#Speaking #Fluency
🔷Simple Tips for building up Fluency in speaking
https://www.fluentu.com/blog/english/how-to-speak-english-well-fluently/
🔹1. Dive into the Deep End
Studying English for an hour once a week isn’t usually enough to make any real progress. The best way to quickly improve your English is to spend at least a few minutes practicing every day. Immerse yourself as much as possible every time you study, and challenge yourself to listen to, read, and even say things in English that you think might be too difficult for you. If you want to speak English fluently, you need to make it an essential part of your everyday life.
🔹2. Stop Being a Student
The right attitude can make the difference between failure and success. Stop thinking of yourself as someone who is learning English, and start thinking of yourself as someone who speaks English. It’s a small change, but it will make you feel more confident and help you to use the English you already know more effectively.
This also means you need to start thinking in English. If you want to say the word “apple” in English, for example, right now you probably think of the word in your native language first, and then try to think of the correct word in English. Instead, try imagining a picture of an apple, and then just think the English word “apple”. Real fluency happens when you stop mentally translating conversations.
🔹3. Use It or Lose It
There’s an expression in English: “Use it or lose it,” which basically means if you don’t practice an ability, you might forget it. This idea can be used to help you remember new English vocabulary. The best way to remember a new word is to use it right away so it will stay in your memory. When you learn a new word, try to say it in sentences a few times over the next week and you’ll never forget it.
🔹4. Learn and Study Phrases
Speaking English fluently means being able to express your thoughts, feelings and ideas. Your goal is to speak English in full sentences, so why not learn it in full sentences? You’ll find that English is more useful in your everyday life if you study whole phrases, rather than just vocabulary and verbs. Start by thinking about phrases that you use frequently in your native language, and then learn how to say them in English.
🔹5. Don’t Study Grammar Too Much
The key to learning a language is finding a balance between studying and practicing. Speaking English fluently isn’t the same as knowing perfect English grammar – even native English-speakers make grammar mistakes! Fluency is about being able to communicate. That’s why sometimes it’s important to put the grammar textbook away, so you can go out and practice those writing, reading, listening and speaking skills in the real world.
🔹6. Don’t Be Afraid to Make Mistakes
Sometimes it can be difficult to put all those rules and words together into a simple sentence. Don’t let the fear of saying something wrong stop you from speaking at all. Even if you think you’re making a mistake, keep speaking anyway. Most of the time, people will understand what you’re trying to say, even if you make a mistake. Plus, the more you speak, the easier it gets, and the more quickly the right words will come to mind.@ibtil
🔹7. Learn from Everyone
You don’t have to only learn English from textbooks and teachers – anyone who speaks English can help you practice. Imagine how you would feel if someone asked you, in your native language, how to pronounce something? Would you be angry? No! You’d probably be happy to help, just like most English-speakers are happy to help you. If you know any English-speakers, whether it’s a friend or co-worker, take advantage of the opportunity to practice and learn from them.@ibtil
🔷Simple Tips for building up Fluency in speaking
https://www.fluentu.com/blog/english/how-to-speak-english-well-fluently/
🔹1. Dive into the Deep End
Studying English for an hour once a week isn’t usually enough to make any real progress. The best way to quickly improve your English is to spend at least a few minutes practicing every day. Immerse yourself as much as possible every time you study, and challenge yourself to listen to, read, and even say things in English that you think might be too difficult for you. If you want to speak English fluently, you need to make it an essential part of your everyday life.
🔹2. Stop Being a Student
The right attitude can make the difference between failure and success. Stop thinking of yourself as someone who is learning English, and start thinking of yourself as someone who speaks English. It’s a small change, but it will make you feel more confident and help you to use the English you already know more effectively.
This also means you need to start thinking in English. If you want to say the word “apple” in English, for example, right now you probably think of the word in your native language first, and then try to think of the correct word in English. Instead, try imagining a picture of an apple, and then just think the English word “apple”. Real fluency happens when you stop mentally translating conversations.
🔹3. Use It or Lose It
There’s an expression in English: “Use it or lose it,” which basically means if you don’t practice an ability, you might forget it. This idea can be used to help you remember new English vocabulary. The best way to remember a new word is to use it right away so it will stay in your memory. When you learn a new word, try to say it in sentences a few times over the next week and you’ll never forget it.
