December 21, 2013

Weekly Finds: December 21, 2013

A Man With Magnifying Glass by digitalart
Image courtesy of digitalart / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

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 IELTS exam.

If you're ready, here we go...

LISTENING


22 Maps That Show How Americans Speak English Totally Differently From Each Other

Check out how small lobsters are named in different parts of the US.

READING


Study: Reading novels makes us better thinkers

New research says reading literary fiction helps people embrace ambiguous ideas and avoid snap judgments.

WRITING


Essay Writing Tips: Essays Are Like Sandwiches!

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.

SPEAKING


12 Old Words that Survived by Getting Fossilized in Idioms

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.

GRAMMAR


Confusion of Subjective and Objective Pronouns

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.

VOCABULARY


Throne Soup: Our Favorite Words from ‘Game of Thrones’

Check out the author's favorite words from the show's past season.

SELF-IMPROVEMENT


How to Learn from Mistakes

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.

December 14, 2013

Weekly Finds: December 14, 2013

A Man With Magnifying Glass by digitalart
Image courtesy of digitalart / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

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 IELTS exam.

If you're ready, here we go...

LISTENING


16 business jargon words we never, ever want to hear again

Check out the author's list of the worst offenders.

READING


Benjamin Franklin’s Phonetic Alphabet

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.

WRITING


The Impact of Writing on Our Brain

Check out this interesting set of trivia on writing.

SPEAKING


I now pronounce you … Wait, how do I pronounce you?

Pronunciation is a source of constant controversy – and is it controversy or controversy?

GRAMMAR


Prepositions: The super-handy and horribly confusing widgets of language

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.

VOCABULARY


'Hobbitses' and Frankenstein: how pop culture's words become official

Though fantasy and sci-fi have invented hundreds of new words, only a few pass muster to make it into the dictionary.

SELF-IMPROVEMENT


Stop Listening To The Positive Thinking Police

Ignoring your stress isn't "positive thinking." Learn how to acknowledge it and build constructive thoughts.

December 7, 2013

Weekly Finds: December 7, 2013

A Man With Magnifying Glass by digitalart
Image courtesy of digitalart / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

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 IELTS exam.

If you're ready, here we go...

LISTENING


A linguistic dissection of 7 annoying teenage sounds

Voiced alveolar stop and breathy-voiced low back unrounded vowel — better known as duhhh.

READING


If your brain were a computer, how much storage space would it have?

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?

WRITING


The History of Typography - Animated Short

Check out this paper-letter animation about the history of fonts and typography.

SPEAKING


How Warren Buffett And Joel Osteen Conquered Their Terrifying Fear Of Public Speaking

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.

GRAMMAR


11 Compound Word Errors that Might Make You Look like a Numbskull

Check out this helpful list.

VOCABULARY


For the Word on the Street, Courts Call Up an Online Witness

Courts are looking to Urban Dictionary, a crowdsourced Web site, as one way to define words on which a case may turn.

SELF-IMPROVEMENT


What does it take to Succeed?

Consistency, Practice & Routine. Read the details on this post.

November 30, 2013

Weekly Finds: November 30, 2013

A Man With Magnifying Glass by digitalart
Image courtesy of digitalart / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

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 IELTS exam.

If you're ready, here we go...

LISTENING


5 English Expressions with the Word CALL

Read this useful list.

READING


Ten things you might not have known about the English language

Learn the little-known facts about the origins of the English language.

WRITING


Famous Authors’ Handwritten Outlines for Great Works of Literature

Even these well-known authors draft outlines for their masterpieces.

SPEAKING


How to Schmooze at the Holiday Party

Get five tips to help you mingle and schmooze like a pro.

GRAMMAR


Capital letters and apostrophes

The rules for the use of capital letters and apostrophes are quite easy to remember.

VOCABULARY


20 of your favourite euphemisms

A Magazine feature about some well-known euphemisms got readers thinking about some of their favourites. Here is a selection.

SELF-IMPROVEMENT


7 Reasons Why You Should Start Stressing Yourself Out

How can stress be a positive thing?

November 23, 2013

Weekly Finds: November 23, 2013

A Man With Magnifying Glass by digitalart
Image courtesy of digitalart / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

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 IELTS exam.

If you're ready, here we go...

