Ways to Prepare for Your IELTS Exam

You may consider working with the Barrow's Book. Finish all the 4 model tests. Record the scores of the listening and reading tests, use the table below.  This helps you see what your proficiency level is like. What is your achievable score?

Get someone to help you analyze your mistakes. If you wish to get my help, call me. My number is 97360684.


You must start the preparation as soon as you can, at least three months before the exam.

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Improve Your Reading Skills - Read the Novel, "The Star of Kazan"

The best selling book The Star of Kazan is about an abandoned girl called Annika who lived as a maid but became a "star" at the hearts of  three servants and three professors who lived at a grant house in Vienna. This interesting background of Annika fills your heart with a sensational feeling towards life: sympathy, happiness, sadness, amazement, sorrows, and awesome.

In fact, all the characters have very interesting background which readers can reflect upon.

Zedekiah (Zed)
Zed was friendly, diligent, helpful, but somewhat honestly shrewd. Despite being a son of the horse dealer and descended from gypsies, Zed managed to join the imperial riding show with his horse, Rocco.

Stefan Bodek
Stefan was a childhood friend of Annika. As a son of a poor washerwoman, he had a poor live. He wanted to be an engineer but feared that he couldn't afford to study. At the end Annika paid for him to study.

Follow the link for the descriptions of other characters in the novel.

But when you read the book you must utilize both your left and right brains to fully grasp the essence of the novel. In other words, you must let your imagination take a full control as you read. So, learn to comprehend the events that develop the plot of the novel with your left brain, i.e. the logical thinking and understanding of the text; and learn to match the events of the novel that create the plot with your right brain, i.e. your imagination. For more information, you can read the book, The Whole Brain Business Book that describes how we can make use of "four-quadrant model of the brain and the corresponding thinking styles: logician, organizer, communicator, and visionary".

When you read, make sure you read and take in the events with your logical mind, i.e. left-side of your brain as it says in the text regarding various events of the story; while at the same time always form images with your visionary mind, i.e. right-side of your brain to memorize the overall plot of the story.  For further reading, please read the book Reading with Meaning. It explains the strategies like "inferring, asking questions, making connections, determining importance in text, creating mental images, and synthesizing information" to enhance your reading skills.

Writing Tips for Task 2 of IELTS Academic Paper

                                      
These are the two books I'd like to recommend.  


The IELTS Writing Tasks 2 requires you to present your arguments with reasons and examples based on your experience and knowledge.

When working on the task, it is important to ensure that you address all aspects of the questions. It is necessary to spend 2 to 3 minutes analyzing and brainstorming ideas for the topic before you start writing the essay.

Introductory Paragraph (Background + Purpose + Scope)

Address the topic by identifying keys words in the question topic. Use synonyms and other word forms to paraphrase the key words. Define the scope of your writing by working out the stakeholders, i.e. the concerned people, groups or organization. Also work out the number of related issues or ideas that affect the development of the topic you are writing about.

• Write the first sentence with background information which is relevant to the topic
• State the purpose of your writing by relating it to the question task.
• Provide the general outline of the main points

Body Paragraphs
Use two to three paragraphs to present a balanced argument both agreeing and disagreeing with the topic. Start each paragraph with a topic sentence. Clearly explain why you agree or disagree and include some supporting examples.

• list reasons why you agree with the argument and include facts, ideas, or supporting examples
• list reasons why you disagree with the argument and include facts, ideas, or supporting examples

Conclusion
Summarize the main points mentioned in the body paragraphs. State your position regarding the issue. Be careful, don't mention any view points that contradict what you have said in the body paragraphs.

• e.g. In conclusion, there are both positive and negative impacts associated with globalization. It is best to take a balanced approach. Governments need to work together and recognize that all members of economic body contribute to the well-being of the whole world.

Amnesia 健忘症

Amnesia refers to partial or complete loss of memory. Different types and degrees of amnesia occur in old age and in some mental disorders. Recent memory is far less efficient in the elderly, although long-term memory still functions well.