🔹4. Learn and Study Phrases
Speaking English fluently means being able to express your thoughts, feelings and ideas. Your goal is to speak English in full sentences, so why not learn it in full sentences? You’ll find that English is more useful in your everyday life if you study whole phrases, rather than just vocabulary and verbs. Start by thinking about phrases that you use frequently in your native language, and then learn how to say them in English.
🔹5. Don’t Study Grammar Too Much
The key to learning a language is finding a balance between studying and practicing. Speaking English fluently isn’t the same as knowing perfect English grammar – even native English-speakers make grammar mistakes! Fluency is about being able to communicate. That’s why sometimes it’s important to put the grammar textbook away, so you can go out and practice those writing, reading, listening and speaking skills in the real world.
🔹6. Don’t Be Afraid to Make Mistakes
Sometimes it can be difficult to put all those rules and words together into a simple sentence. Don’t let the fear of saying something wrong stop you from speaking at all. Even if you think you’re making a mistake, keep speaking anyway. Most of the time, people will understand what you’re trying to say, even if you make a mistake. Plus, the more you speak, the easier it gets, and the more quickly the right words will come to mind.@ibtil
🔹7. Learn from Everyone
You don’t have to only learn English from textbooks and teachers – anyone who speaks English can help you practice. Imagine how you would feel if someone asked you, in your native language, how to pronounce something? Would you be angry? No! You’d probably be happy to help, just like most English-speakers are happy to help you. If you know any English-speakers, whether it’s a friend or co-worker, take advantage of the opportunity to practice and learn from them.@ibtil
FluentU
How to Speak English Fluently: 33 Easy Tips | FluentU English Blog
Want to know how to speak English fluently? These 33 strategies to improve your English speaking skills will get you sounding like a native English speaker! Check out our awesome tips and tricks about pronunciation, vocabulary building, conversation openers…
GRE Question of the Day (Ordibehesht 27, 1397)
The (i) ______ nature of the protagonist is clearly developed in the first few chapters of the book and contributes to the vacillating emotions the author hopes to evince in his readers. The decisions the principal character makes in later chapters, though, are more fitting of a (ii) ______ personality.
Blank (i)
A. exaggerated
B. mercurial
C. glib
Blank (ii)
D. bombastic
E. steadfast
F. acerbic
@ibtil
Answer: B/E
@GRE_Borzabadi
The (i) ______ nature of the protagonist is clearly developed in the first few chapters of the book and contributes to the vacillating emotions the author hopes to evince in his readers. The decisions the principal character makes in later chapters, though, are more fitting of a (ii) ______ personality.
Blank (i)
A. exaggerated
B. mercurial
C. glib
Blank (ii)
D. bombastic
E. steadfast
F. acerbic
@ibtil
Answer: B/E
@GRE_Borzabadi
Verbal Reasoning 7
The fossil record shows that the climate of North America warmed and dried at the end of the Pleistocene period. Most of the species of large mammals then living on the continent became extinct, but the smaller mammalian species survived.
Which of the following, if true, provides the best basis for an explanation of the contrast described
above between species of large mammals and species of small mammals?
(A) Individual large mammals can, in general, travel further than small mammals and so are more able to migrate in search of a hospitable environment.
(B) The same pattern of comparative success in smaller, as opposed to larger, species that is observed in mammals is also found in bird species of the same period.
(C) The fossil record from the end of Pleistocene period is as clear for small mammals as it is for large mammals.
(D) Larger mammals have greater food and space requirements than smaller mammals and are thus less able to withstand environmental change.
(E) Many more of the species of larger mammals than of the species of smaller mammals living in North America in that period had originated in climates that were warmer than was that of North America before the end of the Pleistocene period.
@ibtil
Answer: D
@GRE_Borzabadi
#VR_Borzabadi
The fossil record shows that the climate of North America warmed and dried at the end of the Pleistocene period. Most of the species of large mammals then living on the continent became extinct, but the smaller mammalian species survived.
Which of the following, if true, provides the best basis for an explanation of the contrast described
above between species of large mammals and species of small mammals?
(A) Individual large mammals can, in general, travel further than small mammals and so are more able to migrate in search of a hospitable environment.
(B) The same pattern of comparative success in smaller, as opposed to larger, species that is observed in mammals is also found in bird species of the same period.