LISTENING


-ate suffix revisited--advanced lesson

Listen to the proper pronunciation of the suffix -ate.

READING


Reading Wordless Storybooks to Toddlers May Expose Them to Richer Language

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.

WRITING


First, Second, and Third Person

Grammar Girl explains the difference between first person, second person, and third person. It all comes down to the pronouns.

SPEAKING


How to Use and Incorporate Gestures

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.

GRAMMAR


“try to do” or “try doing”

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.

VOCABULARY


Lay out vs. layout

Learn the difference.

SELF-IMPROVEMENT


On The Importance Of Goal Setting: 6 Reasons Why You Need To Set Goals

Understanding the importance of goal setting and knowing how to set goals for yourself is crucial to accomplishing great things in your life.

November 16, 2013

Weekly Finds: November 16, 2013

A Man With Magnifying Glass by digitalart
Image courtesy of digitalart / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

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 IELTS exam.

If you're ready, here we go...

LISTENING


It's me or It's I?

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?

READING


WHAT IS THE OED AND WHY DO WE WANT PHILIPPINE ENGLISH TO BE IN IT?

Read the author's thoughts on why it is important for Philippine English to be a part of it.

WRITING


Precise Communication vs. Precise Information

Learn how to use them.

SPEAKING


What happens to our brains when we have stage fright: The science of public speaking

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.

GRAMMAR


11 Infographics That Will Help You Improve Your Grammar and Spelling

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.

VOCABULARY


A little bit of pixie dust: five of Disney’s contributions to the English language

Check out some of Disney's words that made it all the way to the OED.

SELF-IMPROVEMENT


Staying Up, Up, Up in a Down, Down World

Check out the benefits of having a cheerful and upbeat personality.

November 9, 2013

Weekly Finds: November 9, 2013

A Man With Magnifying Glass by digitalart
Image courtesy of digitalart / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

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 IELTS exam.

If you're ready, here we go...

LISTENING


English Conversation Lesson: Casual Greetings with "How" & What"

An English conversation a conversation usually starts with a question. There are two kinds of questions we use – how and what. Learn the rules.

READING


The English Language

The British Empire plastered the English language around the globe. But what is left of its legacy?

WRITING


10 Types of Transitions

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.

SPEAKING


5 ways to say YES in English!

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.

GRAMMAR


Uses of the verb be and have in the simple present tense

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.

VOCABULARY


Always Never Something: Eliminating Five Overused Words

The author shows how teachers can work with students to improve their writing by focusing on five overused words.

SELF-IMPROVEMENT


A Simple Exercise to Help You Get Unstuck

How do you use narrative structure to unearth your inner leader?

November 8, 2013

5 Techniques for Describing a Person's Appearance

Happy Face
Photo credit: mikecogh on Flickr.
In Part 2 of the IELTS 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.

Have you ever wondered how to go about answering these types of questions?

We've discovered this article 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:

eye and hair descriptions.


You should mention eye color, hair color, hair length, or hair style.

other physical attributes


Let's say, the person had a thin face or knobbly knees.

verbal aspects


This applies when the person that you're describing has a favorite expression or catch phrase.

other characteristics


For example, a boy who's extremely forgetful.

actions


For instance, a person who always twitches his eyes.

TAKEAWAY:


Keep in mind that in your Speaking 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.


Hat tip to Jody Hedlund, for sharing these helpful techniques. Head on over to her blog for more information about writing.

November 6, 2013

How Do You Pronounce These Six Words?

Monster Boxes! "Purple Startle"
Photo credit: kellyhogaboom on Flickr.
We found this article written by Maeve Maddox and she was discussing the 50 Incorrect Pronunciations That You Should Avoid. 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.

Here are the 6 words, together with Ms. Maddox's tips:

aegis


This word shouldn't be pronounced / ay-his /. The ae in this word is rather pronounced / ee /. Therefore, it should be / EE-JIS /.

anyway


Anyways is not correct. The word is anyway.

cache


Coach Jon usually sees this word when technology websites talk about processors (CPUs). The word is pronounced as / KASH /. He remembers this because many years ago, he said / ka-shay /.

niche


/ Nitch / is not correct. / NEESH / is the correct one.

pronunciation


This should be / PRO-NUN-CI-A-TION /, not / pro-nounce-i-a-tion /.

vehicle


This one we hear often. When people say this word, we hear / vee-Hikl /. If you want to say this correctly, try / VEE-IKL /.

