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5 Tips To Help You Prepare for IELTs

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The IELTS, or International English Language Test System, evaluates your English abilities in listening, reading, writing, and speaking. The test is designed to be challenging, which means that this is not something to bluff your way through. Scoring well on your test can help you in a variety of areas, such as with visa applications or to accompany your application to English-speaking colleges and universities.

As your date for the IELT quickly approaches, here are 5 key strategies you can use to improve your score and make sure you are as prepared as possible.

Build your vocabulary

Vocabulary building will help you improve your understanding of complex passages that you read or listen to. It will also help you create more sophisticated answers when speaking or writing.

Build your vocabulary with an emphasis on phrases. Remember that English uses many expressions in everyday speech, so reading new words in context is helpful. When you come across new words and phrases, record them and note their meaning in the passage. Try to find vocabulary pertaining to a variety of different subjects, such as daily life, office culture, and travel. 

Spend a lot of time reading

Read everything you can get your hands on in English. Look at local newspapers and magazines as well as books. Reading helps you practice understanding the context of the new words you encounter and will help you internalize common phrasing.

When you read, try to use only an English-to-English dictionary instead of translating it back to your native language. It will further build your vocabulary and language skills. 

Listen to English media whenever possible

As you prepare for your exam, also make an effort to listen to English media whenever possible. Watch the news, listen to the radio, and watch movies and TV shows in English. If it helps to have the captions on, use only English captions. 

 When you come across words you do not know, pause the broadcast if you can to look them up. It will boost your understanding and help you deepen your vocabulary.

As you listen, practice discussing what you hear out loud in English. If you have a native speaker you can practice with, that is even better. If not, at least take care of this step on your own. It will force you to practice forming English sentences and try out pronouncing new words. 

Use a variety of different sources

While you prepare for the test, try to use a variety of sources. For example, instead of only listening to your favorite crime drama that takes place in New York City, try to listen to radio broadcasts from England or read nonfiction books. Using a variety of different sources on different topics will help you build a wider range of vocabulary. It will help you understand a variety of different types of texts for various situations. 

Review your weak areas

Finally, look back over your work in English as you have gone through your studies. Review notes that you have taken from past English courses. Look closely at the tests and essays you have submitted and the grades you received. Take note of your common mistakes and practice correcting them. If you do not understand something that was corrected, reach out to an English teacher or a native speaker to see if they can explain it to you.

Preparing for the IELTS can feel like a lot to manage, but keeping these tips in mind can help you perform well and increase your understanding of English.

 

5 Tips for Your American Road Trip

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America is a fun country to explore by car. You’ll find everything from the glamour of Beverly Hills to the frenetic pace of New York City to the charming small towns that dot the Midwest. And, of course, you’ll also have more than 420 national parks that you can visit, as well as state parks, beaches and deserts. For the most part, your biggest issue when planning a USA road trip will be narrowing down the sites that you’ll want to visit. Still, before you hit the road, you’ll want to check out these five tips that will help make your cross-country trip a successful one.

1. Make Reservations in Advance for Popular Sites

Many of the popular spots in the USA can book up months in advance. For example, if you want to stay at a campsite or hotel in Yellowstone Park, you may have to make your reservation a year in advance. Disney World tickets for popular dates can also book up months in advance. In addition, some national parks — such as Yosemite and Glacier National Parks — are also limiting the number of visitors that can enter on a daily basis by requiring advanced reservations. These requirements can change suddenly, so always check a park’s website for the most up-to-date information.

2. Don’t Let Your Gas Run Low

In many areas of America, you can travel for long distances without seeing a gas station and/or restaurants. So, if your gauge is on the low side, don’t take chances, especially if you’re out in the country or in the desert — fill up your tank. Oh, and while you’re at it, make sure to use the restroom and pick up some snacks for the road.

3. Don’t Be Overly Ambitious

America is vast. The distance between the east and west coast of the contiguous 48 states is approximately 3,000 miles; from north to south, about 1,600 miles. It’s an important factor to consider when planning your itinerary. Your destinations may not be as close as you think. You should also keep in mind that 15 miles on the traffic-choked streets of Los Angeles is going to take a lot longer than out in the middle of the desert. Also, make sure to leave time in your itinerary to stop at some of America’s quirky roadside attractions.

