Idioms

Long time no write for me...better start writing soon...

Okay, for the first entry (in nine months) I'm going to post some idioms that I found on Twitter from @EnglishTips4U...they are a great account to learn English...

I compiled these idioms for easy viewing...and without further ado...

1. Full of beans: energetic, frisky. Ex.: The men are full of beans today because they had their breakfast, a full breakfast that is.

2. Sell like hot chocolates: to be sold very fast. Ex.: Ms. Marvine's fried rice sold like hot chocolates at the bazaar yesterday.

3. Cheesed off: angry, disgusted, annoyed. Ex.: I'm cheesed off by her insolent behavior.

4. Sharp cookie: one who can identify attempts to deceive or mislead. Ex.: I tried to scam Alex to buy my fake watch but I failed. That guy is a sharp cookie.

5. Cool as a cucumber: extremely calm, imperturbable. Ex.: The oral exam is in 10 minutes but Joey looks as cool as a cucumber.

6. Cry over spilled milk: to be unhappy about what cannot be undone. Ex.: Never cry over spilled milk my grandpa always said. Life must go on he added.

7. Be as keen as mustard: to be very eager. Ex.: We should be careful with Harry's nomination for class president. He's as keen as mustard for that position.

8. Of the first water: of the finest quality. Ex.: Our English teacher is of the first water. We always learn new subjects the fun way.

9. Small potatoes: something insignificant or unimportant. Ex.: Stop worrying about your nails. They are just small potatoes.

10. Soup to nuts: from beginning to end. Ex.: The criminal confessed everything from soup to nuts.

That's for now...you can look for more idiom on their Twitter account or use the #IOTW also...

TOEFL vs IELTS

Here's a sum from @EnglishTips4You about TOEFL and IELTS. enjoy


1. WARNING: This will be a rather long #EngTips. So I will number the tweets to help you follow the session and THIS is number 1. ;)

2. Let's do a quick recap to start :) IELTS & TOEFL are tests of English proficiency.

3. IELTS stands for International English Language Testing System & TOEFL stands for Test of English as a Foreign Language.

4. Both IELTS and TOEFL iBT tests assess your English reading, writing, listening & speaking skills.

5. IELTS & TOEFL are needed if you wish to study overseas or to apply for scholarship in overseas universities.

6. At the completion of IELTS or TOEFL, you would get a score and the certificate is valid for 2 years.

7. Now, let's move on to the differences, shall we? IELTS & TOEFL generally differ in intent. IELTS & TOEFL test whether you can...

8. ...speak, read, understand and write English well enough to attend college in an English-speaking program.

9. While TOEFL mainly focus on academic purposes, the IELTS test comes in 2 versions: academic & general training.

10. Say you wish to migrate to UK, Australia or other commonwealth countries, you can take the General Training version of IELTS.

11. The general training version of IELTS is for those who are looking to head to an English-speaking country for work/immigration.

12. TOEFL is designed for North American speakers & hearers. Whereas IELTS is designed to fit a variety of accents & situations.

13. The spoken portions of TOEFL are read by native North American speakers. The questions are based on North American English.

14. The writing styles and accents in IELTS tests are designed to mimic the accent & style of many different countries.

15. This makes IELTS ideal for those who are looking to test their ability to speak and read English, but...

16. ...not necessarily need to speak and read North American English. This difference will have a larger effect because...

17. ...spelling counts and that is one area where Britain and US do not always see eye-to-eye.

18. The score calculation of IELTS & TOEFL also differ. IELTS tests are rated by so-called 'band' scores from 0 to 9.

19. Every module will be awarded a score from 0 to 9, and then averaged for the IELTS band score.

20. In TOEFL, numeral scores are assigned to different test parts and then totaled for the final TOEFL score.

21. The TOEFL test is almost entirely made up of MCQs (multiple choice questions). IELTS has much wider range of question types...

22. ...including MCQs, gap fill, matching exercises, etc. If you do not feel comfortable with MCQs, TOEFL is not the test for you.

23. For the reading and listening sections, TOEFL gives you MCQs, whereas IELTS generally expects you to copy down words from...