We know there are other difficult words out there. The good thing is that there are dictionary apps that could guide us with pronunciation. 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 Speaking.


Hat tip to Maeve Maddox, for sharing these helpful reminders. Head on over to Daily Writing Tips for more information about grammar, writing, and the English language.

November 5, 2013

Tongue Twisters for Your Speaking Exam

Tongue-twister
Photo credit: lo5t on Flickr.
Here's one tip that has worked for me in IELTS Speaking.

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 Twister King. There, you'll see lots of practice exercises for each letter of the alphabet.

Say, you need to practice pronouncing the F, P, and TH sounds. Simply proceed to the relevant page, then practice. Here are some of my favorites:

Re: F
"Four free-flow pipes flow freely."

Re: P
"Pick a partner and practice passing, for if you pass proficiently, perhaps you'll play professionally."

Re: TH
"Tim, the thin twin tinsmith."

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.


Hat tip to Twister King, for sharing these helpful exercises. Head on over to the site to improve your pronunciation for the IELTS exam.

November 4, 2013

2 Ways to Highlight Your Skill in Lexical Resource

plushteam blog words
Photo credit: patti haskins on Flickr.
Lexical Resource is a criteria of your IELTS 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 low band scores in the IELTS exam.

How do we maximize our band scores with regard to Lexical Resource?


The goal is for you to use a variety of related words. We came across an article by writer Jeff Goins where he mentioned two specific solutions that could help you with your IELTS exam.

He recommends that we:

Use a more descriptive noun.


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.

Or, use a better verb.


For instance, instead of just saying the commonly used word 'make,' why not use a suitable word like 'produce,' 'assemble,' or 'manufacture?'

TAKEAWAY:


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.


Hat tip to Mr. Jeff Goins, for sharing these important tips. Head on over to his blog to learn more about writing.

November 3, 2013

2014 IELTS Test Dates

Am I organized?
Photo credit: koalazymonkey on Flickr.

The 2014 IELTS Test dates for British Council Philippines and IDP Philippines are now available. We have posted a copy of the schedules here for your reference.

British Council Philippines

January to December



IDP Philippines

January to December



Regularly check this blog post. We will post updates on the IELTS schedules as soon as they are available.

Cheers!

November 2, 2013

Weekly Finds: November 2, 2013

A Man With Magnifying Glass by digitalart
Image courtesy of digitalart / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

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 IELTS exam.

If you're ready, here we go...

READING


10 signs with disastrous typos

From misplaced quotation marks and apostrophes to sentences that just don't make sense, these signs offer a good laugh.

WRITING


Quick Tips That Will Improve Your Writing

The author shares a few fixes to improve the collective grammatical fluency of the Web.

SPEAKING


Reasons for (and against) Code-Switching

The author shares that while there are benefits to using this technique, there are also times when it can be annoying.

GRAMMAR


A few thoughts on grammar

Ignorance of grammar means ignorance of the structure of the language.

VOCABULARY


Because vs. Because of

This grammar lesson shows the basic difference between because and because of.

SELF-IMPROVEMENT


7 Ways To Be More Optimistic

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.

October 27, 2013

Weekly Finds: October 26, 2013

A Man With Magnifying Glass by digitalart
Image courtesy of digitalart / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

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 IELTS exam.

If you're ready, here we go...

LISTENING


Comparing with LIKE & AS

Learn how to compare things and actions correctly.

READING


Java, C, and Python: the etymology of programming languages

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.

WRITING


Is There a Reason "the Reason Why" Is Considered Wrong?

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.

SPEAKING


Talking About Shopping

Learn about the various words related to buying.

GRAMMAR


May or might: what’s the difference?

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.

VOCABULARY


Set Word Combinations

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.

SELF-IMPROVEMENT


9 Power Quotes for Times of Struggle

The author shares nine power quotes and some additional tips to help inspire you when you need it most.

October 20, 2013

Weekly Finds: October 19, 2013

A Man With Magnifying Glass by digitalart
Image courtesy of digitalart / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

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 IELTS exam.

If you're ready, here we go...