4. Be Prepared for Weather Extremes

If you’ll be traveling across the USA, be prepared for every type of weather. For example, if you’ll be traveling in March, you could run into a blizzard in Montana, a heat wave in California, or tornadoes in Texas. So, make sure to bring gear for all types of weather. Also take the time before you hit the road to check the weather forecast for your intended route.

5. Share Your Itinerary with Loved Ones

Road trips are fun. But they can also have those moments that make great stories later, but can be frightening while they’re occurring. Your rental car, for instance, could break down, or you could get into an accident. By sharing your itinerary with a loved one, they can keep track of your progress. And if you fail to reach a certain destination, they could alert the authorities that you are missing and could be in need of help.

5 Thought Leaders With Eccentric Habits

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Thought leaders see the world differently than most. They’re passionate, visionary rule-breakers. They’re trailblazing pioneer disruptors that drive change and move us forward. It’s no surprise that they’re also eccentric. What kind of eccentric habits? Here are a few habits of 5 great thought leaders.

Benjamin Franklin: Cold Water Swimmer

No thought leader article would be complete without referencing American Founder Ben Franklin. One of his many quirky habits included daily swims in the London Thames river. He wasn’t alone in his belief that chilled body submersions are healthy. Ancient Greek Hippocrates noted that doing so combats physical and mental weakness. Today’s science supports the theory that a cold shower, swim, or ice bath invigorates the brain by sending fresh blood to the vital organs.

Steve Jobs: The Cryer

Apple founder Steve Jobs, who changed the world, first with the Mac and then with the iPod, turned to tears in times of extreme emotion. Whether out of frustration or happiness, Jobs cried incessantly. He described these episodes as “purity of spirit”. Science tells us that crying reduces stress and leads to greater mental clarity.

Bill Gates: The Rocker

The founder of Microsoft, Bill Gates, rocks. When Gates is deep in thought, he rocks back and forth in his chair. According to his staff, the pace and enthusiasm of his rocking reflected his passion for the topic. Gates was known to rock, even at Harvard. While never publicly shared, many believe that the rocking strongly indicates that Gates is neurodivergent. His rocking habit, monotone speech pattern, and lack of eye contact all point towards Autism. Many visionaries, from Einstein and Michelangelo to Newton and Tesla, are believed today to be autistic.

Mark Zuckerberg: Solo Outfitter

The founder of the giant social media platform Facebook, Mark Zuckerberg, never changes his clothes. Well, he does, but he wears the same outfit daily. You’ll see Zuckerberg sporting the same gray t-shirt, with a hoodie if it’s cold, every single solitary day. Why? Because, according to Zuckerberg, he doesn’t ever want to have to think about making a choice about his clothes. He believes this simple act helps him optimize his time by eliminating less critical daily decisions. His belief is sound, especially for those who lead billion-dollar businesses and have a lot on their minds.

Jeff Bezos: Two-Pizza Rule

Amazon’s founder and CEO, Jeff Bezos, is known for many quirky habits—from working at a desk made from a door to insisting that all proposals follow a very specific, short form template. Bezos also adheres to what he calls the two-pizza rule. He never schedules or goes to a meeting where two pizzas cannot feed all attendees. Bezos believes that only with smaller, intimate groups with specific objectives can you effectively move forward.

While each of these thought leaders’ habits could be considered quirky or eccentric, the truth is that there’s a legitimate reason for their seemingly odd behavior. Since each thought leader is historically successful, perhaps the rest of us mere mortals will learn a thing or two from these eccentric habits.

5 Things To Know Before You Consider Getting Solar Panels

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Solar technology is promising, and there are a lot of good reasons to consider installing panels on your home. With an electric vehicle, you could effectively get free gas for life. Plus, lowering the electric bill always sounds nice. On top of that, solar panels can dramatically increase the value of your home.

 

But, solar installations are not simple, and the systems can be very complicated. There are some things that you will really want to know before you get serious about this idea.

 

Value Depends on Location

 

While solar can work in most places, the raw dollar value of the investment varies. You’re going to get more bang for your buck using solar in Phoenix, AZ, as compared to Cambridge, MA. That’s because the sun is brighter in Arizona, and residents there use the most power while the sun is up.