(C) The fossil record from the end of Pleistocene period is as clear for small mammals as it is for large mammals.
(D) Larger mammals have greater food and space requirements than smaller mammals and are thus less able to withstand environmental change.
(E) Many more of the species of larger mammals than of the species of smaller mammals living in North America in that period had originated in climates that were warmer than was that of North America before the end of the Pleistocene period.
@ibtil
Answer: D
@GRE_Borzabadi
#VR_Borzabadi
GRE Question of the Day (Ordibehesht 29, 1397)
SELECT TWO ANSWER CHOICES.
The two colleagues made a concerted effort to steer clear of the ongoing argument between their respective supervisors, preferring instead to continue their ____ until the hearing.
A. neutrality
B. stoicism
C. cynicism
D. skepticism
E. disinterest
F. disagreement
@ibtil
Answer: A/E
@GRE_Borzabadi
SELECT TWO ANSWER CHOICES.
The two colleagues made a concerted effort to steer clear of the ongoing argument between their respective supervisors, preferring instead to continue their ____ until the hearing.
A. neutrality
B. stoicism
C. cynicism
D. skepticism
E. disinterest
F. disagreement
@ibtil
Answer: A/E
@GRE_Borzabadi
GRE Question of the Day (Ordibehesht 30, 1397)
Unfortunately, Jeannie's shy demeanor was often misinterpreted by those who did not know her: indeed, strangers typically construed her ___ behavior as coyness.
A. unresponsive
B. supercilious
C. amenable
D. ac quiescent
E. demure
@ibtil
Answer: E
@GRE_Borzabadi
Unfortunately, Jeannie's shy demeanor was often misinterpreted by those who did not know her: indeed, strangers typically construed her ___ behavior as coyness.
A. unresponsive
B. supercilious
C. amenable
D. ac quiescent
E. demure
@ibtil
Answer: E
@GRE_Borzabadi
جهت مشاهده و ثبت نام دوره کلیک نمایید
goo.gl/ykZD6g
goo.gl/ykZD6g
GRE Question of the Day (Khordad 1, 1397)
(i) __ debating whether bread should be buttered on the top or the bottom was impossible for the Yooks and the Zooks, who each felt strongly that their own perspective was the correct way and refused to consider any alternative. Instead of recognizing the absurdity of the conflict, they allowed things to (ii) __ , with each side developing bigger and better weapons that ultimately lead them to the threat of (iii) ____ destruction .
Blank (i)
A. Tempestuously
B. Dogmatically
C. Rationally
Blank (ii)
D. confabulate
E. stagnate
F. escalate
Blank (iii)
G. predisposed
H. mutual
I. incongruous
@ibtil
Answer: C/F/H
@GRE_Borzabadi
(i) __ debating whether bread should be buttered on the top or the bottom was impossible for the Yooks and the Zooks, who each felt strongly that their own perspective was the correct way and refused to consider any alternative. Instead of recognizing the absurdity of the conflict, they allowed things to (ii) __ , with each side developing bigger and better weapons that ultimately lead them to the threat of (iii) ____ destruction .
Blank (i)
A. Tempestuously
B. Dogmatically
C. Rationally
Blank (ii)
D. confabulate
E. stagnate
F. escalate
Blank (iii)
G. predisposed
H. mutual
I. incongruous
@ibtil
Answer: C/F/H
@GRE_Borzabadi
GRE Question of the Day (Khordad 2, 1397)
SELECT TWO ANSWER CHOICES.
Though Salsa takes its roots from various countries in Central and South America, it is fundamentally and essentially Cuban: its development was a _, but ultimately the music
belongs to one country.
A. collaboration
B. feat
C. coup
D. lyric
E. mélange
F. denouement
@ibtil
Answer: A/E
@GRE_Borzabadi
SELECT TWO ANSWER CHOICES.
Though Salsa takes its roots from various countries in Central and South America, it is fundamentally and essentially Cuban: its development was a _, but ultimately the music
belongs to one country.
A. collaboration
B. feat
C. coup
D. lyric
E. mélange
F. denouement
@ibtil
Answer: A/E
@GRE_Borzabadi
جهت مشاهده و ثبت نام دوره کلیک نمایید
goo.gl/ku4pcj
goo.gl/ku4pcj
GRE Question of the Day (Khordad 3, 1397)
Although she conveyed the message calmly and without distress, Lin's expression betrayed the message's __ nature.