LISTENING


7 Sentences That Sound Crazy But Are Still Grammatical

Here are some tricks you can do to make crazy sounding sentences that are still grammatical.

READING


The Child, the Tablet and the Developing Mind

Spending time with devices instead of interacting with people may hinder communication skills, researchers say.

WRITING


Rules for Comparisons

Check these rules out. These could be helpful for your writing and speaking exams.

SPEAKING


Proper Pronunciation Is [i-spesh-uh-lee] Important

Keep in mind that pronunciation is also a criteria of the speaking exam.

GRAMMAR


When do we include “by _______” in a sentence in the passive voice?

Check out these additional tips for correct use of the passive voice.

VOCABULARY


Spelling rules and tips

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.

October 12, 2013

Weekly Finds: October 12, 2013

A Man With Magnifying Glass by digitalart
Image courtesy of digitalart / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

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 IELTS exam.

If you're ready, here we go...

LISTENING


Pronunciation – words ending with X, T, CK

Learn the differences in how to say some common word endings in English. Many ESL students get confused with these sounds.

READING


Contrite and sarcastic?

Can someone be both contrite and sarcastic?

WRITING


Correcting Common Writing Errors

Check out the author's take on the common grammar errors that can be fixed easily.

SPEAKING


(Video) Where do you see Google Search 10 years from now?

Check out how one Google co-founder answers this. Very useful for your Speaking exam.

GRAMMAR


Formation of questions and negatives (beginner level)

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.

VOCABULARY


Idioms About Money

Shopping is a common topic in your exam. Find out how money and spending could be expressed in various ways.

SELF-IMPROVEMENT


How to Turn Your Weaknesses Into Strengths

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?

October 5, 2013

Weekly Finds: October 5, 2013

A Man With Magnifying Glass by digitalart
Image courtesy of digitalart / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

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 IELTS exam.

If you're ready, here we go...

LISTENING


Good Versus Well

Learn whether it is grammatically acceptable to answer "how are you?" with "I'm good."

READING


Will social media shorthand ruin the English language?

The English language may be imperiled…

WRITING


Find Vs Find Out

Do you know the difference between the two expressions?

SPEAKING


Whether … or not?

When you use “whether,” do you need “or not”?

GRAMMAR


Possessive Nouns and Pronouns

Check out the cool practice sheet and review your knowledge of pronouns.

VOCABULARY


Which words matter the most when we talk?

What are the most persuasive words in english? Recent research points to "Free", "Because", "You", "Instantly" and "New".

SELF-IMPROVEMENT


How to Use Temptation to Strengthen Your Willpower

Tip: Your ability to change takes practice.

September 21, 2013

Weekly Finds: September 21, 2013

A Man With Magnifying Glass by digitalart
Image courtesy of digitalart / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

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 IELTS exam.

If you're ready, here we go...

READING


It's just an apostrophe, people

You may want to grab a paper bag to breathe into in case this post provokes hyperventilation.

WRITING


52 transitional phrases to keep your writing connected

Transitions can make or break your writing. Consider the following words when you need some new transition ideas.

SPEAKING


Better the weather you know: proverbs and quotations about the weather

The author has gathered together a range of weather-related sayings to provide a line or two when you’re next stuck for conversation.

GRAMMAR


7 grammar rules you really should pay attention to

Anyone who wants to write in a public setting has to be aware of grammar. Read the author's tips.

VOCABULARY


Using It, This, & That to Refer to What Was Said

This could help in your writing and speaking exam.

SELF-IMPROVEMENT


The Blessings in Disguise We Don’t Realize We’ve Received

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.

September 14, 2013

Weekly Finds: September 14, 2013

A Man With Magnifying Glass by digitalart
Image courtesy of digitalart / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

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 IELTS exam.

If you're ready, here we go...

LISTENING


37 English Words for Describing a Person's Appearance

Here's a video to consider. It contains great ideas for your listening and speaking exam.

READING


Don't Burn Your Books—Print Is Here to Stay

The e-book had its moment, but sales are slowing. Readers still want to turn those crisp, bound pages.

WRITING


Why Do You Obsess about the Writing Rules?

Read the author's thoughts on following writing rules.

SPEAKING


39 Ways to Become a Better Speaker

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.

GRAMMAR


Adverbs of frequency

Here are two games for you to play to practise using adverbs of frequency in English.