 

On top of that, very local things like which way your house faces and whether or not there are trees blocking the sun make a big difference. It helps a lot to learn about how much you can get out of your solar panels before you make any serious commitments.

 

Roofing Gets Complicated

 

You want your roof to be in top shape before any solar installations, mainly for two reasons. First, you need a hearty roof to safely hold the panels. It’s that simple.

 

The second issue is that repairing the roof under your solar panels is a lot more complicated. Usually, the panels have to be removed before the roof is accessible. So, you want a roof with a nice, long lifespan before you install solar.

 

Your Power Needs

 

Solar systems are customized for each home. To get that customization correct, you need a good idea of your power needs. Otherwise, you might overspend on too many panels, or you might get too few panels and not have enough to power the home.

 

Most solar installers will work with you to review your electric bills to get a good idea of how much power you need in the solar system. It’s important to take the time to understand that part of the deal before you take out any solar loans.

 

Payment Assistance Options

 

Solar is expensive — like take-out-a-second-mortgage levels of expensive. But, you don’t have to pay for everything out of your own pocket. There are still a lot of rebate and credit programs to help you pay for a solar installation, and they exist at federal, state, and local levels.

 

There are too many programs to list them all here, but you can find a lot of resources available through your state’s department of energy. It’s certainly nice to know what kind of payment assistance is available before you sign any contracts.

 

Solar Lifespan

 

The last thing you really want to understand is the solar lifecycle, which involves a lot. Who fixes the panels if something is wrong? Where do they go when they are eventually too old (usually 20 to 30 years after installation)? What are the warranties on the system? How much productivity can you expect over their lifespan?

 

These are all important questions, and the solar provider can usually answer them. Make sure to have those conversations early.

 

5 Tips for Solo Women Hikers

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Hiking is not just good for your body. It can also be good for your soul and mental health. How so? When you hit the trails on your own, it gives you time to reflect and enjoy the soothing sights and sounds of nature. And it can also give you an overwhelming feeling of accomplishment, especially after completing a more difficult hike.

Though hiking solo is generally just as safe (if not safer) than walking in an urban setting, it’s always a good idea to take some precautions. The following are 5 tips for women who want to enjoy hiking alone. 

Always Let Someone Know Your Hiking Plans

Share your hiking itinerary with a close friend or relative. Let them know the times you plan on leaving and returning home and what trail you’ll be hiking. But be careful who you tell. For instance, it’s not uncommon for women on hiking forums to announce that they’ll be hitting a trail at a certain day and time, and then ask if anyone would like to join them. That is never a good idea. You never know who may be reading those forums. 

Download a Good Hiking App

Hikers today have several excellent apps to choose from, including Kompass and AllTrails. These apps will provide you with valuable information, such as the difficulty and length of a trail, elevation gain, and directions. Most apps also have trail reviews, so you can read about firsthand experience from hikers. This information could help you determine if a particular trek would be safe to do on your own. Some apps also have a feature that will allow you to share your hiking itinerary with a close friend or family member.  

Stay Connected

Although you may want to get away from it all, it’s important to stay connected when you’re hiking solo. Whenever possible, stick to trails where you’re sure to have good cell phone coverage. You never know what can happen on a trail. You could fall and injure yourself or get lost. And when you’re by yourself, the only way to reach out for help may be to call someone. 

Prepare for the Worst Case Scenario

As the saying goes, “Prepare for the worst, hope for the best.” When it comes to hiking solo as a female that means bringing:

  • A lightweight rain jacket
  • An emergency blanket, in case you get caught outdoors overnight
  • A whistle to alert others that you may be in danger or to help rescuers find you
  • Bear spray (if you’ll be in bear country)
  • Protection against a potential attacker, including but not limited to a dog, a knife, or mace

Be Aware of Your Surroundings

For the most part, hiking is a very safe hobby. But it’s never a good idea to let your guard down. For example, do not wear ear buds or headphones. On the trail, your ears can alert you to many potential dangers. And if you’re wearing headphones, you won’t be able to hear such things as an approaching bear or a human. You could also miss the sound of a rattlesnake alerting you to its presence or the angry buzz of a hornet’s nest. 