24. ...the text or from text or conversation word-for-word. The good thing about MCQ is that it is easy to pick out wrong answers.

25. Whereas the good thing about copying down is that the answer is sitting there in the text. You just need to find it & repeat it.

26. If you tend to become nervous during a test and want the test to end sooner, you should take the IELTS test.

27. The TOEFL exam lasts approximately for 4 hours, whereas the IELTS test is significantly shorter, about 2 hours and 45 minutes.

28. Another large difference is how the speaking section is carried out. In TOEFL, your answer will be recorded and assessed.

29. Whereas the speaking module in IELTS is carried out in front of a native speaker, in an interview format.

30. Some people might feel more relaxed to just record your answers into a computer because it feels like no one is listening.

31. Because IELTS is done in an interview format with native speaker present, you might get nervous or feel being judged.

32. Or perhaps you might feel more relaxed in a conversation, with a person there to explain if you don't understand a question...

33. ...or simply having a face to look at, instead of a computer screen. If you like talking to people, IELTS is a better bet.

34. If you want to be alone and not feel judged, TOEFL will be more comfortable for you.

35. The speaking and writing sections of TOEFL are graded holistically. The grader gives you a score based on...

36. ...the overall quality of the essay, including vocabulary, logic, style and grammar. The IELTS by contrast is marked by...

37. ...individual criteria and you are scored individually for grammar, word choice, fluency, logic, cohesion, and many others.

38. In other words, if you write well but have a lot of small grammar mistakes, your TOEFL score might be quite good because...

39. ...graders will ignore small mistakes if the overall essay is logical and detailed. The IELTS will not overlook bad grammar.

40. However, if your grammar and vocabulary are strong but you have trouble expressing your opinion or organizing an essay,...

41. ...you could end up with a low TOEFL score but the IELTS will give you good mark for language use.

42. If you don't feel comfortable writing essays but you think you have excellent grammar..

43. ...and vocabulary and overall are a decent writer, the IELTS test will probably be easier for you.

44. The final question which usually bothers the majority of candidate is which of the two is more difficult, IELTS or TOEFL

45. There really is no definite satisfying answer because it depends on your knowledge and preparation,..

46. ...as well as the test itself. Mind you, IELTS & TOEFL change every time they are taken.

48. ...clearly state what test the students must take in order to enroll in their university, which means students usually...

49. ...usually know what they have to prepare for and should not lose time by developing fear for any test section. #EngTips

T'is No Queen's English - some British Slangs

T'is No Queen's English - some British Slangs

1. Best of British: good luck.
e.g. You'll have an exam tomorrow? Best of British for you!

2. Blinkered: unwilling to understand other people or you.
e.g. He's very blinkered in his outlook.

3. Brill: brilliant.
e.g. You have to watch this film- it's brill!

4. Cracking: extremely good.
e.g. Dani scored with a cracking shot into the back of the goal.

5. Pass out: leave college.
e.g. I passed out in 2012 from State University. 

6. Engaged: busy.
e.g. I've tried to call you for many times but the line was engaged

7. Gormless: clueless.
e.g. Andy looked really gormless yesterday.


source: English Tips For You @EnglishTips4You

Common Mistakes in English

Common mistakes

So, I followed #englishtipsforyou on twitter and one subject m’interesse. It’s about common mistakes in English that non-native speakers might do. So I summed it up and post it in this blog. There are two sentences and an explanation in each topic. Donc, enjoy your learning!

1. A) Mia suggests going to her place since it’s near.

B) Mia suggests to go to her place since it’s near.

Explanation:

When SUGGEST is followed by another verb, that verb can’t be in infinitive with ‘to’.

It should be “suggest doing something” NOT “suggest to do something”.

Hence, the correct sentence is A

2. A) I look forward to meet you at the final.

B) I look forward to meeting you at the final.

Explanation:

When LOOK FORWARD TO is followed by a verb, that verb should be in the V-ing form.

It should be “look forward to doing something” NOT “look forward to do something”.

Hence, the correct sentence is B.