A. facetious
B. impartial
C. puerile
D. uncommunicative
E. dire
@ibtil
Answer: E
@GRE_Borzabadi
Although she conveyed the message calmly and without distress, Lin's expression betrayed the message's __ nature.
A. facetious
B. impartial
C. puerile
D. uncommunicative
E. dire
@ibtil
Answer: E
@GRE_Borzabadi
GRE Question of the Day (Khordad 5, 1397)
Economic policy is primarily reactionary, designed solely to avoid downturns rather than foster
upturns. As a result, economic policies tend to be (i) _ the previous crisis, rather than focusing on (ii) _ management of the current boom. As a result, unrestrained financial growth leads to rampant speculation, and soon even seemingly (iii) ____ investments collapse as another recession begins.
Blank (i)
A. ignorant of
B. responses to
C. peripheral lo
Blank (ii)
D. prudent
E. sparing
F. irrational
Blank (iii)
G. solid
H. tenuous
I. unstable
@ibtil
Answer: B/D/G
@GRE_Borzabadi
Economic policy is primarily reactionary, designed solely to avoid downturns rather than foster
upturns. As a result, economic policies tend to be (i) _ the previous crisis, rather than focusing on (ii) _ management of the current boom. As a result, unrestrained financial growth leads to rampant speculation, and soon even seemingly (iii) ____ investments collapse as another recession begins.
Blank (i)
A. ignorant of
B. responses to
C. peripheral lo
Blank (ii)
D. prudent
E. sparing
F. irrational
Blank (iii)
G. solid
H. tenuous
I. unstable
@ibtil
Answer: B/D/G
@GRE_Borzabadi
GRE Question of the Day (Khordad 6, 1397)
SELECT TWO ANSWER CHOICES.
When the town's water supply ran low during the summer drought, the residents received a notice that ___ them to take heed of the dearth of water and avoid any water-related activities that weren't necessary.
A. lambasted
B. beseeched
C. wheedled
D. inundated
E. castigated
F. importuned
@ibtil
Answer: B/F
@GRE_Borzabadi
SELECT TWO ANSWER CHOICES.
When the town's water supply ran low during the summer drought, the residents received a notice that ___ them to take heed of the dearth of water and avoid any water-related activities that weren't necessary.
A. lambasted
B. beseeched
C. wheedled
D. inundated
E. castigated
F. importuned
@ibtil
Answer: B/F
@GRE_Borzabadi
جهت مشاهده و ثبت نام دوره کلیک نمایید
goo.gl/Ce92FP
goo.gl/Ce92FP
GRE Question of the Day (Khordad 7, 1397)
William Perldns, his _ speaking style notwithstanding, has long been seen as the moderate face of his political party.
A. preachy
B. bumbling
C. approachable
D. disingenuous
E. impassioned
@ibtil
Answer: E
@GRE_Borzabadi
William Perldns, his _ speaking style notwithstanding, has long been seen as the moderate face of his political party.
A. preachy
B. bumbling
C. approachable
D. disingenuous
E. impassioned
@ibtil
Answer: E
@GRE_Borzabadi
GRE Question of the Day (Khordad 8, 1397)
Although Marian thought that the oft-repeated tale was (i) __, Barbara never tired of telling the story, believing that the lessons it contained were timeless and (ii) _.
Blank (i)
A. hackneyed
B. inchoate
C. substantial
Blank (ii)
D. archaic
E. immutable
F. evanescent
@ibtil
Answer: A/E
@GRE_Borzabadi
Although Marian thought that the oft-repeated tale was (i) __, Barbara never tired of telling the story, believing that the lessons it contained were timeless and (ii) _.
Blank (i)
A. hackneyed
B. inchoate
C. substantial
Blank (ii)
D. archaic
E. immutable
F. evanescent
@ibtil
Answer: A/E
@GRE_Borzabadi
جهت مشاهده و ثبت نام دوره کلیک نمایید
goo.gl/eoSyvm
goo.gl/eoSyvm
جهت مشاهده و ثبت نام دوره کلیک نمایید
goo.gl/sLU82M
goo.gl/sLU82M
GRE Question of the Day (Khordad 9, 1397)
The young researcher's conclusions flew in the face of established scientific knowledge; she
therefore stated her findings (i) __ in her paper. Despite her confidence in her theories, she wanted to avoid accusations of (ii) ___ that might come from more seasoned academics, and determined that she could forgo recognition for the time being. Once her ideas were corroborated by additional experimentation, she would receive her due (iii) ____.
