Friday, January 31, 2025

15/ out 100 must-know words before TOEFL test

 

  • Benchmarking /ˈbɛntʃˌmɑːrkɪŋ/ – To measure performance against a standard. Matja e performancës kundrejt një standardi.

  • Brainstorming /ˈbreɪnˌstɔːrmɪŋ/ – To generate ideas in a free-flowing way. Gjenerimi i ideve në një mënyrë të lirshme.

  • Circumspect /ˈsɜːrkəmˌspɛkt/ – Cautious, considering all circumstances. I kujdesshëm, që merr parasysh të gjitha rrethanat.

  • Clandestine /klænˈdɛstɪn/ – Secret or covert. Sekret ose i fshehtë.

  • Cognition /kɒɡˈnɪʃən/ – Mental processes of understanding. Proceset mendore të të kuptuarit.

  • 120 mistakes not to make

     112. Unless and if

     Unless means ‘if not’ and, therefore, it is superfluous to introduce another not into the following clause.

     • Incorrect: Unless you do not give the keys of the safe you will be shot. 

    • Correct: Unless you give the keys of the safe, you will be shot. 

    • Correct: If you do not give the keys of the safe, you will be shot. 

    7/10 ways how to boost intelligence

     6. Engage in Meaningful Conversations

     Discuss ideas with intelligent people who challenge your thinking.

     Be open to different perspectives and learn from others.


    7. Practice Mindfulness and Meditation

     Meditation enhances focus, creativity, and memory.

    Mindfulness helps in managing emotions, reducing stress, and improving clarity.


    6/6 techniques to get rid of laziness

     

    6. Kanban(看板)

    Meaning: “Signboard” or “Visual Card,” originally from the Toyota Production System

    How It Helps Overcome Laziness:

    • Visual Organization: A Kanban board (physical or digital) lets you see tasks in columns like “To Do,” “Doing,” and “Done.” This visual clarity makes it easier to start and continue working.
    • Motivational Progress: Moving tasks from one column to the next provides a tangible sense of progress, reducing the likelihood of procrastination.

    Tips for Applying These Techniques

    • Start Small: Don’t try to overhaul your entire life overnight. Incorporate one technique at a time.
    • Stay Consistent: Use the Japanese principle of “little by little” (少しずつ) to make steady progress without burning out.
    • Reflect & Adapt: Periodically review what’s working or not and adjust accordingly—this aligns with the Kaizen mindset of continuous improvement.

    By combining these well-known Japanese approaches—whether it’s the organizational strength of 5S, the purposeful drive of Ikigai, or the calm discipline of Zazen—you’ll have multiple ways to reduce laziness and develop a more focused, motivated lifestyle.



    Thursday, January 30, 2025

    5/10 How to boost intelligence

     3. Learn a New Skill or Language

    Learning something new strengthens neural connections.

     Try a new language, musical instrument, or even coding.

     Teach someone else what you have learned. Teaching is one of the best ways to reinforce knowledge.


    4. Solve Puzzles and Play Strategy Games

     Engage in activities like chess, Sudoku, crossword puzzles, and logic games.

     These help improve problem-solving skills and mental flexibility.


    5. Exercise Regularly

     Physical exercise boosts blood flow to the brain, improving memory and cognitive function.

     Aerobic exercise, such as walking or swimming, is particularly beneficial.


    5/6 techniques to get rid of laziness

     

    5. Shinrin-yoku(森林浴)

    Meaning: “Forest Bathing” or “Forest Therapy”

    How It Helps Overcome Laziness:

    • Stress Reduction: Spending time in nature has been shown to lower stress hormones and improve mental well-being, which can enhance your motivation to get things done.
    • Energy & Inspiration: A relaxing walk in the woods can rejuvenate the mind and body, providing fresh energy and ideas, rather than succumbing to idle habits.