3. A) Nina needs improve her English.

B) Nina needs to improve her English.

Explanation:

When NEED is used to say that someone must do something, NEED must be followed by the infinitive with ‘to’.

It should be “need to do something” NOT “need do something”.

Hence, the correct sentence is B.

4. A) I hope you will consider my writing.

B) I hope you will consider about my writing.

Explanation:

CONSIDER is never followed by a preposition.

It’s “consider something” NOT “consider about something”.

Hence, the correct sentence is A.

5. A) If you want to win the contest, you must practice.

B) If you want win the contest, you must practice.

Explanation:

When WANT is followed by a verb, that verb can’t be in the infinitive without ‘to’.

It should be “want to do something” NOT “want do something”.

Hence, the correct sentence is A.

6. A) I’m glad you can come to my graduation.

B) I’m glad you can to come to my graduation.

Explanation:

CAN is followed by an infinitive verb without ‘to’.

It should be “can do something” NOT “can to do something”.

Hence, the correct sentence is A.

7. A) His job is to help operating the roller coaster.

B) His job is to help to operate the roller coaster.

Explanation:

When HELP is followed by another verb, that verb can’t be in the V-ing form.

It should be “to help to do something” NOT “to help doing something”.

Hence, the correct sentence is B.

8. A) I have two years’ experience of working as a writer.

B) I have two years’ experience in working as a writer.

Explanation:

The correct preposition to use after EXPERIENCE is ‘of’.

It should be “experience of doing something” instead of “experience in/on doing something”.

Hence, the correct sentence is A.

9. A) Would you mind to take a picture of us?

B) Would you mind taking a picture of us?

Explanation:

MIND is usually followed by a verb in the V-ing form.

It should be “mind doing something” NOT “mind to do something”.

Hence, the correct sentence is B.

10.    A) My parents don’t let me stay over at my friends’.

B) My parents don’t let me to stay over at my friends’.

Explanation:

LET is followed by a verb in the infinitive without “to”.

We have to say “let someone do something” NOT “let someone to do something”.

Hence, the correct sentence is A.

SUPER SUMMARY

1. SUGGEST + V-ing

When SUGGEST is followed by another verb, that verb can’t be in infinitive with ‘to’.

2. LOOK FORWARD TO + V-ing

When LOOK FORWARD TO is followed by a verb, that verb should be in the V-ing form.

3. NEED + infinitive with ‘to’

When NEED is used to say that someone must do something, NEED must be followed by the infinitive with ‘to’.

4. CONSIDER + something

CONSIDER is never followed by a preposition.

5. WANT + infinitive with ‘to’

When WANT is followed by a verb, that verb can’t be in the infinitive without ‘to’.

6. CAN + infinitive without ‘to’ (or Bare Infinitive)

CAN is followed by an infinitive verb without ‘to’.

7. HELP + infinitive

When HELP is followed by another verb, that verb can’t be in the V-ing form.

8. EXPERIENCE + of

The correct preposition to use after EXPERIENCE is ‘of’.

9. MIND + V-ing

MIND is usually followed by a verb in the V-ing form.

10.    LET + bare infinitive

LET is followed by a verb in the infinitive without “to”.

T3: Rose berdansa dengan setan

Satu cerita rakyat dari Kanada...

Rose Latulipe

Rose Latulipe habitait dans un petit village du Québec, au dix-huitième siècle. À cette époque, pendant le carême, il était interdit de danser. Les quarante jours avant Pâques, on devait faire pénitence, et non s’amuser! Mais la jolie Rose aimait beaucoup, beaucoup la danse. Et même si elle était fiancée à Gabriel, la coquette aimait aussi danser avec les autres beaux garçons des environs…

Rose Latulipe tinggal di sebuah desa kecil di Québec pada abad ke-18. Pada jaman itu, selama masa berpantang, berdansa itu dilarang. Selama masa 40 hari berpantang sebelum Paskah, orang-orang harus menunjukkan sikap menahan diri dan tidak boleh bersenang-senang! Namun si cantik Rosie sangat senang sekali berdansa. Dan meskipun ia sudah bertunangan dengan Gabriel, gadis belia itu juga senang berdansa dengan pria-pria tampan lainnya dari daerah sekitar.

