All About

Welcome to My Diary

In the end, it's not going to matter how many breaths you took, but how many moments took your breath away

- shing xiong

My ultimate goal is to contribute to the betterment of the world so that everyone will be benefited until the end of the world.

Every single blink of your eyes on this page, is my Inspiration

Thank you ♥♥♥

Let's laugh with buoyancy

“Laughter is wine for the soul - laughter soft, or loud and deep, tinged through with seriousness - the hilarious declaration made by man that life is worth living.” ― Seán O'Casey

Networking is the pathway to opportunity.

The mark of a good conversationalist is not that you can talk a lot. The mark is that you can get others to talk a lot. Thus, good schmoozer’s are good listeners, not good talkers. - Guy Kawasaki

Talent wins games, but teamwork and intelligence wins championships.

“No matter how smart, talented, driven, or passionate you are, your success as an entrepreneur depends on your ability to build and inspire a team.” ― Jarod Kintz

Writing is the key to successful business communication.

When you are ready to reach out to the gatekeepers, make sure you approach them correctly.

Thursday, August 26, 2010

Expression


50 Common English Idioms
for Students of English

Learn Colorful and Useful English Vocabulary!

Increase your vocabulary and speak more natural English by studying the idioms and expressions below. These are some of the most common expressions in English. Study the example sentences which show how idioms are used in context when you speak English. Have fun!

English Expression 1.

as easy as pie means "very easy" (same as "a piece of cake")

Example: He said it is a difficult problem, but I don't agree. It seems as easy as pie to me!

English Expression 2.
be sick and tired of means "I hate" (also "can't stand")

Example: I'm sick and tired of doing nothing but work. Let's go out tonight and have fun.

English Expression 3.
bend over backwards means "try very hard" (maybe too much!)


Example: He bent over backwards to please his new wife, but she never seemed satisfied.

English Expression 4.
bite off more than one can chew means "take responsibility for more than one can manage"


Example: John is so far behind in his studies. Besides classes, he plays sports and works at a part-time job. It seems he has bitten off more than he can chew.

English Expression 5.
broke means "to have no money"


Example: I have to borrow some money from my Dad. Right now, I'm broke.
English Expression 6.
change one's mind means "decide to do something different from what had been decided earlier"


Example: I was planning to work late tonight, but I changed my mind. I'll do extra work on the weekend instead.
English Expression 7.
Cut it out! means "stop doing something bad"


Example: That noise is really annoying. Cut it out!

English Expression 8.
drop someone a line means "send a letter or email to someone"


Example: It was good to meet you and I hope we can see each other again. Drop me a line when you have time.

English Expression 9.
 figure something out means "come to understand a problem"


Example: I don't understand how to do this problem. Take a look at it. Maybe you can figure it out.

English Expression 10.
fill in for someone means "do their work while they are away"


Example: While I was away from the store, my brother filled in for me.

English Expression 11.
in ages means "for a very long time"


Example: Have you seen Joe recently? I haven't seen him in ages.

English Expression 12.
give someone a hand means "help"


Example: I want to move this desk to the next room. Can you give me a hand?

English Expression 13.
 hit the hay means "go to bed" (also "hit the sack")


Example: It's after 12 o'clock. I think it's time to hit the hay.

English Expression 14.
 in the black means "the business is making money, it is profitable"


Example: Our business is really improving. We've been in the black all year.

English Expression 15.
in the red means "the business is losing money, it is unprofitable"


Example: Business is really going poorly these days. We've been in the red for the past three months.

English Expression 16.
in the nick of time means "not too late, but very close!"


Example: I got to the drugstore just in the nick of time. It's a good thing, because I really need this medicine!

English Expression 17.
 keep one's chin up means "remain brave and keep on trying"


Example: I know things have been difficult for you recently, but keep your chin up. It will get better soon.

English Expression 18.
know something like the back of your hand means "know something very, very well"

Example: If you get lost, just ask me for directions. I know this part of town like the back of my hand

English Expression 19.
 once in a while means "sometimes, not very often"


Example: Have you been to the new movie theater? No, only see movies once in a while. I usually stay home and watch TV.

English Expression 20.
 sharp means "exactly at a that time"


Example: I'll meet you at 9 o'clock sharp. If you're late, we'll be in trouble!

English Expression 21.
sleep on it means "think about something before making a decision"
Example: That sounds like a good deal, but I'd like to sleep on it before I give you my final decision.

English Expression 22.
take it easy means "relax"


Example: I don't have any special plans for the summer. I think I'll just take it easy.
English Expression 23.
to get the ball rolling means "start something, especially something big"


Example: We need to get this project started as soon as possible. I'm hoping you will help me get the ball rolling.

English Expression 24.
up to the minute means "the most recent information"


Example: I wish I knew more about what is happening in the capital city. We need more up to the minute news.

