August 31, 2010

Phrasal verb: pass (something) out

"pass (something) out"

Meaning: give the same thing to many people

Example: Our teacher passed the examination booklets out before we started the exam.


Last week's phrasal verbs:
keep (someone/something) out
look after (someone/something)
make (someone) up

Idiom: pooped

"pooped"

Meaning: very tired; exhausted

Example: Rachel went to bed. She was pooped from today's sporting event.


Last week's idioms:
jump to conclusions
keep (one's) chin up
a let-down
make up (one's) mind
Not on your life!

August 30, 2010

Idiom: on time

"on time"

Meaning: at the scheduled time

Example: You'd better leave now if you want to make it to the concert on time.


Last week's idioms:
jump to conclusions
keep (one's) chin up
a let-down
make up (one's) mind
Not on your life!

August 29, 2010

2 Tips for Multiple Choice/Answer Questions in IELTS Listening

When you encounter this type of question, remember the following:

1. There are several possibilities for the ideas expressed in the list.


  • The idea is mentioned in a certain way, but you'll notice that it doesn't answer the question.
  • The idea is not mentioned.
  • The idea is mentioned and it answers the question.


Here it would help you if you mark the items that are not correct.

2. In the instruction or question, note the number of answers required of you.

Next week, we're going to start sharing our tips for the IELTS Reading Module. Cheers. :)

Other IELTS listening tips:

3 Tips for Classification Questions in IELTS Listening

When you encounter questions in the IELTS Listening Module that require you to classify, remember the following:

1. The numbered and the lettered ideas could be expressed in various ways in the audio recording, so it would help you if you anticipate and listen for ideas rather than exact words.

2. You could use a specific answer more than once.

3. The numbered list is in the same order as that expressed in the recording.

This afternoon, we'll share the tips on how to handle Multiple Choice (Multiple Answer) Questions in the IELTS Listening Module. Cheers. :)

Other IELTS listening tips:

August 28, 2010

4 Tips for Diagram/Flow Chart Completion Questions in IELTS Listening

Hi. Here are 4 things to remember when you encounter diagrams/flow charts in the IELTS Listening Module.

1. Like in the previous tips, prediction of the missing information would help you with this question type.

2. When you see diagrams, just keep in mind that they visually represent an object or an idea. On the other hand, flow charts show visually the steps in a certain process.

3. Before starting to listen, make a conscious effort to understand what the diagram or flow chart represents.

4. If the topic is familiar, then try to remember the related and relevant things about it.

Tomorrow, we discuss the tips on how to handle Classification-type Questions in the IELTS Listening Module. Cheers. :)

Other IELTS listening tips:

August 27, 2010

Idiom: Not on your life!

"Not on your life!"

Meaning: Absolutely not! (a strong "no").

Example:
Kim: Willie told me you were with Anne last night. Were you?
Gerald: Not on your life!


Last week's idioms:
an egghead
fire (someone)
get lost!
hard feelings
inside out

August 26, 2010

Phrasal verb: make (someone) up

"make (someone) up"

Meaning: apply cosmetics to

Example: Assist Veronica. Make her up for her birthday party.


Last week's phrasal verbs:
fall out
get around
hand (something) out

Idiom: make up (one's) mind

"make up (one's) mind"

Meaning: decide what to do.

Example: Which car should I get? Ford Focus? Mitsubishi Lancer Evo? Subaru Impreza? I can't make up my mind.


Last week's idioms:
an egghead
fire (someone)
get lost!
hard feelings
inside out

August 25, 2010

Phrasal verb: look after (someone/something)

"look after (someone/something)"

Meaning: take care of

Example: I have to look after my son who now has fever.


Last week's phrasal verbs:
fall out
get around
hand (something) out

Idiom: a let-down

"a let-down"

Meaning: a disappointment; something that's very disappointing.

Example: Lloyd could've viewed his defeat as a let-down, but he did not. He told me that he'll train even harder for next year's competition.


Last week's idioms:
an egghead
fire (someone)
get lost!
hard feelings
inside out

August 24, 2010

"Major, Major" Congratulations, Ms. Venus Raj!