 

Making a Permaculture Keyhole Garden

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No matter how serious you are about self-sufficiency, you probably don’t want your backyard to look like an industrial farm – and you may not have the space, anyway! Fortunately, there are ways to make any homestead look visually appealing, while also  requiring less square footage than you thought. One such method is the keyhole garden.

What Is a Keyhole Garden?

The basic shape of a raised-bed keyhole garden is that of a circle that’s half-bisected by a path that’s narrow from the edge almost to the center. In that center, however, the path ends in a smaller “circle within a circle.” That leaves the rest of the larger circle to be filled with a U-shaped bed of plants. From above, the whole thing resembles the classic “keyhole shape.” 

In practice, this shape allows the home gardener full access to any part of the bed from the center. (Of course, the plants on the perimeter can also be accessed while walking just outside of the circle.)

Advantages of a Keyhole Garden

The many advantages to permaculture keyhole gardens include:

  • Space-saving. Keyhole gardens eliminate the amount of ground taken up by access paths between rows of plants. In fact, a keyhole garden path requires only about a quarter of the space that a traditional bed of the same size does. 
  • Creates a microclimate. Keyhole beds can act as “sun traps” because of the U-shape of the plan. That helps northern growers, in particular, extend their growing season. To create this warmer microclimate, place taller plants at the northern edge of the circle, with the entire keyhole garden facing south.   
  • Aesthetically pleasing. Whether you’re growing veggies, herbs, a rose garden – or a happy mix of all of these – keyhole gardens create curving shapes that are “fancy” enough for even a street-facing yard. (And if you have the space to have several keyhole gardens on either side of a narrow path, you’ll create a truly inviting and productive garden space.) 
  • Encourages pollinators and confuses pests. The shape of the keyhole garden allows pollinating bees, birds and insects to fly from plant to plant without having to be as exposed as they would a traditional multi-row garden. In addition, having several types of plants within one small place discourages pests like the tomato hornworm or bean beetle, which prefer to chomp on the same kind of plant in large groups.

Making a Keyhole Garden

To get started, mark a circle that’s about 10 or 12 feet in diameter.Shovel out a path to the center that’s about 1 foot across, along with a smaller circle at the end of the path that’s about 18 inches wide. Put that removed soil into the non-path parts of the circle. 

Next, work the remaining part of the circle – the U-shaped garden – until the soil is loose, with any remaining lawn or weeds removed. Add any necessary soil amendments at this time, building up enough layers to make it raised, and mulch the center pathway. 

Finally, plant seeds and seedlings in the non-path parts of the circle. Taller plants should go to the northern, back edge of the circle. The shorter and more frequently-picked plants can take up the remainder of the U-shape, closer to the access path and inner circle.

5 Worst Major Airports In Europe

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Few people enjoy air travel. The idea of being cramped on an airplane for hours can be daunting. However, your experience at the airport can make or break your travel plans. Canceled flights, delays, and lost luggage are all things that can make the airport the worst. So what are the five worst airports in Europe? 

1. Heathrow Airport

London’s Heathrow is at the top of many “worst” airport lists. According to a survey conducted by Priority Pass, airline passengers agree. This airport is known for its lengthy flight delays and lost bag problems. They also top the list for flight cancellations.

Getting to Heathrow will cost you, too. It’s a long journey via the tube. You can take the Heathrow Express from Paddington station in West London and get there in just 15 minutes, but it is an expensive ride. 

The good news is if you get stuck at Heathrow Airport, there is plenty to do there. It is a little like a shopping mall inside, which also serves as an airport. 

2. Gatwick Airport

You won’t fare much better at Gatwick Airport in London. It is the city’s second busiest, and reviewers say it is just as bad. It has some of the same problems, too. It is known for its flight delays and cancellations. It has warned people against bringing luggage to check because of their staff shortages. Gatwick has notoriously tiny waiting rooms, and on a recent hot day in London, people were passing out due to the lack of air conditioning. 

Transportation to and from the airport isn’t much better at Gatwick, either. You can take a long bus or train ride and pay less. If you want to take the Gatwick Express, it will get you to Central London in just 15 minutes, but the ride will cost you almost twice as much. 