English Expression 25.
 twenty-four/seven means "every minute of every day, all the time"


Example: You can access our web site 24/7. It's very convenient!




English Expression 26.
all of a sudden means "unexpectedly", used to describe something that happens very quickly



Example: He had just gone to bed when all of a sudden the phone rang.

English Expression 27.
be all ears means "eager and ready to listen"


Example: Go ahead and speak. I'm all ears!


English Expression 28.
be fed up with means "to hate something now, even though I may have liked it before"


Example: I'm fed up with my job! I think I should start looking for a new one.

English Expression 29.
to bug means "to bother someone". (American English)


Example: Hey, stop tapping your fingers. It's really bugging me!

English Expression 30.
 a cinch means something that is very easy to do


Example: I didn't think I could run five kilometers, but with the right preparation, it was a cinch.

English Expression 31.
cost an arm and a leg means "very expensive"


Example: I'd really like a new car, but they all cost an arm and a leg.

English Expression 32.
to cram means "to study hard a few days before a test"



Example: If you had studied hard for the past four months, you wouldn't have to cram so much this weekend.

English Expression 33.
 fresh out of something means "to have no more of something"


Example: I have to go buy some more milk. It seems we're fresh out now.

English Expression 34.
to get it (often negative) means "to understand"


Example: What did the teacher say? I didn't get it. Did you?
English Expression 35.
got a minute? means "Do you have time right now?"


Example: Hey, Joe, got a minute? I have something to show you.

English Expression 36.
give someone a hand means "help someone"


Example: Could you give me a hand moving this table? It's quite heavy.

English Expression 37.
grab a bite to eat means "quickly go get something to eat"


Example: I'm going to go grab a bite. I'll be back in a few minutes.

English Expression 38.
drive someone up a wall (or "drive someone crazy") means "to make someone very angry"


Example: My neighbor practices the piano every night, but he's terrible. It's driving me up the wall!

English Expression 39.
to hang on means "to wait"


Example: Hang on a few minutes. I have to make a phone call and then I'll be able to join you for lunch.

English Expression 40.
hard headed means "stubborn" or "unwilling to change an opinion or idea


Example: I can't work with Joe any more. He's so hard headed!

English Expression 41.
 have a change of heart means "change a previous decision"


Example: I thought I would change jobs, but now that my boss is treating me with more respect, I've had a change of heart.

English Expression 42.
 have mixed feelings about something means "to be uncertain"


Example: I have mixed feelings about Joe. He's a very good teacher, but he has a very strange sense of humor!

English Expression 43.
head out for means "to start on a long trip" (but it could be within a big city)


Example: We're heading out for the countryside to pick some apples. Would you like to join us?

English Expression 44.
How come? means "Why?"
Example:
How come we don't go to the movies any more? I guess we're too busy to enjoy ourselves these days.

English Expression 45.
keep in touch (or "stay in touch") means "do not stop communicating - send letters or call sometimes"


Example: Don't forget to keep in touch. I want to know how you're doing while you're away.

English Expression 46.
be kidding means "to joke or tease someone in a playful way"


Example: No, I don't really have three wives - I was just kidding!

 English Expression 47.
look down on means "think somone or something is not good enough"


Example: We shouldn't look down on people just because they don't have as much money as we do.

English Expression 48.
make ends meet (often used negatively) means "to have enough money to buy everything we need"


Example: Even though I make more money than last year, we just can't seem to make ends meet.

English Expression 49.
  miss the boat means "to miss an opportunity"


Example: The sale ends today at noon. If we don't hurry, we're going to miss the boat!

English Expression 50.
next to nothing means "to cost very little"


Example: I went to the new discount store and bought these new shoes for only five dollars. That's next to nothing!

Monday, August 2, 2010

IELTS writing task one


Academic task 1 – graph vocabulary (1)

This post looks at some vocabulary for IELTS writing task 1 when you need to describe a graph or chart that has a time element. I begin by looking at some of the most common vocabulary you need. Then I give you some variations and talk about  some grammar.

Test yourself first
Before you read on, you may want to test your knowledge first.

The most basic vocabulary – a few variations
Let’s look at this graph and see what words we need to describe it. Put simply we need language that describes
  • up (2009 to 2010),
  • down (2008 to 2009),
  • up and down (between 2006 and 2009)
  • no change (2006 and 2007)
  • the top (2010)
http://dcielts.dcielts.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/simple-line-graph.png
The language I am going to suggest may seem very basic. It does, however, allow you to say the same thing in up to 6 different ways.That’s good.

Tip: if you find yourself repeating a word, try changing the form of it from a verb to a noun
You should also note that, even with this basic language, there are a variety of grammar problems that cause many candidates problems. That’s bad.