Well, I presume that you've all watched Miss Universe 2010. We were rooting for our own Ms. Venus Raj... And wow, she really looked gorgeous!

Anyway, I've posted this because I've been noticing different opinions on how she handled the Q and A portion of the pageant. There were some who remarked that she should've taken some IELTS courses especially in speaking. Others argued that she performed well.

Here's a clip.




What do you think? :)

Let's say you were given a similar question in your IELTS speaking exam, how would you tackle it? :)


N.B. "Major major" was a trending topic in Twitter when I wrote this. :D

Phrasal verb: keep (someone/something) out

"keep (someone/something) out"

Meaning: stop from entering

Example: Mom has just finished mopping the floor, so keep your soiled shoes out of the house.


Last week's phrasal verbs:
fall out
get around
hand (something) out

Idiom: keep (one's) chin up

"keep (one's) chin up"

Meaning: remain brave and confident in a difficult situation; don't despair or worry too much

Example: We know that moving to this new place has not been easy for you. Keep your chin up though. You'll meet new friends soon.


Last week's idioms:
an egghead
fire (someone)
get lost!
hard feelings
inside out

August 23, 2010

Idiom: jump to conclusions

"jump to conclusions"

Meaning: decide something too quickly and without thinking about it or considering all the facts.

Example: Max may look grouchy, but don't jump to conclusions. He's really a kind-hearted person.


Last week's idioms:
an egghead
fire (someone)
get lost!
hard feelings
inside out

August 22, 2010

6 Sentence/Summary Completion Question Tips in IELTS Listening

Here are the tips whenever you encounter Sentence/Summary Completion Questions in the IELTS Listening Module.

1. Make it a point to read the sentences/summary before you listen.

2. Predict not only the type of information or part of speech that is needed, but also what the missing word or words could actually be.

3. Write your answers exactly as you hear them.

4. Re-check your answers to determine if they grammatically fit.

5. Check for correct spelling.

6. Be alert. The answers could be mentioned one after the other.

Next week, we discuss the tips on how to handle Diagram/Flow Chart Questions in the IELTS Listening Module. Cheers. :)

Other IELTS listening tips:

August 21, 2010

5 Tips for Notes/Table Completion Questions in IELTS Listening

Here are the tips when you encounter questions that require you to complete notes or a table:

1. Predict the kind of word or phrase you would be needing (place, number, name, etc.)

2. Keep in mind that there will be times when you have to write a measurement word or abbreviation (cm, in, hours, etc.)

3. Write the word or words as you hear it. Do not change them just to make them fit.

4. There is no need to write articles (a, an, the).

5. Always remember the word limit.

Tomorrow, watch out for the tips on how to handle Sentence/Summary Completion Questions in the IELTS Listening Module. Cheers. :)

Other IELTS listening tips:

August 20, 2010

Idiom: inside out

"inside out"

Meaning: with the inner part on the outside and the outer part on the inside.

Example: I just saw Stephen at the lobby. Did he wear his shirt inside out?


Last week's idioms:
Zip your lip!
and then some
be all ears
catch (one's) eye
ditch class

August 19, 2010

Phrasal verb: hand (something) out

"hand (something) out"

Meaning: to distribute to a group of people

Example: The ushers will hand out your name tags at the reception area.


Last week's phrasal verbs:
add up to (something)
blow up
call (something) off
do away with (something)

Idiom: hard feelings

"hard feelings"

Meaning: anger; animosity; bitter feelings.

Example: Leo was the better fighter today, and he deserved to win. I have no hard feelings toward him.


Last week's idioms:
Zip your lip!
and then some
be all ears
catch (one's) eye
ditch class

August 18, 2010

Phrasal verb: get around

"get around"

Meaning: have mobility

Example: Bea can get around quite well with her new bicycle.


Last week's phrasal verbs:
add up to (something)
blow up
call (something) off
do away with (something)

Idiom: get lost!

"get lost!"

Meaning: go away

Example: Tell Edward to get lost. I don't want to be bothered right now!


Last week's idioms:
Zip your lip!
and then some
be all ears
catch (one's) eye
ditch class

August 17, 2010

Phrasal verb: fall out

"fall out"

Meaning: separate from an interior

Example: My cellphone must have fallen out of my bag.