Blank (i)
A. eruditely
B. facetiously
C. diffidently
Blank (ii)
D. brazenness
E. ineptitude
F. deference
Blank (iii)
G. compensation
H. diligence
I. kudos
@ibtil
Answer: C/D/I
@GRE_Borzabadi
The young researcher's conclusions flew in the face of established scientific knowledge; she
therefore stated her findings (i) __ in her paper. Despite her confidence in her theories, she wanted to avoid accusations of (ii) ___ that might come from more seasoned academics, and determined that she could forgo recognition for the time being. Once her ideas were corroborated by additional experimentation, she would receive her due (iii) ____.
Blank (i)
A. eruditely
B. facetiously
C. diffidently
Blank (ii)
D. brazenness
E. ineptitude
F. deference
Blank (iii)
G. compensation
H. diligence
I. kudos
@ibtil
Answer: C/D/I
@GRE_Borzabadi
Forwarded from ibtil_ IELTS (Bahram Modaberi)
IELTS Reading Practice: Music
What is music?
1 Music has probably existed for as long as man has been human, and it certainly predates civilization by tens of millenia. Yet even today there is no clear definition of exactly what music is. For example, birdsong is certainly melodic, but it is not tuneful, and it is not created with the intention of being musical (in fact it is sometimes meant to sound threatening) – therefore does it count as music?
2 On the other hand, some modern composers have been challenging the idea that music should be arranged in a pleasant manner with the notes falling in an orderly succession. Others, famously the avant guarde composer John Cage have even used silence and called the result music. As a result there is no one definition of music. Perhaps it should be said that music, like beauty, is what the person who sees or hears it believes it to be.
3 Music is divided in many ways. Music itself is split into notes, clefts, quavers, and semi-demi quavers. Ancient and medieval musicologists believed that these notes could be arranged ‘horizontally’ into melody (making notes that match on the same scale) and ‘vertically’ (going up and down the scales to create harmony). Another very basic measurement of music is the ‘pulse’. This is present in almost all forms of music, and is particularly strong in modern popular music. The pulse is the regular beat which runs through a tune. When you tap your foot or clap your hands in time to a song, you are beating out the pulse of that song.
4 Another way of dividing music is by genre. Even a child who does not know that (for example) rock and roll and classical music are different genres will be instantly aware that these are very different sounds; though he will not be aware that one is a percussion-led melody while the other emphasizes harmony over rhythm and timbre. Each genre of music has numerous sub-divisions. Classical music is divided by type – for example symphonies, concertos and operas, and by sub-genre, for example baroque and Gregorian chant. Just to make it more fun, modern musicians have also been experimenting with crossover music, so that we get Beatles tunes played by classical orchestras, and groups like Queen using operatic themes in songs such as ‘Bohemian rhapsody’.
5 Almost all music is a collaboration between the composer, and the performer, while song requires a lyricist to write the words as well. Sometimes old tunes are adapted for new lyrics – for example the song ‘Happy Birthday’ is based on a tune originally called ‘Have a nice Day’. At other times a performer might produce a song in a manner which the original composer would not recognize. (A famous example is the punk rock band the Sex Pistols performing the British national anthem ‘God save the Queen’.)
6 This is because the composer and lyricist have to leave the performer some freedom to perform in the way that suits him or her best. While many classical compositions have notes stressing how a piece should be performed (for example a piece played ‘con brio’ should be light and lively) in the end, what the listener hears is the work of the performer. Jazz music has fully accepted this, and jazz performers are not only expected to put their own interpretation on a piece, but are expected to play even the same piece with some variation every time.
7 Many studies of music do not take into account where the music is to be played and who the audience will be. This is a major mistake, as the audience is very much a part of the musical experience. Any jazz fan will tell you that jazz is best experienced in small smoky bars some time after midnight, while a classical fan will spend time and money making sure that the music on his stereo comes as close as possible to the sound in a large concert hall. Some music, such as dance music, is designed to be interactive, while other music is designed to remain in the background, smoothing out harsh sounds and creating a mood. This is often the case with cinema music – this powerfully changes
What is music?
