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Monday, April 7, 2008

Synonym Quiz

1. A benevolent person just donated a big sum of money to help poor people in our city.
a. religious
b. charitable
c. original
d. scholarly
**The answer is (b.)**

2. James thanked the old man for gratuity he gave.
a. raise
b. advice
c. promotion
d. tip
**The answer is (d.)**

3. The comittee decided that the company's program had to be revamped.
a. revise
b. revised
c. studied.
d. studying
**The answer is (b.)**

4. He was so instrumental in forming the new coalition.
a. theory
b. international organization
c. demestic organization
d. temporyry alliance
**The answer is (d.)**

5. After years of war, the people held little hope for any armistice.
a. truce
b. independence
c. election
d. victory
**The answer is (a.)**

Sunday, April 6, 2008

Reading Practice

Applying To Colleges And Universitie

By: Aurel Radulescu

When applying to colleges and/or universities, it is best to do so as early as possible. The earlier you apply, the better chances you will have of being accepted into your program of interest. As expected, many college courses fill up quickly, which is why early applications often stand a better chance of acceptance.
Before applying to certain colleges and/or universities, it is a good idea to review their freshman enrollment requirements. These requirements generally pertain to anyone who has graduated from high school within the past five years. Beyond that, required high school courses are not as highly considered due to the fact that so much time has passed. Therefore, even if you did not take the necessary high school courses, you may be able to attend the college of your choice if you are willing to wait for five or more years before enrolling.
Almost every college and/or university charges an application fee when applying. This fee is generally very reasonable and is often less than $50.00. This is a non-refundable fee, which is not refunded for any reason including a denial of acceptance. Applications to colleges and/or universities will often be under advisement for several weeks. At that time, the school will either send a letter of congratulations or one of denial.
Many modern colleges and universities have websites and even allow applications to be submitted online. This is believed to speed up the application process and may result in a quicker decision than if submitted by mail. In the case of online applications, the application fee will generally be charged to a major credit card. If you do not have a credit card, you may have to mail your application along with a check or money order. It is important to remember that, under no circumstances, should you ever send cash through the mail.
Once you receive the college or university's acceptance, if applicable, it will be time to begin plans for enrollment. Many do not know this, but there is a big difference between acceptance and enrollment. Being accepted does not automatically mean the student is enrolled as this is just another step in the quest for a college education. During enrollment, a class schedule will be granted and, if requested, a campus room will be assigned. There are a number of living arrangements for college students, which may include on-campus housing, living with roommates, living alone or living at home with family. Living on campus is not a requirement of colleges or universities, but it does make for an easier commute to and from class.
Author BioFind more about preschool lesson plans, KellyBlueBook, goverment grants and many others distance education resources at node.on.ca.
Article Source: http://www.articlegeek.com/ - Free Website Content

Saturday, April 5, 2008

TOEFL Samples

1. When people insist on .......... very expensive gifts, it makes most Americans uncomfortable.
A. them to accepting
B. their accept
C. their accepting
D. they accept
The answer is B. because this sentence needs a noun pharse to be used as its object.

2. A Child in the sixth grade tends to be .......... all of the other kids in the class.
A. the more same as
B. the same age than
C. as old than
D. the same age as
The answer is D. because this sentence need the structure of "The same...as...".

3. Unlike most asians, a lot of Americans .......... a bowl of cereal for breakfast every day.
A. use to eat
B. used to eat
C. are used to eat
D. are used to eating
The answer is D. because Americans are accustomed to eating a bowl of cereal. Now, they are still eating it. So the structure "be+used to+V.ing" is needed.

4. Without alphabetical order, all dictionaries would be .......... to use
A. very difficulty
B. very difficult
C. difficulties
D. differ
The answer is B. because this sentence needs an adjective phrase to use after "would be".

5. Fast-food restaurants have become popular in Thailand these days because many working people want ..........
A. eat quick and cheap
B. eating quickly and cheaply
C. to eat quickly and cheaply
D. the eat quickly and cheaply.
The answer is C. because " want to" needs an infinitive with to as a complement.

Wednesday, March 26, 2008

ESL Reading

Brain Power
By: Bob Lasseter

Do you have a 2, 3, 4 or 5 year old? Then please read this. If you introduce your child to a 2nd language now you will be giving your child a tremendous advantage in learning and life! Being exposed to a 2nd language early in life builds a foundation for success that extends way beyond just being exposed to another language. It is amazing the way a young child can absorb various information. The more educational activities they are exposed to during these early years the more the brain retains. And the introduction to a 2nd language stimulates their young minds while helping them build BRAIN POWER.
Research shows that "Younger is Better" when it comes to learning a 2nd Language. It is easier to learn 2 words for a number, color or everyday word as part of the early education process than it is for an older child who has to relearn new words. Did you teach your child how to speak English? No - they just absorb it by being exposed to English as an infant and toddler so why not Spanish in conjunction with English?
Other research shows that learning a 2nd language at an EarlyAGE results in higher standardized test scores, increased math & language skills and educational opportunities as well as becoming better problem solvers with eventual premier job opportunities. Everyone from the United States Postal Service to many of your local employers are requiring employees to be Spanish bilingual as a condition of employment - so let them get a "jumpstart" by introducing Spanish basics ASAP.
Why not boost your child's confidence and self esteem by getting him or her exposed to Spanish basics as soon as possible. There will never be a better time than now!
Author BioBob Lasseter is a CPA and the Founder of SpanishFUN - The PreSchool Spanish Franchisewww.spanishfun.net
Article Source: http://www.ArticleGeek.com

Tuesday, March 25, 2008

ESL Reading

Public Speaking Basics For Starters
By: James Masterson
The content of the speech should match the information needed by the audience. Preparing the material carefully and specifically can ensure success on your public speaking endeavor. It will be helpful to tape record one's own speech and then listen to it carefully. Do this in front of the mirror. This would tell you which are the strong points and which are the weaknesses of your speech.Below are the most important things to take note of when invited to do a public speech:· Doing a speech is like performing as an actor on stage. The attire should be appropriate to the occasion. If the topic is serious, then be serious. The image should reflect the topic being presented. However, it does not mean that he has to look boring at all. Despite the seriousness of the topic, project yourself as an enthusiastic, lively, and confident speaker. · It is often said that the eyes are the windows to a person's soul. Do eye contact when giving the speech presentation. Never ever stick to only one person in the room. Look at the people as if they've been long time friends and acquaintance.· The opener must be really catchy. This will get the audience's attention. These people have a lot of things going on in their minds prior to hearing the speech presentation and a good eye opener of the speaker's words would definitely get their minds into participating during the talk. An icebreaker will help; write the topic on a board and ask the audience what things they would want to hear about the topic. Lastly, never miss a good joke.· Make a pause. This will let the speaker and the listeners to reflect and absorb everything that has been said. Never look like someone who is already out of air.· Enhance presentations by using audio-visual materials. There should be plan A and B, so that if ever one plan does not work, there is an alternative that can be used.· Keeping track of the time is important so as not to bore the audience. Never go beyond the time allotted since there could be other speakers and listeners could also have other appointments.· Provide a main point of what has been discussed at the end.· Open the floor for questions and never fear not being able to answer each. Remember, prior to making that speech, necessary research should have been made.· Enjoy the whole experience. The audience can feel any discomfort that the speaker is feeling at the moment. Do not make pretensions, just relax as long as the topic is well researched and clear. The image projected is often remembered more than the topic discussed anyway.
James Masterson is Stand out, Be Recognized and Be Remembered keynote speaker. Click Here To read his latest advice
free-online-course.com/masterson
Article Source: http://freewebcontents.com