Saturday 18 April 2020

Synonyms for the IELTS Speaking test
Common adjectiveLess common synonyms
richaffluent, well-off, wealthy
poorhard up, penniless, badly-off
difficultchallenging, tough, tricky
easyeffortless, simple, uncomplicated
enjoyablepleasant, fun
expensivepricey, costly, dear
cheapinexpensive, affordable, low-cost
friendlyoutgoing, sociable, likable, warm
unfriendlycold, unsociable, hostile
happycheerful, content
unhappymiserable, depressed
busyhectic, tiring
fatoverweight, large, plump
healthy (food)nutritious, wholesome
beautiful (landscape/view)attractive, breathtaking, wonderful, picturesque
beautiful (person)attractive, gorgeous, good-looking
deliciouspleasant, scrumptious, yummy (informal)
Make up sentences with each of the presented words and post them in the commentary section.

Wednesday 15 April 2020

WHAT ARE THE NEW WORDS IN THE OXFORD ENGLISH DICTIONARY? 

Gender-fluid: (a) (in early use) not clearly or wholly male or female; androgynous; (b) designating a person who does not identify with a single fixed gender; of or relating to a person having or expressing a fluid or unfixed gender identity (now the usual sense).
Clicktivism: The practice of signaling support for a political or social cause by means of the Internet, through social media, online petitions, etc., rather than by more substantive involvement. 
Bracketology: The activity of predicting the participating teams in a tournament (typically the NCAA basketball tournament) and the winners of the competition’s stages, as depicted in a diagram representing the sequence of matches.
Moobs: Unusually prominent breasts on a man (likened to those of a woman), typically as a result of excess pectoral fat.
YOLO: ‘You only live once’; used to express the view that one should make the most of the present moment without worrying about the future (often as a rationale for impulsive or reckless behaviour).
'Merica: America. Note: Originally and chiefly in representations of nonstandard speech. Now frequently also in ironic or self-conscious use, emphasizing emblematic or stereotypical qualities of American traditions, institutions and national ideals.
Freemium: A business model, especially on the Internet, whereby basic services are provided free of charge while more advanced features must be paid for.
Non-apology: A statement that takes the form of an apology but does not acknowledge responsibility or express regret for what has caused offence or upset; an insincere or unconvincing apology.
Yoda: A person who embodies the characteristics of Yoda, esp. in being wise; an elder, sage or guru.
Squee: Representing a high-pitched squealing or squeaking sound produced by an animal, musical instrument, etc.
(Definitions according to the Oxford English Dictionary) 


Thursday 9 April 2020

Angelina Jolie: "There Is So Much We Have to Change and Fight For"



I think the message is really important because there are so many women around the world who don't have the privilege to speak up, who are abused verbally and physically on a daily basis, who don't have the courage or chance to stand up for themselves. Both Oprah Winfrey and Angelina Jolie addressed this important issue and it's highly laudable. Maybe this message will serve as a reminder that each and every person has rights, human rights and we should know about them. Never let yourself be abused by anyone no matter who it may be. Have the courage. Speak up!

Angelina Jolie receives the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award at the 2013 Governors Awards

  Watch the interview and answer the question: What problem does Angelina raise in her acceptance speech?