3. Lisbon Portela Airport

Lisbon is facing the same delays and cancellations that are plaguing Europe airports. Passengers also complain about long lines at immigration with some waiting hours to get through. On top of all that, Lisbon is an older facility, and an increase in passengers creates chaos. That is exactly what happened as Europe lifted its COVID-19 restrictions. The queues at Lisbon backed up, and people stood in lines for everything. 

4.  Chania International Airport 

Chania Airport in Crete, Greece, is described as “chaotic.” Passengers there report having to stand in lines for hours at a time and sometimes even queuing outside the airport. If you are stuck there, there is little to do but wait. This airport doesn’t offer much dazzle and entertainment. What food you can get isn’t the best and is costly. There is also minimal seating. 

5. Crete Herakleion International Airport

Unfortunately, you won’t do much better at the Herakleion in Crete. It has a reputation for having long lines and no air conditioning. While you can find something to eat there, you will pay top dollar for it. Also, the bathrooms are dirty and unkept. 

Flying is taxing at best. When the airport is the worst, it impacts your whole trip. 

 

How To Help Your Kids Learn About History

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History is an exciting subject that can take you through time to experience the world from other people’s perspectives. It is not just a list of names and dates, but rather the story of cultures, including the rise and fall of empires, the introduction of new inventions, and how our modern cultures came to be. 

Introducing history to children well can help them appreciate this exciting subject. Here are some key strategies to help your kids learn history and build a love for the subject.

Introduce quality historical fiction

Good historical fiction books can bring time periods alive. Rather than just reading boring recitations of who did what and when they did it, historical fiction creates a world that the child can envision and better understand. They can see the historical world through the eyes of someone they can relate to and start to see their own place in history. It will help them imagine what it might have been like to live during different periods, which will then help them make sense of all the changes and events that took place in the lives of the characters. 

Use hands-on learning

Some of the best memories people have of their school days come from exciting projects, and history can be full of them. Hands-on learning experiences, such as using heavy whipping cream to make butter in the classroom or learning how to knit, can help children better appreciate the type of chores children their age may have done a few hundred years ago. They will then find it easier to relate to the children of the past and associate fun and excitement with this subject. An interest in history inspired by projects can then carry the students through other types of learning. 

Use timelines

Timelines can be a great way to help children organize dates. Often, history classes cover so many different cultures and events that everything can start to feel muddled together. A timeline helps to lay everything out so that people can see and understand what was going on in China at the same time as Rome and South America. History will start to make more sense. 

Visit museums

Explore and visit museums so children can personally see items from earlier eras. Rather than looking at pictures, they can see objects that people hundreds, or even thousands, of years ago touched and used. This will also help history come alive and inspire interest in the student. 

Speak to those who have lived it

First-hand accounts are immensely beneficial in history. For modern history, find community elders who lived through certain events. They can tell their story about different wars and the historical events and changes in their lifetime. 

If you want to teach children about events older than modern history, you can seek out first-person accounts of the targeted events. They can also help the historical narrative become more alive and interesting for children as they start to imagine what living back then was like.

History is an exciting subject, helping to educate current generations about the past so that we can all better understand our place in history. If you want to inspire children about the subject, consider incorporating some of these ideas to make the subject more engaging and interesting for these younger learners.

 

How To Hack Your Subconscious Mind To Improve Your Life

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Your mind dictates your happiness levels and how you see the world. In a rut? Want to change? Luckily, this is possible because the brain is very flexible. With the right strategies, you can easily hack your subconscious mind and improve your life. Check out these five ideas.

1. Meditation
Meditation isn’t hard. You just lie there and let your mind go. If your mind tends to wander, you can pop on a guided meditation video or use a mediation app.

Clearing your mind offers a lot of benefits. In the moment, it’s relaxing, but the effects last much longer than the few minutes you devote to this practice. Regular meditation reduces stress and anxiety. It helps your concentration. It also makes you a kinder and more compassionate person.

2. Gratitude
The practice of gratitude can also reshape your brain. Start every day by writing down or saying three things that you’re grateful for. If you’re getting stuck on the same item, try to be more specific. For instance, if your dog is the first thing that jumps to mind every day, just get a little more granular. Note that your are grateful for the feel of their fur, the way they greet you after work, or how happy they are when they see a squirrel.