Symptoms
The most common form of this disease is verbal amnesia. In this condition, the patient forgets words and names. A very uncommon form of amnesia is temporary loss of memory, in which a person even forgets his own identity, including his name, age, family background and any recollection of the past. In case of poor memory caused by brain weakness, the patient may suffer from mild headache, intolerance to noise and inability to concentrate.

Causes
The main cause of amnesia is the impairment of brain cells caused by diseases directly affecting them or, indirectly through a poor blood supply due to circulatory diseases. Poor memory also results from dullness of intellect and weakness of brain. Many cases are, however, largely psychological in origin, caused by anxiety, neurosis, resulting from lack of attention in persons obsessed with their own problems.


Remedies

Almonds (Badam): Almonds (Badam): Almonds are very valuable for restoring a poor memory caused by brain weakness. They contain unique properties to remove brain debility and to strengthen the brain. Ten to twelve almonds should be immersed in water overnight and their outer skin removed. They should then be made into a fine paste and taken, mixed with one teaspoon of butter or even alone. Inhaling ten to fifteen drops of almond oil through the nose, morning and evening, is also beneficial in the treatment of brain weakness.

Walnuts (Akhrot) : Walnut is another unique dry fruit, valuable in countering brain weakness. The efficacy of about twenty grams of walnuts gets enhanced, if they are taken with figs or raisins in a proportion of ten gram each, everyday.

Apples (Seb): Apples are useful in amnesia. The various chemical substances contained in this fruit such as vitamin B1, Phosphorus, and Potassium help in the synthesis of glutamic acid. This acid controls the wear and tear of nerve cells. Eating an apple a day with one tea-spoon of honey and one cup of milk, is beneficial in the treatment of loss of memory and mental irritability. It acts as an effective nerve tonic and recharges the nerves with new energy and life.


Other Fruits

All fruits which are rich in phosphorus are valuable mitigators of amnesia, as they invigorate the brain cells and tissues. Other than those mentioned earlier, figs, grapes, oranges and dates may be eaten to enhance memory.

Herbal remedies for amnesia
Cumin seeds (jeera): Cumin seeds (jeera): The use of cumin seeds is a valuable remedy for amnesia or dullness of memory. Three grams of black cumin seeds should be mixed with two teaspoons of pure honey and taken once a day, preferably, in the morning.

Black Pepper (Kali mirch): Five seeds of finely ground black pepper, mixed with one teaspoon of honey, are also beneficial in the treatment of this condition. This preparation should be taken both in morning and evening.

Rosemary (rusmary): The most remarkable remedy for loss of memory or forgetfulness is the use of the herb rosemary, botanically known as Romarinus officinalis. It has long been regarded as a herb for remembrance. In ancient times, the Greeks and the Romans prepared fragrant distilled water from the flowers of this plant and inhaled the odor so that ‘the evils were destroyed from the mind and the memory no longer played tricks.’ Rosemary is considered to be an antidote for mental fatigue and forgetfulness. A tea made from this herb, taken once or twice a day, is a refreshing drink and an effective natural remedy for enhancing mental agility.

Sage (sefakuss): The herb sage has also been found beneficial in the treatment of a week memory or loss of memory. It acts on the cortex of the brain, mitigates mental exhaustion and strengthens the ability to concentrate. A tea prepared from dried sage leaves can be used regularly for this purpose.

Brahmi Booti: Another herb useful in amnesia is brahmi booti, botanically known as Bacopa scrophulariaceae. About seven grams of this herb should be dried in the shade and ground in water, along with seven kernels of almonds and half a gram of pepper. This mixture should be strained and sweetened with honey or jaggery. It should be drunk every morning for a fortnight on an empty stomach.


Dietary Consideration
Diet is of utmost importance in the treatment of amnesia. It should be so arranged as to provide all essential nutrients, as even a single nutritional deficiency can cause anxiety neurosis in susceptible people. Persons suffering from amnesia should avoid tea, coffee, alcohol, flesh foods, white flour, sugar, and all products made from white flour and sugar.