VOCABULARY


'Alright' is not all right

Read the author's views on whether “alright” for “all right” is acceptable use.

SELF-IMPROVEMENT


What Will Human Cultures Be Like in 100 Years?

Three futurists and one science fiction writer share their view on the social changes that we should expect to see in the next century.

September 7, 2013

Weekly Finds: September 7, 2013

A Man With Magnifying Glass by digitalart
Image courtesy of digitalart / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

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 IELTS exam.

If you're ready, here we go...

LISTENING


The Mom List of Naughty Words

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.

READING


5 Awesome Infographics on English Language

Learn about cool trivia about the English language.

WRITING


17 Writing Secrets

Check out the author's useful tips for writing. Many of them could be used for the exam.

SPEAKING


Cat-and-Mouse: Are Your Speaking Skills Authentic or Cheesy?

For great speaking skills, you need to work on yourself as much as your presentations. Here's how to stay authentic and successful.

GRAMMAR


Five common grammar mistakes

Using grammar correctly helps you make a good impression. Watch out for these slip-ups...

VOCABULARY


10 More Words You Literally Didn't Know You Were Getting Wrong

Check out the author's list. This could be helpful when you use our writing system, particularly when you proofread your work.

SELF-IMPROVEMENT


OVERCOMING THE GROSS OUT FACTOR

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?"

August 31, 2013

Weekly Finds: August 31, 2013

A Man With Magnifying Glass by digitalart
Image courtesy of digitalart / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

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 IELTS exam.

If you're ready, here we go...

LISTENING


English Sounds

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!

READING


Lex appeal: Does size matter?

How many words do most English speakers know?

WRITING


HOW DEEP SEA FISHING PREPARES YOU FOR WRITING

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.

SPEAKING


Twictionary: 15 Hilarious Twitter Buzzwords For Social Marketers [Graphic]

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!

GRAMMAR


Who or whom? The great debate…

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.

VOCABULARY


Are You a Spermologer? Find Out With 18 Obsolete Words That Never Should Have Gone Out of Style

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.

SELF-IMPROVEMENT


How to improve your grammar without hardly trying

Learn the author's tips on how to get started.

August 24, 2013

Weekly Finds: August 24, 2013

A Man With Magnifying Glass by digitalart
Image courtesy of digitalart / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

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 IELTS exam.

If you're ready, here we go...

LISTENING


Why Sound Matters: Exploring “A” and “An”

Using “a” or “an” incorrectly can distract careful readers and prevent your writing from achieving its potential impact.

READING


What Is Social Networking Doing to Language?

A study finds that Twitter users are separating into communities.

WRITING


A writer’s cheat sheet: 10 useful reminders

From AP style to ‘that versus which,’ these simple tips will help you avoid errors in your writing tasks, blogs, press releases, and more.

SPEAKING


Do You Smile Enough? It's Essential for Effective Presentations!

Do you smile enough? Facial expressions are an essential element of effective presentations. Here's why.

GRAMMAR


English Grammar in Use: Present Continuous & Present Simple (Part 2)

The Cambridge University Press compares the present continuous and present simple tenses.

VOCABULARY


What is the longest English word?

The Oxford Dictionaries Online lists down their long word entries of the English language.

SELF-IMPROVEMENT


7 Things Not to Say, and 7 Things to Start Saying

Find out how your everyday language is currently affecting your moods.

August 17, 2013

Weekly Finds: August 17, 2013

A Man With Magnifying Glass by digitalart
Image courtesy of digitalart / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

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 IELTS exam.

If you're ready, here we go...

LISTENING


How to pronounce difficult words in English

Listen to some difficult multisyllable words in English. Learn how to pronounce them too.

READING


Teaching Toddlers New Words: A Hands-Off Approach Builds Vocabulary (STUDY)

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.

WRITING


Improving your academic writing: My top 10 tips

Check out the author's tips on improving his own writing.

SPEAKING


THE FIRST IMPORTANT STEP TO CONFIDENT SPEAKING

The author shares this awesome tip: STOP VIEWING WHAT MAKES YOU UNIQUE AS A FLAW.

GRAMMAR


Getting Tense: Understanding Past, Present and Future

The author shares some tips from the Purdue Online Writing Lab on the three basic tenses.