Toujours est-il que cette année-là, le carême approchait. Rose demanda à son père si elle pouvait organiser une soirée, la veille du carême, pour danser et danser encore! Les quarante jours suivants, ce ne sera plus permis! Le père Latulipe accepta, mais à une condition : à minuit sonnant, on devait arrêter la danse. Sinon, ce serait un péché. Rose promit tout ce que son père exigeait, et la soirée s’organisa : tout le monde vint veiller chez les Latulipe. Le violoneux du coin était là, tous dansaient, fêtaient et s’amusaient.

Seperti tahun-tahun sebelumya, masa berpantang pun datang. Rose meminta ke ayahnya untuk mengadakan sebuah pesta dansa pada malam sebelum berpantang dimulai. Karena setelah itu selama 40 hari tidak ada pesta lagi!  Ayah Rosie pun setuju, namun dengan satu syarat: tepat tengah malam, pesta harus diakhiri. Jika tidak, maka dosa sudah menanti. Rose menyetujui syarat yang diberikan oleh ayahnya. Dan pesta pun dimulai! Semua orang pun datang ke rumah Latulipe. Pemain biola ada di pojokruangan dan semua pun berdansa, berpesta dan bergembira.

Soudain, vers onze heures du soir, on frappa à la porte. Le père Latulipe ouvrit et découvrit un bel inconnu, très élégant, que personne n’avait jamais vu au village. L’étranger demanda de sa voix grave s’il pouvait entrer et se joindre à la fête. Le père Latulipe n’hésita pas une seconde avant de répondre : « Mais ben sûr! Entrez donc! Tout le monde doit s’amuser! Dégrayez-vous, donnez-moi votre manteau, votre chapeau, vos gants… » L’inconnu refusa, prétextant qu’il ne resterait pas longtemps. Il entra, jeta un regard dans la pièce bondée, puis il invita Rose à danser. La jeune femme accepta avec enthousiasme, ravie que ce bel étranger s’intéresse à elle.

Tiba-tiba, sekitar jam 11 malam, ada seseorang yang menggedor-gedor pintu. Ayah Rose membuka pintu dan menemukan seorang asing yang terlihat sangat elegan. Tidak ada yang pernah melihat orang tersebut di desa sebelumnya. Dengan suara yang berat, orang asing itu meminta ijin untuk masuk dan bergabung dalam pesta. Tanpa ragu sedikit pun ayah Rose mempersilahkannya: “Tentu, tentu! Masuk, masuk! Semua orang harus bersenang-senang! Lepaskan mantelmu, topimu dan sarung tanganmu”. Namun orang asing itu menolak, mengatakan ia tidak akan tinggal lama. Ia pun masuk dan melemparkan pandangannya pada ruangan pesta, lalu mengajak Rose untuk berdansa. Gadis belia itu menerima ajakannya dengan penuh semangat. Ia merasa senang karena orang asing tersebut tertarik padanya.

Toute la soirée, elle dansa avec l’inconnu, qui n’invita personne d’autre. Rose n’avait pas une pensée ni un regard pour le pauvre Gabriel, son fiancé, qui passa la soirée sur sa chaise à les regarder tourner, enlacés. Mais voilà que minuit se mit à sonner… Le père Latulipe lança d’une voix ferme : « Ça suffit! On arrête la danse! Il est minuit. » Tout le monde arrêta de danser sans protester… sauf l’inconnu, qui murmura à Rose d’une voix charmeuse : « Juste une dernière danse, ma Rose… » Rose était déchirée. Elle était envoûtée par cet homme si beau avec lequel elle aurait tant aimé continuer à danser, mais elle savait aussi que le carême commençait à minuit et que poursuivre la danse serait un péché… Elle décida d’arrêter… mais elle n’y parvint pas. Ses pieds semblaient ensorcelés et continuaient de s’agiter contre sa volonté..