Other measures
Persons suffering from amnesia should have sufficient rest and sleep under proper conditions. They must also learn the art of scientific relaxation and meditation.

Extracted from
http://www.medindia.net/AlternativeMedicine/Amnesia_print.htm

Early Psychosis 思覺失調

The word "psychosis" is used to describe conditions that affect the mind, in which there has been some loss of contact with reality. The terms "early psychosis" or "first episode psychosis" mean that an individual is experiencing psychosis for the first time. Hallucinations, delusions (false beliefs), paranoia and disorganized thoughts and speech are symptoms of psychosis. These symptoms can seem so real that often the person does not realize that they are experiencing psychosis. Psychosis also affects feelings and behaviour.


Psychotic episodes are periods of time when symptoms of psychosis are strong and interfere with regular life. Although the lengths of these episodes vary from person to person and may only last a few hours or days, psychosis is most likely to continue for weeks, months or even years unless the person is given proper treatment.



The experience of psychosis varies greatly from person to person and individuals experiencing psychosis may have very different symptoms.


Who gets psychosis?
Approximately 3% of people will experience a psychotic episode at some stage in their life, although a first episode usually occurs in adolescence or early adult life. Psychosis occurs across all cultures and levels of socioeconomic status and affects males and females equally.
Being able to treat psychosis early is very important, since it usually starts during a very critical stage of a young person's life. Adolescents and young adults are just starting to develop their own identity, form lasting relationships, and make serious plans for their careers and future. A successful recovery leads to a healthy, productive future.


Phases of a psychotic episode
UpThere are three phases to psychosis; however, not all people having a psychotic episode will experience clear symptoms of all three phases. Each person's experience will differ.


The first phase is called the Prodromal Phase.

This is the period before the psychosis becomes more obvious. There are often changes in feelings, thoughts, perceptions and behaviours. Prodromal symptoms vary from person to person and some people may not experience a prodrome. The duration of this phase is quite variable, although it usually spans several months.



The second phase is the Acute Phase.

This is the stage when the typical psychotic symptoms emerge. It is also the stage that is easiest to recognize and diagnose. Therefore the acute phase is when most people begin receiving treatment.



The third phase is Recovery.

Some of the symptoms that are apparent in the Acute Phase may linger in Recovery. With appropriate treatments, the great majority of people successfully recover from their first episode of psychosis.



Signs and Symptoms
Early Signs (Prodromal Phase)
Prior to the onset of acute psychosis people may have symptoms that are characterized as Prodromal symptoms. Some of the more common Prodromal symptoms include:

* social withdrawal
* reduced concentration, attention
* depressed mood
* sleep disturbance
* anxiety
* suspiciousness
* skipping school or work
* irritability



These symptoms are very general and could be signs of many different things, including normal adolescent behaviour. It is always important to be on the alert for such changes in thoughts, feelings, perceptions and behaviour especially when they are continuous over a period of time. The earlier the treatment starts, the greater the chance of a successful recovery.
Definite Psychotic Symptoms
UpIt is in the Acute Phase that typical psychotic symptoms emerge. These are the symptoms that are hard to miss. They are intense, active and continuous. They interfere with normal life functioning. These symptoms are frequently separated into "positive" and "negative" categories.
Positive symptoms are referred to as "positive" because they are viewed as an excess or distortion of the person's normal functioning.
Some of the positive symptoms include:
Delusions (Fixed false beliefs)

Such as:

* being followed or monitored
* being plotted against
* having special abilities or "powers"
* certain songs or comments are specifically directed toward oneself or communicating a hidden message
* being controlled by forces or other individuals
* having one's thoughts broadcast so others can hear them



Hallucinations
Hallucinations involve seeing, hearing, feeling, smelling or tasting something that is not actually there. The most common type of hallucination involves hearing things - such as voices or particular sounds. These hallucinations can be so real that the individual may not realize that what they are hearing is false. It is often the odd behaviour that happens as a result of the hallucinations that gets recognized as a problem.