VOCABULARY


6 Confusing Words: fun & funny, famous & popular, surprise & shock

New English speakers often confuse these 3 pairs of words. Learn how they are different!

SELF-IMPROVEMENT


Expanding word knowledge: two strategies

The author shares two tips for vocabulary improvement. Check them out.

August 10, 2013

Weekly Finds: August 10, 2013

A Man With Magnifying Glass by digitalart
Image courtesy of digitalart / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

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 IELTS exam.

If you're ready, here we go...

LISTENING


How to pronounce difficult words in English

Learn how to pronounce difficult multisyllable words in English - with a video and lots of pronunciation practice!"

READING


Learning a 2nd language at a young age

The key to be fluent in second languages is to make sure they start to learn when they're still in diapers.

WRITING


Organising ideas

Here's an article that discusses how to organize your thoughts when writing.

SPEAKING


Reading aloud: Reading directions aloud

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.

GRAMMAR


3 Types of “Not Only . . . But Also” Errors

The sentences in the article, accompanied by discussion and corrected versions, demonstrate three categories of mistaken sentence construction.

VOCABULARY


Lights, camera, lexicon: the language of films in the OED

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.

SELF-IMPROVEMENT


5 examples of how the languages we speak can affect the way we think

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.

August 3, 2013

Weekly Finds: August 3, 2013

A Man With Magnifying Glass by digitalart
Image courtesy of digitalart / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

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 IELTS exam.

If you're ready, here we go...

LISTENING


How to pronounce ‘H’ in English — not ‘A’ or ‘R’!

Learn how to distinguish between words that begin with A, R and H!

READING


A Figurative Battleground: 'The Language Wars: A History of Proper English'

Language is battlefield and, like it or not, we're all soldiers.

WRITING


Why most academic writing sucks

Here's a funny way to describe what academic writing is.

SPEAKING


How to inspire people every time you speak

The author shares the power behind telling stories.

GRAMMAR


How Texting and Instant Messaging (Techspeak) Hurt Your Grammar

A study has revealed that the more students, the more it may impact their grammar – students who use techspeak a lot, may have trouble switching back to traditional grammar when needed. Research suggests the use of abbreviations, word substitutions, acronyms, and emoticons, are all major contributors to this decline.

VOCABULARY


20 Words We Owe to William Shakespeare

Endlessly imaginative and not overly concerned with grammatical convention, Shakespeare’s scripts contain over 2200 never-before-seen words—a diverse collection of loan-words from foreign languages, compound words from existing English terms, nouns turned into verbs, and creatively applied prefixes—many of which have entered into everyday language. Here are 20 examples of words we can thank Shakespeare for.

SELF-IMPROVEMENT


Feeling Anxious? Think Again.

A team of psychological scientists has been exploring the interplay of thinking, attention and physiology in social anxiety disorder (SAD). Jeremy Jamieson of the University of Rochester, Matthew Nock of Harvard and Wendy Berry Mendes of UC -- San Francisco designed two studies to sort out these aspects of the disorder and, beyond that, to test a simple intervention that might diminish the unpleasant symptoms of social anxiety.

July 27, 2013

Weekly Finds: July 27, 2013

A Man With Magnifying Glass by digitalart
Image courtesy of digitalart / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

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 IELTS exam.

If you're ready, here we go...

LISTENING


Singing the ABCs in 8 Different Languages

Since the 19th century, we've been learning our ABCs through the alphabet song sung to the same tune as "Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star." But ours is not the only alphabet, and not every alphabet will fit into that song. Here are some other songs from around the world to help them learn their ABCs.

READING


A Visual History Of The Photograph [Infographic]

The Mobile Revolution has fundamentally changed how photos are taken, where they are taken, by whom they are taken and, most importantly, how often they are taken.

WRITING


How to explain the hardest things in the easiest words

Check out the Up-Goer Five text editor, a widget created by geneticist Theo Sanderson, which restricts writers to the 1000 most commonly used words in the English language.

SPEAKING


When Presidents Say 'Y'all': The Strange Story of Dialects in America

From Appalachian hollows to urban neighborhoods, the ways people speak can bring them together or cause social isolation. A language expert explains why.

GRAMMAR


Why pick on adverbs?