Sepanjang malam, Rose hanya berdansa dengan orang asing tersebut. Rose sama sekali tidak memikirkan maupun memandang ke Gabriel malang, tunangannya yang menghabiskan pesta tersebut di tempat duduk sambil melihat mereka berdua saling berpelukan dan berdansa. Dan tepat saat tengah malam…ayah Latulipe dengan suara yang tegas mengatakan: “Cukup sudah! Berhenti berdansa! Sudah tengah malam.” Semua orang pun berhenti berdansa tanpa melawan…kecuali orang asing tersebut, yang berbisik ke Rose dengan suaranya yang memikat hati: “Satu dansa terakhir, Rose-ku…” Rose pun luluh. Ia menyerah kepada pria yang sangat tampan tersebut. Rose memang sangat menginginkan untuk terus berdansa dengannya, namun ia juga tahu masa berpantang dimulai saat tengah malam dan bahwa meneruskan berdansa akan menjadi sebuah dosa. Ia pun memutuskan untuk berhenti…namun ia tidak bisa. Kakinya seakan-akan kena sihir dan terus bergerak melawan keinginannya.

Lorsque le douzième coup de minuit retentit, l’étranger éclata d’un grand rire. Il se pencha vers Rose et lui donna un baiser. Quand ses lèvres touchèrent celles de Rose, des étincelles jaillirent. La maison des Latulipe prit feu. Heureusement, les convives parvinrent à sortir de la demeure en flammes…

Ketika dentang bel ke-12 berbunyi yang menandakan tengah malam, orang asing itu mengeluarkan suara tawa yang keras. Ia mendekat ke Rose dan memberinya sebuah ciuman. Ketika bibirnya menyentuh bibir Rose, percikan-percikan api mulai menyembur keluar yang membuat kediaman Latulipe menjadi terbakar. Untungnya, semua tamu berhasil keluar dari rumah yang terbakar tersebut.

 
Le lendemain matin, on aperçut Rose Latulipe rôdant autour de la maison en cendres. Ses cheveux étaient devenus entièrement blancs. En une seule nuit, la pauvre avait vieilli de cinquante ans et avait complètement perdu la raison. Tout le monde au village comprit aussitôt que l’inconnu n’était nul autre que le diable, venu pour inciter les gens à danser passé minuit. Il avait gardé son chapeau pour cacher ses cornes et ses gants pour cacher ses griffes…

Keesokan paginya, orang-orang melihat Rose Latulipe kembali mengais-ngais di rumahnya yang sudah menjadi abu. Rambutnya telah berubah menjadi putih. Dalam satu malam, gadis malang itu telah menjadi seperti perempuan berumur 50 tahun dan menjadi hilang ingatan. Semua orang di desa dengan segera sadar bahwa orang asing tersebut tidak lain dan tidak bukan dari iblis itu sendiri, yang datang untuk menggoda orang-orang untuk terus berdansa hingga melewati tengah malam. Ia tetap memakai topinya untuk menyembunyikan tanduknya dan mengenakan sarung tangannya untuk menutupi cakarnya.

Depuis, dans différentes régions du Québec, on raconte la triste histoire de Rose Latulipe. Dans certains récits, la grand-mère de Rose sauve sa petite-fille grâce à son chapelet ou à de l’eau bénite. Dans d’autres, Rose s’en va droit en Enfer. Ce qui est sûr, c’est que la coquette est bien punie d’avoir dansé avec le diable.

                      

Sejak saat itu, di beberapa daerah di Québec, orang-orang menceritakan kisah sedih tentang Rose Latulipe. Dalam beberapa versi, nenek Rose menyelamatkan cucunya dengan Rosario atau air suci. Di versi lainnya, Rose bahkan jatuh ke neraka. Satu hal yang pasti, semua cerita ini adalah tentang seorang gadis yang mendapatkan hukuman yang setimpal karena telah berdansa dengan sang iblis.

Sumber: http://www.tv5.org/cms/chaine-francophone/lf/Tous-les-dossiers-et-les-publications-LF/Legendes-canadiennes/toutes-les-videos/p-22532-Rose-Latulipe.htm