Over time, this practice will effectively create new patterns in your brain. You might start to think,”Ugh, I don’t want to do the laundry or cook dinner.” But, then your subconscious will go, “But I sure am grateful for my wardrobe or the fridge full of food.” Over time, your brain may even stop the complaints and jump straight to gratitude. This will change your life.

3. Positive affirmations
Your brain develops grooves between your neurons, and the easiest thoughts are the ones that are well grooved into your brain. But here’s the good news — you can make new grooves in your brain.

Often, people train their brains to think negative thoughts about themselves. Their brains may be accustomed to thinking, I’m not good enough, I’m not pretty enough, or I can’t do x. Positive affirmations can help you get beyond these destructive thoughts. Choose a perception that you want to change about yourself and repeat it every day.

This can be a very simple affirmation such as “I am a good person.” Or it can be a more pointed thought such as “I am motivated to work hard.” Just by saying and feeling this thought every day, you will create a new pattern in your brain. Affirmations also help people to eat better and exercise more.

4. Hypnosis 

Hypnosis can affect your brain in very powerful ways. It can help you lose weight, quit smoking, or make other positive changes in your life. Contrary to popular belief, hypnosis cannot make you do something that you don’t want to do. Hypnosis is a form of guided meditation that can change how your brain processes information.

For instance, if you want to quit smoking and are having trouble on your own, hypnosis can alter how your brain thinks of smoking. It can help you see yourself as a non-smoker, and once you truly believe that, you’ve kicked the habit.

5. Exercise
Your brain doesn’t exist on its own. It’s part of your body, and if you want to hack your subconscious, you need to think about yourself as a holistic person with an interconnected brain and body.

Exercise can help your brain in many ways. It can help you learn and think more effectively. This is true for people of all ages. You can’t just sit and learn. You need to punctuate your day with physical activity. Staying active can also help to reduce stress and anxiety.

How To Maintain Your Retro Computer: 5 Tips for Longevity

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Whether you consider yourself a computer collector or are simply nostalgic for the “good old days,” having a retro computer can be quite the experience. Older computers can take you back in time—and they can also hold a fair amount of value. At the same time, retro computers tend to have a lot of delicate parts that could fail at any time. The good news? By following a few practical tips, you can keep your retro computer running like new.

1. Avoid Too Much Natural Light

Many older computers have towers, keyboards, monitors, and other major components that are made of plastic. And while it’s true that plastic is quite durable, it can also break down over time. This breakdown can be accelerated by prolonged exposure to harsh UV light. 

To avoid discoloration and deterioration of plastics, try to keep your retro computer out of direct sunlight. This means storing it away from a large window (or using shades/curtains to protect your computer from light) whenever possible.

2. Take Control of Dust

Dust is another common problem for electronics, and this is especially true for older computers. Even a small amount of dust buildup could cause a piece of hardware to break down completely or cause a bad connection on the motherboard. Being diligent about dusting in rooms where retro computers are kept can make all the difference, as can using a high-efficiency air filter in your home.

3. Protect Against Power Surges

Unfortunately, an unexpected power surge can cause serious damage to a retro computer that’s been left plugged in. Even if your computer isn’t on at the time of a power surge, its hardware and other components could be damaged. The good news? Avoiding this is as simple as either unplugging your retro computer when it’s not in use or plugging it into a surge protector.

4. Be Mindful of Humidity

Moisture is among the worst enemies of electronics, regardless of age. You should be especially careful when it comes to moisture and retro devices, however. Take humidity readings regularly and make sure that relative indoor humidity doesn’t surpass 50%-60%. If you live in a climate that sees higher humidity, you may want to consider running a dehumidifier in your home (or, at the very least, in the room where your retro computer is kept).

5. Stock Up on Backup Parts

Inevitably, the parts on a retro computer will fail over time. Because these parts can be difficult to come by, it’s always a good idea to keep a stock of common replacement parts on hand. This includes a motherboard, graphics card, hard drive, and similar hardware components. This way, you won’t have to scour for a replacement and wait for shipping when the time comes.

Keep Your Computer Running Like New

Taking care of a retro computer does take a little more time and effort than caring for a modern device, but by following these tips, you can keep your older computer running well for years to come!