Adverbs come in many shapes and sizes , so it’s worth looking at each type to see which are the worst offenders – and which are harder to do without.

VOCABULARY


20 Words We Owe to William Shakespeare

Shakespeare’s scripts contain over 2200 never-before-seen words—a diverse collection of loan-words from foreign languages, compound words from existing English terms, nouns turned into verbs, and creatively applied prefixes—many of which have entered into everyday language. Here are 20 examples of words we can thank Shakespeare for.

SELF-IMPROVEMENT


How to inspire people every time you speak

The author shares the importance of telling stories.

July 20, 2013

Weekly Finds: July 20, 2013

A Man With Magnifying Glass by digitalart
Image courtesy of digitalart / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

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 IELTS exam.

If you're ready, here we go...

LISTENING


Schwa+r Paragraph Practice

Listen to this podcast. The schwa+r sound is discussed.

READING


What Makes a Device Obsolete?

Is it the discontinuation of updates (or the inability to cope with current technology), discontinuation of production, emergence of a new and better technology in the same field, or simply the introduction of a new device of the same range?

WRITING


Using mind maps to develop writing

Mind maps can be used for a multitude of purposes. This article outlines how they can effectively be used to help support and develop students' writing skills.

SPEAKING


Conversational English – How to Generalize

Watch and learn a wide variety of expressions to discuss issues in general.

GRAMMAR


Some random thoughts about -ise and -ize verbs in British English.

Check out the author's discussion on verbs that can end in -ise or -ize.

VOCABULARY


An amazing look at the most commonly used words in inauguration speeches

Compare the words every president from Richard Nixon to Barack Obama used in their inaugural speeches.

SELF-IMPROVEMENT


What Your Students Need to Know About Body Language

Body language and nonverbal clues are extremely important in communication.

July 13, 2013

Weekly Finds: July 13, 2013

A Man With Magnifying Glass by digitalart
Image courtesy of digitalart / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

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 IELTS exam.

If you're ready, here we go...

LISTENING


Learning a Second Language: the Younger the Better!

A new study suggests that babies learn bits of their native languages even before they are born. A baby develops the ability to hear by about 30 weeks’ gestation, so he can make out his mother’s voice for the last two months of pregnancy.

READING


Why did men stop wearing high heels?

It was once a sign of virility and masculinity - whatever happened to the high heel?

WRITING


5 Uncommon Figures of Speech to Spice Up Your Writing (Part 1)

Anaphora, antithesis, chiasmus, metonymy, and synecdoche - Use these less common figures of speech to convey meanings in a more vivid and impressive manner both in writing and speaking.

SPEAKING


Zombie Presentations: How Not to Speak like The Living Dead

Want to improve your presentation skills? Here's how to stop being a zombie and present with style and influence!

GRAMMAR


Plural But Singular in Construction

In the dictionary, when you’re looking up a noun that ends in s, you’re apt to find a notation like this: “noun plural but singular in construction.” What does that mean?

VOCABULARY


Though, Although, Even though, Despite, In spite of

How do we use each of these in English?

SELF-IMPROVEMENT


5 Tips to Build Your Students Test-Taking Confidence

Gain confidence in your test-taking skills with these simple tips.

July 6, 2013

Weekly Finds: July 6, 2013

A Man With Magnifying Glass by digitalart
Image courtesy of digitalart / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

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 IELTS exam.

If you're ready, here we go...

LISTENING


How to make the perfect omelette

Are you a good cook? Do you want to know how to make something simple and delicious to eat? Watch this video and learn the secrets to making a perfect omelette!

READING


Where do words come from? Do they really mean anything?

Learn all about semiology in relation to the words and meanings we encounter.

WRITING


Who, Which, That—or, How Not to Ruin a Sentence

Relative pronouns can cause so much frustration with your misplaced thats, whos, and whichs. Learn how to avoid this.

SPEAKING


Common Eye Contact Mistakes

Learn how to make and maintain good eye contact while avoiding the common eye contact mistakes.

GRAMMAR


Farther or Further?

What's the difference between farther and further? Learn about one of the most common grammatical misunderstandings in this quick and easy lesson.

VOCABULARY


Behind Inaugural Speeches, Meaningful Words

What words do presidents focus on most in their inaugural addresses? Explore speeches, from Washington to Obama.

