain valuable ideas and insights for your <a href="http://www.highpoint-ieltsblog.com/search/label/IELTS" target="_blank">IELTS</a> exam.<br />
<br />
If you're ready, here we go...<br />
<br />
<h3>LISTENING</h3>
<br />
<h4><a target="_blank" href="http://www.business2community.com/blogging/why-sound-matters-exploring-a-and-an-0425962">Why Sound Matters: Exploring “A” and “An”</a></h4>
Using “a” or “an” incorrectly can distract careful readers and prevent your writing from achieving its potential impact.<br />
<br />
<h3>READING</h3>
<br />
<h4><a target="_blank" href="http://motherboard.vice.com/blog/what-is-social-networking-doing-to-language">What Is Social Networking Doing to Language?</a></h4>
A study finds that Twitter users are separating into communities.<br />
<br />
<h3>WRITING</h3>
<br />
<h4><a target="_blank" href="http://www.prdaily.com/Main/Articles/12506.aspx">A writer’s cheat sheet: 10 useful reminders</a></h4>
From AP style to ‘that versus which,’ these simple tips will help you avoid errors in your writing tasks, blogs, press releases, and more.<br />
<br />
<h3>SPEAKING</h3>
<br />
<h4><a target="_blank" href="http://www.publicspeakinginternational.com/blog/bid/173201/Do-You-Smile-Enough-It-s-Essential-for-Effective-Presentations">Do You Smile Enough? It's Essential for Effective Presentations!</a></h4>
Do you smile enough? Facial expressions are an essential element of effective presentations. Here's why.<br />
<br />
<h3>GRAMMAR</h3>
<br />
<h4><a target="_blank" href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GjqdToylBDg">English Grammar in Use: Present Continuous & Present Simple (Part 2)</a></h4>
The Cambridge University Press compares the present continuous and present simple tenses.<br />
<br />
<h3>VOCABULARY</h3>
<br />
<h4><a target="_blank" href="http://oxforddictionaries.com/words/what-is-the-longest-english-word">What is the longest English word?</a></h4>
The Oxford Dictionaries Online lists down their long word entries of the English language.<br />
<br />
<h3>SELF-IMPROVEMENT</h3>
<br />
<h4><a target="_blank" href="http://www.lifehack.org/articles/communication/7-things-not-to-say-and-7-things-to-start-saying.html">7 Things Not to Say, and 7 Things to Start Saying</a></h4>
Find out how your everyday language is currently affecting your moods.<br />
<br /><div class="blogger-post-footer">© <a href="http://www.highpoint-ieltsprep.com/" target="_blank">HighPoint IELTS Preparation Services, Inc.</a></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13357300174754281647noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3205720828740422601.post-20206030225609010842013-08-17T09:00:00.000+08:002013-08-17T09:00:01.029+08:00Weekly Finds: August 17, 2013<div class="photocontainn">
<a href="http://www.freedigitalphotos.net/images/Other_Business_Conce_g200-A_Man_With_Magnifying_Glass_p41471.html" target="_blank" title="A Man With Magnifying Glass by digitalart">
<img alt="A Man With Magnifying Glass by digitalart" class="photoo" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-A3jLXUxvrwk/T-wQsc-xtCI/AAAAAAAAAYk/DDZ8ay43hrY/s1600/A%2BMan%2BWith%2BMagnifying%2BGlass%2B%255BSmall%255D%2Bby%2Bdigitalart.jpg" />
</a>
<br />
<div class="photocaptionn">
Image courtesy of digitalart / <a href="http://www.freedigitalphotos.net" target="_blank">FreeDigitalPhotos.net</a></div>
</div>
<br />
Every week, we’ll be sharing a list of posts, stories, news, or opinions that we've run across the Internet during the past week or two. We won't be discussing them in detail here, but we do encourage you to check them out as they could contain valuable ideas and insights for your <a href="http://www.highpoint-ieltsblog.com/search/label/IELTS" target="_blank">IELTS</a> exam.<br />
<br />
If you're ready, here we go...<br />
<br />
<h3>LISTENING</h3>
<br />
<h4><a target="_blank" href="http://www.espressoenglish.net/how-to-pronounce-difficult-words-in-english/">How to pronounce difficult words in English</a></h4>
Listen to some difficult multisyllable words in English. Learn how to pronounce them too.<br />
<br />
<h3>READING</h3>
<br />
<h4><a target="_blank" href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/02/27/teaching-toddlers-new-words_n_2773644.html">Teaching Toddlers New Words: A Hands-Off Approach Builds Vocabulary (STUDY)</a></h4>
When it comes to learning words, a hands-off approach may be in order. New research suggests toddlers pick up words better when they figure out their meanings rather than being told.<br />
<br />
<h3>WRITING</h3>
<br />
<h4><a target="_blank" href="http://www.raulpacheco.org/2013/02/improving-your-academic-writing-my-top-10-tips/">Improving your academic writing: My top 10 tips</a></h4>
Check out the author's tips on improving his own writing.<br />
<br />
<h3>SPEAKING</h3>
<br />
<h4><a target="_blank" href="http://www.drmichellemazur.com/2013/02/the-first-stepto-confident-speaking.html">THE FIRST IMPORTANT STEP TO CONFIDENT SPEAKING</a></h4>
The author shares this awesome tip: STOP VIEWING WHAT MAKES YOU UNIQUE AS A FLAW.<br />