Last week's phrasal verbs:
add up to (something)
blow up
call (something) off
do away with (something)

Idiom: fire (someone)

"fire (someone)"

Meaning: dismiss someone from a job because of poor performance

Example: My boss said that if I don't meet the quota this month, the company would be constrained to fire me.


Last week's idioms:
Zip your lip!
and then some
be all ears
catch (one's) eye
ditch class

August 16, 2010

Idiom: an egghead

"an egghead"

Meaning: a very intelligent person

Example: Dexter has aced the exam again. He's proven himself to be a real egghead.


Last week's idioms:
Zip your lip!
and then some
be all ears
catch (one's) eye
ditch class

August 15, 2010

5 Tips for Matching-Type Questions in IELTS Listening

Now we tackle the things you should note when you encounter matching-type questions in the IELTS Listening Module.

1. Before starting to listen, carefully read the numbered and lettered lists.

2. The numbered list would always be in the same order as you would hear it in the recording.

3. The ideas in the lists might not be expressed in the same way as those in the recording.

4. In this type of question, you should listen for ideas; never listen for particular words or phrases.

5. When you've chosen something from the list, put a line through it so you won't get to use it again.

Next week, we'll share some tips for you for the notes/table completion and sentence/summary completion questions in the IELTS Listening Module. See you then. Cheers. :)

Other IELTS listening tips:

9 Interesting Wikipedia Edit Wars

I just found this Wikipedia article interesting. It appears that with some matters of spelling, punctuation, or capitalization, the experts don't seem to have a unified or common view. Here are some examples:

1) Gasoline or Petrol?

2) Aluminum or Aluminium?

3) Cougar and Cheetah - should they be capitalized?

4) Color or Colour?

5) Flavored or Flavoured?

6) Sulfur or Sulphur?

7) Yoghurt or Yogurt?

8) Whether there should spaces between the dash when writing a person's date of birth and death [e.g. Example (January 24, 1943 – August 9, 1969) or (January 24, 1943–August 9, 1969)], or whether the month or the date comes first, [i.e. 1 July or July 1]

9) Whether or not "The band" is/are a collective noun.

What's your view? :)

Read the full article here: Wikipedia: Lamest Edit Wars.

Cheers!

August 14, 2010

7 Tips for Short-answer Questions in IELTS Listening

A few months ago, we started sharing some tips for handling multiple choice questions for the IELTS Listening module. We're continuing the series and now, we're sharing some tips for you to use when it comes to short-answer questions in the IELTS Listening Module.

1. Skim and scan the questions in your booklet before you listen, then determine what situation might be required.

2. Predict the type of information you should listen for (e.g. "How far has" indicates distance).

3. Be alert for synonyms and paraphrases. There will be times when the information expressed in the question would not be expressed in the same way as those you would get to hear.

4. Read instructions carefully.

5. Write what you hear. The needed information is always exactly in the form that you should place in the blanks.

6. Note the maximum number of words you should write.

7. Check your spelling.

Tips for Matching Type Questions in the IELTS Listening Module will be posted tomorrow. Cheers. :)

Other IELTS listening tips:

When to use "i.e." in a sentence

Hi guys. I just found this interesting comic from The Oatmeal.

Use the tips in the article to your advantage especially in the writing part of your IELTS exam. Remember that grammatical range and accuracy is a criteria that examiners take into consideration when they check your written work.



Like to know more? Read The Oatmeal - When to use "i.e." in a sentence.

Cheers!

Other comics relating to grammar and punctuation from The Oatmeal:
What it means when you say "literally"
When to use "i.e." in a sentence
How to Use an Apostrophe
Ten Words You Need to Stop Misspelling

August 13, 2010

Phrasal verb: do away with (something)

"do away with (something)"

Meaning: discard

Example: Mom told me to do away with all of my broken electronic gadgets.


Last week's phrasal verbs:
set (something) up
take (something) apart
warm (someone/something) up

Idiom: ditch class

"ditch class"

Meaning: skip class/play hookey

Example: Our teacher gave a surprise quiz yesterday. You were not able to take it because you ditched class.


Last week's idioms:
schmooze
tell a white lie
until hell freezes over
wear out (one's) welcome
You don't say!