1 Music has probably existed for as long as man has been human, and it certainly predates civilization by tens of millenia. Yet even today there is no clear definition of exactly what music is. For example, birdsong is certainly melodic, but it is not tuneful, and it is not created with the intention of being musical (in fact it is sometimes meant to sound threatening) – therefore does it count as music?
2 On the other hand, some modern composers have been challenging the idea that music should be arranged in a pleasant manner with the notes falling in an orderly succession. Others, famously the avant guarde composer John Cage have even used silence and called the result music. As a result there is no one definition of music. Perhaps it should be said that music, like beauty, is what the person who sees or hears it believes it to be.
3 Music is divided in many ways. Music itself is split into notes, clefts, quavers, and semi-demi quavers. Ancient and medieval musicologists believed that these notes could be arranged ‘horizontally’ into melody (making notes that match on the same scale) and ‘vertically’ (going up and down the scales to create harmony). Another very basic measurement of music is the ‘pulse’. This is present in almost all forms of music, and is particularly strong in modern popular music. The pulse is the regular beat which runs through a tune. When you tap your foot or clap your hands in time to a song, you are beating out the pulse of that song.
4 Another way of dividing music is by genre. Even a child who does not know that (for example) rock and roll and classical music are different genres will be instantly aware that these are very different sounds; though he will not be aware that one is a percussion-led melody while the other emphasizes harmony over rhythm and timbre. Each genre of music has numerous sub-divisions. Classical music is divided by type – for example symphonies, concertos and operas, and by sub-genre, for example baroque and Gregorian chant. Just to make it more fun, modern musicians have also been experimenting with crossover music, so that we get Beatles tunes played by classical orchestras, and groups like Queen using operatic themes in songs such as ‘Bohemian rhapsody’.
5 Almost all music is a collaboration between the composer, and the performer, while song requires a lyricist to write the words as well. Sometimes old tunes are adapted for new lyrics – for example the song ‘Happy Birthday’ is based on a tune originally called ‘Have a nice Day’. At other times a performer might produce a song in a manner which the original composer would not recognize. (A famous example is the punk rock band the Sex Pistols performing the British national anthem ‘God save the Queen’.)
6 This is because the composer and lyricist have to leave the performer some freedom to perform in the way that suits him or her best. While many classical compositions have notes stressing how a piece should be performed (for example a piece played ‘con brio’ should be light and lively) in the end, what the listener hears is the work of the performer. Jazz music has fully accepted this, and jazz performers are not only expected to put their own interpretation on a piece, but are expected to play even the same piece with some variation every time.
7 Many studies of music do not take into account where the music is to be played and who the audience will be. This is a major mistake, as the audience is very much a part of the musical experience. Any jazz fan will tell you that jazz is best experienced in small smoky bars some time after midnight, while a classical fan will spend time and money making sure that the music on his stereo comes as close as possible to the sound in a large concert hall. Some music, such as dance music, is designed to be interactive, while other music is designed to remain in the background, smoothing out harsh sounds and creating a mood. This is often the case with cinema music – this powerfully changes
Forwarded from ibtil_ IELTS (Bahram Modaberi)
the mood of the audience, yet remains so much in the background that many cinemagoers are unaware that the music is actually playing.
8 Music is very much a part of human existence, and we are fortunate today in having music of whatever kind we choose instantly available at the touch of a button. Yet spare a thought for those who still cannot take advantage of this bounty. This includes not only the deaf, but those people who are somehow unable to understand or recognize music when they hear it. A famous example is United President Ulysses Grant, who famously said ‘I can recognise two tunes. One is ‘Yankee doodle’ and the other one isn’t.’
8 Music is very much a part of human existence, and we are fortunate today in having music of whatever kind we choose instantly available at the touch of a button. Yet spare a thought for those who still cannot take advantage of this bounty. This includes not only the deaf, but those people who are somehow unable to understand or recognize music when they hear it. A famous example is United President Ulysses Grant, who famously said ‘I can recognise two tunes. One is ‘Yankee doodle’ and the other one isn’t.’