Disorganized Speech or Behaviour
The speech of individuals with psychosis may be disorganized in such a way that the person moves quickly from one topic to the next, or to the point where the person's speech may not be understandable.


The behaviour of individuals with psychosis also may be disorganized. The person may have difficulties performing activities of daily living (e.g., cooking, self-care) or display inappropriate behaviours or responses (e.g., laughing while describing a personal tragedy).


Negative symptoms reflect a decrease in, or loss of, normal functions. These symptoms are often less evident than positive symptoms and require careful assessment.


Some examples of negative symptoms include:

* little display of emotions
* not speaking very much
* difficulties in thinking or coming up with ideas
* decreased ability to initiate tasks
* lowered levels of motivation or drive

It is also common for other symptoms or problems to occur along with the psychotic symptoms.

Some examples of other problems include:

* depression
* anxiety
* suicidal thoughts or behaviours
* substance abuse
* difficulties functioning
* sleep disturbance



Recovery Stage
In the recovery stage, the acute symptoms mentioned above will lessen and start to fade; however, some symptoms may linger. Even after the psychosis has responded to treatment, problems such as depression, anxiety, decreased self esteem, social problems and difficulties with work or school may occur.


What causes psychosis?
UpUnfortunately, at this time there are many theories about what causes psychosis, but no definite answers. Psychosis occurs in a variety of mental and physical disorders; therefore, it likely has multiple causes. Biology, stress and drug use are three of the most common theories.


Biology
Neurotransmitters. There is strong evidence that some psychoses involve a dysfunction in neurotransmitters in the brain. Neurotransmitters are the "chemical messengers" of the brain. They transmit impulses throughout the brain and the central nervous system. Of particular importance is the neurotransmitter dopamine. Most antipsychotic drugs that control the positive symptoms of psychosis also block the transmission of dopamine.


Genetics. Individuals whose close relatives experience psychosis are themselves at increased risk. For example, the risk of developing psychosis associated with schizophrenia in the general population is approximately 1%, yet the children and siblings of those with schizophrenia have respective lifetime risks of 13% and 9%.


Brain Changes. Changes have been found in the brains of some individuals with schizophrenia, which appear to have been present since birth or early childhood. Possible causes of the changes include: genetic transmission, abnormal neurodevelopment and pregnancy or birth complications (e.g. exposure of mother to a virus during the second trimester of pregnancy).


Stress
Some psychoses appear to occur primarily in response to stress. In most cases, it is believed that a vulnerability to psychosis combined with stress will lead to psychosis.


Drugs
Psychosis can be induced by drugs or can be drug assisted. For example, it appears that amphetamines can cause a psychotic episode, while other drugs, including marijuana, can increase a person's natural vulnerability to psychosis resulting in a psychotic episode.


Vulnerability and Stress
UpVulnerability to psychosis is acquired through a genetic predisposition, or as a result of an environmental insult to the brain (brain damage). Vulnerability can be measured by a family history of psychotic disorders, birth complications (e.g. oxygen deprivation of the baby) or brain injuries.


Stresses can be such things as significant life events (e.g. death of a loved one, moving to a new city, etc.), abuse of alcohol and drugs or stressful living conditions (e.g. high levels of family conflict or financial problems).


The degree of vulnerability varies from person to person. Likewise, the amount of stress that may trigger psychosis likely differs for each individual. For example, a person with a low vulnerability might withstand a large amount of stress without experiencing psychosis, whereas, a person with a high vulnerability might only withstand a minimal amount of stress without experiencing psychosis.


Is a psychotic person dangerous?
Although some individuals with psychosis may experience mood swings and increased feelings of agitation, they are more likely to present emotional dampening and social withdrawal. While strong delusions and hallucinations may cause a person to react unpredictably or even aggressively, individuals with psychosis are rarely violent and, in fact, they are at much greater risk of causing harm to themselves than to others.




http://www.psychosissucks.ca/epi/whatispsychosis.cfm

Writing Tips for Task 1 of Academic Paper

It's important to study the data and information carefully before you write. Then mentally structure your essay as if you're reporting the information to someone who are interested in knowing more about the subject.

