Weekly Finds: September 21, 2013

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.

Weekly Finds: September 14, 2013

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.

Weekly Finds: September 7, 2013

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?"