Up variations
http://dcielts.dcielts.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/rise-vocab1.png



Down variations
http://dcielts.dcielts.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/fall-vocab1.png

Up and down
Sometimes you need to describe a graph that goes up and then down. Here we have fewer options.
http://dcielts.dcielts.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/fluct-vocab.png

No change
http://dcielts.dcielts.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/steady-vocab1.png





Top
http://dcielts.dcielts.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/peak-vocab2.png




Preposition problem 1 – by and to
Prepositions are horrid in English. Have another look at the graph:
http://dcielts.dcielts.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/simple-line-graph.pngNote how these two sentences mean exactly the same:
The rate of unemployment rose to 12% in 2010.
The rate of unemployment rose by 5% in 2010.

Preposition problem 2 – in and of
This one is harder. We use “in” to describe changes in things and “of” to describe changes in number or amount. For example,
There was a rise in the rate of unemployment
There was a rise of 5% in the rate of unemployment.

Some more advanced trend vocabulary

Are you looking for a band score of 7 or over? If so, then you need to think about using some more advanced vocabulary. You will find here some suggestions for useful language to describe trends in charts and graphs in academic part 1. In each case, I list some words and phrases and give you some notes on how to use them. Also check out the groovy interactive exercises to test your skills.

 

 

 

Test yourself first


Verbs

These verbs are alternatives to the basic rise and fall vocabulary. One benefit of using them is that sometimes they help you avoid repeating too many numbers. If you have a strong verb, you don’t always have to give the exact figure.

 

Up verbs

http://dcielts.dcielts.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/soar1.png

Notes:

  • “Soar “and “rocket” are both very strong words that describe large rises. “Rocket” is more sudden. You probably do not need to qualify these verbs with adverbs.
  • “Leap” shows a large and sudden rise. Again, you probably do not need to qualify it with an adverb.
  • “Climb” is a relatively neutral verb that can be used with the adverbs below.

 

Down verbs

http://dcielts.dcielts.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/plummet1.png

 

Notes:

  • “Plummet” is the strongest word here. It means to fall very quickly and a long way.
  • “Drop”  and “drop” are normally used for fairly small decreases
  • “Slip back” is used for falls that come after rises
  • “Drop” and “Dip” are also frequently used as nouns: eg “a slight dip” “a sudden drop”

 

 

Adjectives and adverbs

This is a selection of some of the most common adjectives and adverbs used for trend language. Please be careful. This is an area where it is possible to make low-level mistakes. Make sure that you use adjectives with nouns and adverbs with verbs:
  • a significant rise – correct (adjective/noun)
  • rose significantly – correct (adverb/verb)
  • a significantly rise – wrong wrong wrong
Please also note the spelling of the adverbs. There is a particular problem with the word “dramatically:
  • dramatically – correct
  • dramaticly – wrong
  • dramaticaly – wrong
  •  

Adjectives of degree

http://dcielts.dcielts.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/spectacular1.png

notes

  • “sudden” and “sharp” can be used of relatively minor changes that happen quickly
  • “spectacular” and “dramatic” are very strong words only to used to big, big, big changes

 

Steady adjectives

http://dcielts.dcielts.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/steady.png

Small adjectives

http://dcielts.dcielts.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/modest1.png

notes

  • “marginal” is a particularly useful word for describing very small changes

 

Other useful adjectives

These adjectives can be used to describes more general trends
http://dcielts.dcielts.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/overall3.png

notes

  • “overall” can be used to describe changes in trend over the whole period: very useful in introductions and conclusions
  • “upward” and “downward” are adjectives: the adverbs are “upwards” and “downwards”






Example:
You should spend about 20 minutes on this task.
The charts below show the percentage of their food budget the average family spent on restaurant meals in different years. The graph shows the number of meals eaten in fast food restaurants and sit-down restaurants.
You should write at least 150 words.

Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.
IELTS Graph
IELTS Sample
The provided pie charts compare the proportion of food budget of the average family expense on restaurant meals in several years. The graph illustrates the number of meals taken in two particular places in the same year.
Over the past 30 years, the average family has dramatically increased the number of meals that they eat at restaurants. The percentage of the family's food budget spent on restaurant meals steadily climbed. Just 10 percent of the food budget was spent on restaurant meals in 1970, and 15 percent in 1980. That percentage more than doubled in 1990, to 35 percent, and rose again in 2000 to 50 percent.

Where families eat their restaurant meals also changed during that 30-year period. In 1970, families ate the same number of meals at fast food and sit-down restaurants. In 1980, families ate slightly more frequently at sit-down restaurants. However, since 1990, fast food restaurants serve more meals to the families than do the sit-down restaurants. Most of the restaurant meals from 2000 were eaten at fast food restaurants. If this pattern continues, eventually the number of meals that families eat at fast food restaurants could double the number of meals they eat at sit-down restaurants.
(201words)
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