August 12, 2010

Phrasal verb: call (something) off

"call (something) off"

Meaning: cancel

Example: Rick called the meeting off because he was still recovering in the hospital.


Last week's phrasal verbs:
set (something) up
take (something) apart
warm (someone/something) up

Idiom: catch (one's) eye

"catch (one's) eye"

Meaning: attract one's attention/interest.

Example: That red Lancer Evolution caught my eye while i was searching for a place to park.


Last week's idioms:
schmooze
tell a white lie
until hell freezes over
wear out (one's) welcome
You don't say!

August 11, 2010

Phrasal verb: blow up

"blow up"

Meaning: explode

Example: The soldier threw a hand grenade which blew up at the enemy barracks.


Last week's phrasal verbs:
set (something) up
take (something) apart
warm (someone/something) up

Idiom: be all ears

"be all ears"

Meaning: be eager to hear what someone has to say.

Example: Please tell me what Boots said. I'm all ears.


Last week's idioms:
schmooze
tell a white lie
until hell freezes over
wear out (one's) welcome
You don't say!

August 10, 2010

Phrasal verb: add up to (something)

"add up to (something)"

Meaning: equal

Example: The groceries you bought add up to P10,000.


Last week's phrasal verbs:
set (something) up
take (something) apart
warm (someone/something) up

Idiom: and then some

"and then some"

Meaning: and much more besides.

Example: Dave's car costs P1,000,000 and then some as he made some modifications on the wheels and tires.


Last week's idioms:
schmooze
tell a white lie
until hell freezes over
wear out (one's) welcome
You don't say!

August 9, 2010

Idiom: Zip your lip!

"Zip your lip!"

Meaning: keep something secret; promise not to tell what has just been said.

Example: You should not tell this to anyone, so zip your lip!


Last week's idioms:
schmooze
tell a white lie
until hell freezes over
wear out (one's) welcome
You don't say!

August 6, 2010

Idiom: You don't say!

"You don't say!"

Meaning: Really? / Is that really true?

Example:
Ruby: "I just saw Alejandro's tweet. He said he now has a new BMW."
Maribel: "You don't say!"


Last week's idioms:
nosh
on the dot
plastic
a quick study
rain or shine

August 5, 2010

Phrasal verb: warm (someone/something) up

"warm (someone/something) up"

Meaning: increase the temperature

Example: I'll hand you a blanket so you could warm yourself up.


Last week's phrasal verbs:
pass out
run over (someone/something)

Idiom: wear out (one's) welcome

"wear out (one's) welcome"

Meaning: make someone uncomfortable by visiting too long.

Example: Nigel left the house because she doesn't want to wear out her aunt's welcome.


Last week's idioms:
nosh
on the dot
plastic
a quick study
rain or shine

August 4, 2010

Idiom: until hell freezes over

"until hell freezes over"

Meaning: forever

Example: Noel can use the karaoke until hell freezes over, but my guess is he'll never sing very well because he's always out of tune.


Last week's idioms:
nosh
on the dot
plastic
a quick study
rain or shine

August 3, 2010

Phrasal verb: take (something) apart

"take (something) apart"

Meaning: purposely break into pieces

Example: Manny took the electric fan apart and found a problem on the switch.


Last week's phrasal verbs:
pass out
run over (someone/something)

Idiom: tell a white lie

"tell a white lie"

Meaning: say something that isn't true in order not to hurt or offend someone

Example: The spaghetti that Anna prepared did not taste good, but I knew that she put a lot of effort on it. That's why when she asked me if it was good, I just told a white lie and replied that it was, and I liked it.


Last week's idioms:
nosh
on the dot
plastic
a quick study
rain or shine

August 2, 2010

Phrasal verb: set (something) up

"set (something) up"

Meaning: arrange, organize

Example: Great! Let's set a meeting up with our client tomorrow morning.


Last week's phrasal verbs:
pass out
run over (someone/something)

Idiom: schmooze

"schmooze"

Meaning: make relaxed, casual conversation.

Example: James and I were not talking about the party. We were just schmoozing.


Last week's idioms:
nosh
on the dot
plastic
a quick study
rain or shine