<br />
<h3>GRAMMAR</h3>
<br />
<h4><a target="_blank" href="http://www.prnewsonline.com/water-cooler/2012/11/28/getting-tense-understanding-past-present-and-future/">Getting Tense: Understanding Past, Present and Future</a></h4>
The author shares some tips from the Purdue Online Writing Lab on the three basic tenses.<br />
<br />
<h3>VOCABULARY</h3>
<br />
<h4><a target="_blank" href="http://www.engvid.com/6-confusing-words/">6 Confusing Words: fun & funny, famous & popular, surprise & shock</a></h4>
New English speakers often confuse these 3 pairs of words. Learn how they are different!<br />
<br />
<h3>SELF-IMPROVEMENT</h3>
<br />
<h4><a target="_blank" href="http://www.readingrockets.org/blog/56127/">Expanding word knowledge: two strategies</a></h4>
The author shares two tips for vocabulary improvement. Check them out.<br />
<br /><div class="blogger-post-footer">© <a href="http://www.highpoint-ieltsprep.com/" target="_blank">HighPoint IELTS Preparation Services, Inc.</a></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13357300174754281647noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3205720828740422601.post-49878956212956700192013-08-10T09:00:00.000+08:002013-08-10T09:00:03.304+08:00Weekly Finds: August 10, 2013<div class="photocontainn">
<a href="http://www.freedigitalphotos.net/images/Other_Business_Conce_g200-A_Man_With_Magnifying_Glass_p41471.html" target="_blank" title="A Man With Magnifying Glass by digitalart">
<img alt="A Man With Magnifying Glass by digitalart" class="photoo" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-A3jLXUxvrwk/T-wQsc-xtCI/AAAAAAAAAYk/DDZ8ay43hrY/s1600/A%2BMan%2BWith%2BMagnifying%2BGlass%2B%255BSmall%255D%2Bby%2Bdigitalart.jpg" />
</a>
<br />
<div class="photocaptionn">
Image courtesy of digitalart / <a href="http://www.freedigitalphotos.net" target="_blank">FreeDigitalPhotos.net</a></div>
</div>
<br />
Every week, we’ll be sharing a list of posts, stories, news, or opinions that we've run across the Internet during the past week or two. We won't be discussing them in detail here, but we do encourage you to check them out as they could contain valuable ideas and insights for your <a href="http://www.highpoint-ieltsblog.com/search/label/IELTS" target="_blank">IELTS</a> exam.<br />
<br />
If you're ready, here we go...<br />
<br />
<h3>LISTENING</h3>
<br />
<h4><a target="_blank" href="http://www.espressoenglish.net/how-to-pronounce-difficult-words-in-english/">How to pronounce difficult words in English</a></h4>
Learn how to pronounce difficult multisyllable words in English - with a video and lots of pronunciation practice!"<br />
<br />
<h3>READING</h3>
<br />
<h4><a target="_blank" href="http://abclocal.go.com/wabc/story?id=9001426§ion=news/health">Learning a 2nd language at a young age</a></h4>
The key to be fluent in second languages is to make sure they start to learn when they're still in diapers.<br />
<br />
<h3>WRITING</h3>
<br />
<h4><a target="_blank" href="http://premierskills.britishcouncil.org/en/teachers/classroom-resources/activities/content/writing-part-2-organising-ideas">Organising ideas</a></h4>
Here's an article that discusses how to organize your thoughts when writing.<br />
<br />
<h3>SPEAKING</h3>
<br />
<h4><a target="_blank" href="http://esol.britishcouncil.org/build-your-speaking-skills/reading-aloud-reading-directions-aloud">Reading aloud: Reading directions aloud</a></h4>
Reading aloud is shown to improve confidence and understanding. These activities have been designed to help you practise your reading and speaking skills in an authentic way. You will focus on the language used and different aspects of pronunciation.<br />
<br />
<h3>GRAMMAR</h3>
<br />
<h4><a target="_blank" href="http://www.dailywritingtips.com/3-types-of-not-only-but-also-errors/">3 Types of “Not Only . . . But Also” Errors</a></h4>
The sentences in the article, accompanied by discussion and corrected versions, demonstrate three categories of mistaken sentence construction.<br />
<br />
<h3>VOCABULARY</h3>
<br />
<h4><a target="_blank" href="http://blog.oxforddictionaries.com/2012/02/lights-camera-lexicon/">Lights, camera, lexicon: the language of films in the OED</a></h4>
Film scripts form an important element of the Oxford English Dictionary’s reading programme, and the number of citations from films in the revised OED multiplies with each quarterly update.<br />
<br />
<h3>SELF-IMPROVEMENT</h3>
<br />
<h4><a target="_blank" href="http://blog.ted.com/2013/02/19/5-examples-of-how-the-languages-we-speak-can-affect-the-way-we-think/">5 examples of how the languages we speak can affect the way we think</a></h4>
A look at the ways that the construction of language can have implications for the way we think, act and parse the world around us.<br />
<br /><div class="blogger-post-footer">© <a href="http://www.highpoint-ieltsprep.com/" target="_blank">HighPoint IELTS Preparation Services, Inc.</a></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13357300174754281647noreply@blogger.com