    10/100 words one should know before TOEFL test

     

  • Andragogy → /ˈæn.drəˌɡɒ.dʒi/

    • Meaning: The method and practice of teaching adult learners.
    • Albanian Translation: Andragogji
  • Antithesis → /ænˈtɪθ.ə.sɪs/

    • Meaning: A person or thing that is the direct opposite of someone or something else.
    • Albanian Translation: Antitezë
  • Antonym → /ˈæn.tə.nɪm/

    • Meaning: A word that means the opposite of another word.
    • Albanian Translation: Antonim
  • Articulate → /ɑːrˈtɪk.jə.lət/ (adjective), /ɑːrˈtɪk.jə.leɪt/ (verb)

    • Meaning: (Adjective) Able to express ideas clearly and effectively. (Verb) To express something clearly in speech or writing.
    • Albanian Translation: Artikulloj / i artikuluar
  • Assonance → /ˈæs.ə.nəns/

    • Meaning: The repetition of vowel sounds in nearby words, often used in poetry.
    • Albanian Translation: Asonancë
  • How to boost inteligence!!

     Intelligence is the ability to learn new things, solve problems, and understand the world around us.


    Yes! Intelligence is not fixed.”It can be developed through consistent effort. Here are several ways to boost your intelligence:


    1. Read Regularly

    Read books on diverse topics, including history, science, philosophy, and psychology.

     Read challenging materials that force you to think critically.

    Try summarizing what you read in your own words to reinforce understanding.


    2. Engage in Deep Thinking

    Reflect on complex topics and ask “why” and “how” questions.

    Practice critical thinking by analyzing arguments and forming your own conclusions.

     Keep a journal to write down your thoughts and ideas.


    Wednesday, January 29, 2025

    5/100 words one should know before the TOEFL test

     

    • Acquiesce → /ˌæk.wiˈɛs/ → Pranoj pa kundërshtuar
    • Acronym → /ˈæk.rə.nɪm/ → Akronim
    • Ambiguity → /ˌæm.bɪˈɡjuː.ə.ti/ → Paqartësi
    • Analogy → /əˈnæl.ə.dʒi/ → Analogi
    • Anachronism → /əˈnæk.rə.nɪ.zəm/ → Anakronizëm

    Five lesson to keep before your mind's eyes during February 2025


    1. Love is More Than Romance – It’s About Respect & Kindness

    • February is often linked with Valentine’s Day, but love isn’t just about romantic relationships. Teach them that love includes family, friendships, and self-respect.
    • Encourage them to show appreciation for those around them—whether it's a kind message, helping at home, or checking in on a friend.

    2. The Power of Self-Discipline

    • February marks the second month of the year, and many New Year’s resolutions fade by now. This is a great time to remind them that success comes from consistency, not just motivation.
    • Set small challenges with them—whether it's reading a book, exercising, or improving a skill—to reinforce persistence.

    3. The Importance of Resilience & Learning from Failure

    • The school year might be getting tougher with exams and projects. Teach them that setbacks are part of growth.
    • Share a personal story where you overcame failure and what you learned from it.

    4. Managing Screen Time & Social Media Wisely

    • February is short, but time is valuable. Have a discussion about how they spend their hours online.
    • Encourage them to use technology productively—learning something new, practicing digital detox days, or creating rather than consuming content.

    5. The Value of Gratitude & Giving Back

    • Gratitude improves well-being. Challenge them to reflect on three things they’re grateful for each day.
    • Inspire them to help others—whether it’s a small act of kindness, volunteering, or simply being a good listener.

    Give happiness a chance

     A time for silence 

    The next time you have five minutes to spare, do you 

    know what you should do?  Just think! 

    Make sure that for once you are surrounded by silence. 

    Switch off your radio and your hi-fi. Turn off the  

    TV –and the lights. Shut your books, put down your 

    papers and magazines. Flick the switches. Turn off the  

    taps. Free yourself from the tentacles of our consumer 

    society. Like a frightening octopus, it sucks away what 

    remains of your freedom and spirit with its debasing 

    commercials. 

    Make everything silent around you. Make it silent 

    within you. And take  your pulse. You must find out 

    whether you’re already dead-buried in goods, in 

    that tight corset of money making, achieving. 

    At a thousand meetings you talk, you protest. The 

    poor of the third world,the poor at home- they will 

    get nothing out of your talk, your aguing, your  

    protests your resolutions. 

    They loathe them because they know you yourself are 

    drowing in the very seriously only when your 

    consumption –fever- cools off. I do know something to 

    take for this consumption-fever: it is restraint, 

    self-denal,sacrifice! 