SELF-IMPROVEMENT


The Malcolm Gladwell Formula for Success

Malcolm Gladwell, author of four New York Times bestsellers, meets any conventional measure of success. But his own path, and the advice for which he has won his fame, is anything but conventional.

June 29, 2013

Weekly Finds: June 29, 2013

A Man With Magnifying Glass by digitalart
Image courtesy of digitalart / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

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 IELTS exam.

If you're ready, here we go...

LISTENING


The Funniest Jokes in the World

Here's the story of the group of scientists and psychologists who decided to try and find out what the funniest joke in the world was.

READING


Five facts about the esophagus

Learn some interesting facts about the esphophagus from Stephen Hauser’s Mayo Clinic Gastroenterology and Hepatology Board Review.

WRITING


Why Writing With Our Hands Is Still Important

Life wasn't meant to be lived entirely in some company's cloud.

SPEAKING


Kids Explaining Computers in 1984

So what is a computer? Find out how the kids on Sesame Street in 1984 did it.

GRAMMAR


Comparative and superlative adjectives

These could be useful for your Academic Writing Task 1.

VOCABULARY


Phrasal Verbs for Romantic Relationships

Add these to your list of phrasal verbs.

SELF-IMPROVEMENT


The most dangerous word to use at work

After fraud, theft, flood, and fire, the most precarious office word is short, deceptively sweet, and open-ended: try.

June 22, 2013

Weekly Finds: June 22, 2013

A Man With Magnifying Glass by digitalart
Image courtesy of digitalart / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

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 IELTS exam.

If you're ready, here we go...

LISTENING


11 Common Words You're Probably Mispronouncing

Ever feel embarrassed when you don't know how to say a word? Don't be. Even the most fluent English speakers—and, ahem, political figures—stumble. Besides, pronunciations change over time. See if you've been mispronouncing these common words.

READING


IBM's Watson Memorized Entire Urban Dictionary, Then His Overlords Deleted It

When IBM's famous artificial intelligence, Watson, he/she/it of Jeopardy-winning fame, was in development, its head researcher had a great idea.

WRITING


Keep calm, and say it plainly

What is plain English, and why should you use it?

SPEAKING


Utahns who drop the T in words like 'mountain' not so unusual, Y study says

Utahns are known for their unique English. However, linguistic habits in the Beehive state — like dropping the T in mountain — may not be as uncommon as many think.

GRAMMAR


5 Verbose Sentences Made Shorter

The author shares this great piece of advice: "When you write, think tight. The goal is not to reduce every sentence to its most concise form but to avoid distractingly extraneous wording and phrasing."

VOCABULARY


LIVE, LIFE, ALIVE, LIVING

I make a living by making some people’s lives easier to live. Because English can be confusing, it’s sometimes better to get live instruction that will make the language come alive. In this lesson you will learn new vocabulary by really learning one word.

SELF-IMPROVEMENT


4 Reasons Why Today is Going To Be Awesome

Focus on why today is going to be great day.

June 15, 2013

Weekly Finds: June 15, 2013

A Man With Magnifying Glass by digitalart
Image courtesy of digitalart / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

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 IELTS exam.

If you're ready, here we go...

GRAMMAR


When to use 'THE' with country names

When do we use the with countries, continents, and landmarks? Check out this lesson to find out.

LISTENING


Vowel Pronunciation – u (uh/oo)

Vowel sounds in English are very confusing! In this video, learn the difference between the oo and u sounds. Youll learn the difference in sound between words like: full & fool, pull & pool, Luke & look, and more.

READING


Language Learning Begins in Womb

Long before parents start watching their words, it seems, their kids are taking in everything they say.

SELF-IMPROVEMENT


How to Train Your Brain to Stay Focused

Understand how your brain reacts to distractions and use these three tips to help you stay focused and get things done.

SPEAKING


How to Project Confidence

The author shares four tips to help you appear confident. These could be used in your Speaking exam.

VOCABULARY


New Jargon: 9 New Words To Add To Your Business Vocabulary

According to Trendwatching website, the following words and phrases will likely be in your business vernacular for 2013. Start learning them now.

WRITING


Coordination: Practice in Building, Combining, and Revising Sentences (Part Two)

The author teaches us how to use coordinating words, phrases, and clauses.