Remember you have only 20 minutes to write 150 words. In other words, you can write a little bit more than 150 words.

Think about the overall structure as if it contains an introduction, main body and a conclusion. Since the essay is not meant to express your opinions but to describe and analyse the relevant data and/or information by comparing and contrasting the main findings.

Try not to directly copy words from the question, graphs and diagrams. But it takes time to rephrase or mentally search for synonyms, so you must practise writing various types of data descriptions: charts/Graphs - pie charts, flow charts, bar charts, line charts, trend charts, and flow charts ; diagrams - tables, maps, floor plans, life cycles, etc.

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First Paragraph

Assume that the examiner won't look at the charts or diagrams. Start by Briefly stating what it is about, i.e. The chart is about xxx. Please also mention the date and time if they are given. Also mention the overall information and trends that may emerge from your general analysis.

Other Paragraphs

Report the relevant information in terms of the main features or topics of the subject; e.g. length of route, number of visitors, means of vehicles, etc. Start with the key findings, i.e. important trends, summarize other data to support your key description. But avoid unnecessary details.

However, you need to write to ensure a full coverage of the task requirements. For example, you will provide all the names of cities ( London, Paris, Tokyo, Washington DC, Kyoto, Los Angeles). You must summarize as much information as you can with the skill to organize the relevant information by comparing and contrasting the data.

Last Paragraph

The conclusion can be as short as a couple of sentences. Briefly summarise the main points. You may also leave reader with a predictive thought drawn from the major trends of your findings.

Lesson of Giving - Proverbs 22:9

Proverbs 22:9

He that hath a bountiful eye shall be blessed; for he giveth of his bread to the poor.

Generosity brings blessings. Are you bountiful and liberal in giving to the needy? Do you look for opportunities to give, or do you hide your eyes from needy causes and persons (28:27)? When you pity the poor, you lend to the LORD, and He repays well (19:17)!

God will bless the man who gives eagerly and generously. He looks out for the poor, for He withheld from them the abilities and opportunities He gave the rich. He is pleased to see a successful man giving cheerfully to help those in trouble. But it is not enough to think kindly about the poor; there must also be performance (II Cor 8:11; Jas 2:16).

Solomon wrote about caring for the poor elsewhere (19:17; 21:13; 28:27). And he also wrote about the financial returns to generous men, “The liberal soul shall be made fat: and he that watereth shall be watered also himself” (11:25). Contrary to arithmetic and the depraved human heart, giving your money away is a simple way to get ahead! Give, and it shall be given back to you in the same degree, so give generously (Luke 6:38)!

The LORD provided for the poor in the Law of Moses, when He commanded Israel to keep their hearts tender and their hands open wide to any brother in need (Deut 15:7-11). And there also He promised a blessing on those who would give. Job knew these principles well, and he appealed to his careful attention to the poor (Job 31:16-23).

David described many blessings on those who help the poor. Consider them. He wrote, “Blessed is he that considereth the poor: the LORD will deliver him in time of trouble. The LORD will preserve him, and keep him alive; and he shall be blessed upon the earth: and thou wilt not deliver him unto the will of his enemies. The LORD will strengthen him upon the bed of languishing: thou wilt make all his bed in his sickness” (Ps 41:1-3).

David also identified giving to the poor as a mark of a righteous man (Ps 112:1-9), which will bring many and precious rewards on a man and his descendants. Isaiah warned that the true worship of God required mercy on the poor, and he promised many wonderful blessings for the effort (Is 58:7-12). God is well pleased with such sacrifices (Heb 13:16), and He is able to repay in proportion to a man’s liberality (II Cor 9:6-11).

Capitalism motivates the most to produce the best for the highest standard of living, while justly punishing the foolish and lazy. Yet, God warns against charging whatever price the market will bear, when you control a needful commodity (11:26). God and men will reward fairness and generosity, though free market economics may allow gouging.