    5/6 techniques to get rid of laziness

     

    5. Shinrin-yoku(森林浴)

    Meaning: “Forest Bathing” or “Forest Therapy”

    How It Helps Overcome Laziness:

    • Stress Reduction: Spending time in nature has been shown to lower stress hormones and improve mental well-being, which can enhance your motivation to get things done.
    • Energy & Inspiration: A relaxing walk in the woods can rejuvenate the mind and body, providing fresh energy and ideas, rather than succumbing to idle habits.

    Tuesday, January 28, 2025

    English in practice

     86. Singular and plural nouns 

    The pronouns another, anything, each, everyone, everybody, anyone, someone, somebody, no one, none, much, person, either and neither are  singular and should be followed by singular verbs.

    The pronouns all, some, most, many and people are plural and should be followed by plural verbs. 

    • Incorrect: Every people know this. 

    • Correct: Every man / everyone knows this. 

    • Incorrect: Everyone in the class have handed in work. 

    • Correct: Everyone in the class has handed in work.

     • Incorrect: Neither of the boys are correct. 

    • Correct: Neither of the boys is correct.

     • Incorrect: Each of the boys were given a prize yesterday. 

    • Correct: Each of the boys was given a prize yesterday. 

    4/6 techniques to get rid of laziness

     

    4. Zazen(坐禅)

    Meaning: “Seated Zen Meditation”

    How It Helps Overcome Laziness:

    • Mental Clarity: Regular meditation practice helps calm the mind, which often reduces the stress or anxiety that can lead to avoidance or procrastination.
    • Discipline & Focus: Zazen requires consistent effort to maintain posture and attention, fostering a disciplined mindset that counters laziness in daily life.

    Proverb of the day

    The proverb "Still waters run deep" means that quiet, calm, or reserved people often have deep thoughts, wisdom, or strong emotions beneath the surface. Just like a river, where the deeper parts tend to have a smooth and still appearance, a person who seems calm on the outside may have a profound and complex inner world.

    Breaking It Down:

    • Literal Meaning: In nature, shallow waters are often noisy and turbulent, while deep waters flow smoothly and quietly.
    • Figurative Meaning: People who are not loud or boastful may have great intelligence, strong emotions, or deep wisdom.

    Examples:

    1. A quiet student in class may turn out to be the most knowledgeable and insightful.
    2. A reserved person at work may have strong leadership qualities and deep expertise.
    3. Someone who doesn't express emotions openly may have powerful feelings hidden inside.

    Opposite Meaning:

    Loud or talkative people are not always the most intelligent or deep thinkers. Sometimes, those who speak less actually have the most meaningful things to say. 

    English in practice

     111. Two words or one 

    The following are written as one word: 

    Nowadays, somehow, anyhow, everybody, into, moreover, cannot, together, today, sometimes, everyone, afterwards, everywhere, nobody, meanwhile, newspaper, outside, already, anything, anyone.

     The following are written as two words: All right, at once, some time, at least, no one, on to 

    Give happiness a chance

     Park in the sun 

    Park in the sun 

    In reality I don’t have such a long time on this world. 

    Between the eternity before my birth and the eternity 

    After my death, I am given such a short time for parking 

    on our little planet. 

    I have my own parking meter. 

    I can’t put back its hand. Neither can I make it give me 

    more time by popping in a few more coins. 

    My parking time here is relentlessly limited. There is 

    not a single thing I can do about it. My life is like  my 

    name written in the sand: a tiny breeze and it is gone. 

    So what should you do? 

    Don’t whatever you do cry about it. Try to park your  

    Life in the sun and not in a wasps’ nest of quarrels and 

    wrangles, of nerve-wracking worries and problems. 

    Make beautiful days! Be enthusiastic about light, about 

    life,about good people and about good things. Be 

    friendly and warm to the old man who knows that his 

    parking time is nearly over. Be warm towards the sick, 

    the handicapped, the dispossessed, the disillusionised, 

    the cheated and the many unhappy folk who no longer 

    have a place in the sun.Make beautiful days for them 

    and for the people around you. You have to do 

    nothing more to be happy in yourself. 

    Park in the sun and the parking meter tick.