Weekly Finds: October 26, 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

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.

Weekly Finds: October 19, 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

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.

Weekly Finds: October 12, 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

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?

Weekly Finds: October 5, 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

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.