Mathematics and personal finance are only true to a point. If you withhold money that you could give to someone in need, you are heading toward poverty! If you scatter your money to godly charitable causes, you are heading toward increase (11:24)! Though you cannot calculate it or explain it, giving money away without worrying works (Ec 11:1-6)!

How about a long life and good life? The surest and fastest way is to honor your parents (Eph 6:2-3), and verbal respect and birthday cards are not enough. Full honor includes financial honor, or giving money to provide for them or make their lives comfortable and pleasant (I Tim 5:3-4). To not do this is to deny the religion of Jesus Christ and be worse than an infidel (I Tim 5:8). Have a bountiful eye to your parents, if they are in need.

But giving also proves eternal life. Paul told the rich to be “ready to distribute, willing to communicate.” By so doing, they could lay “up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life” (I Tim 6:17-19). Jesus Christ will remember any act of charity done to the least of His brethren (Matt 25:31-46).

Who can you bountifully help? It ought to be a priority of your life to help those that need assistance. It should be exciting! God has not charged you to help all the world’s poor, but He will bring opportunities your way (Luke 10:25-37). And He loves a cheerful giver, so be sure you do not begrudge the giving (II Cor 9:7; Acts 20:35; Rom 12:8).

The most bountiful eye in the universe belongs to the blessed God of heaven, the LORD Jehovah. He sends sunshine, rain, and fruitful seasons on all men, even His enemies (Matt 5:45; Acts 14:17). The LORD is good to all: and his tender mercies are over all His works (Ps 145:9). But far beyond daily natural blessings, He gave His only begotten Son to die for those who had no strength to help themselves (Rom 5:6; II Cor 8:9; 9:15).

Extracted from Let God Be True

Children Chastening (Proverbs 19:18)

Read the article below. Summarise the ideas and reflect on the suggested teachings regarding today's parenting skills on chastening children.

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Proverbs 19:18 (New King James Version)
"Chasten your son while there is hope, And do not set your heart on his destruction.趁 有 指 望 ， 管 教 你 的 兒 子 ； 你 的 心 不 可 任 他 死 亡 。"

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Train your children today: tomorrow may be too late. Do not waste a single day. You do not have forever. They quickly grow beyond training, and then they are gone from your control. Efforts to train or chasten磨鍊 then will only provoke對...挑釁 them. It will be too late.

God gave them to you helpless and open to instruction. He gave you only a window of time to train them, which closes quickly. Then you must pray for a miracle, which He has not promised to give, if you chose to ignore or reject His wisdom earlier in their lives.

Our proverb makes two strong points. Child training and chastening must be done early in life, and they must be done severely without regard for foolish pity or tearful appeals.

Child training is not an option; it is a commandment (22:6; Eph 6:4). Chastening is not an option; it is a commandment (23:13-14). Chastening is the enforcement of training.

Chasten. To inflict disciplinary or corrective punishment on; to visit with affliction for the purpose of moral improvement; to correct, discipline, chastise.

The corrective punishment God teaches is by the use of the rod (13:24; 22:15; 23:13-14; 29:15). As horses are trained to run fast with a whip, or riding crop; and as asses are kept controlled and made useful by bridles; so a fool is corrected from foolishness by a rod (26:3; 10:13). Some stripes on the back are a wonderful training method, as many generations of sober Americans can testify (19:29; 20:30). See the comments on 22:15.

Two generations have neglected chastening, and youth today are given to pride, selfishness, laziness, rebellion, and social dysfunction. Traits not allowed fifty years ago in any children are now accepted as the norm. Public, academic, and employment standards must be reduced regularly to accommodate an undisciplined generation.

Children, daughters included, will be well behaved when they are old, if we train them when young (22:15). We must chasten them betimes – early in life, while there is hope, before it is too late (13:24). Dear parent, get a strong sense of urgency today!

Betimes. At an early time, period, or season; early in the year; early in life. In good time, in due time; while there is yet time, before it is too late.

Chastening is God’s method for training your children for godly and successful lives, but it must be done early in life. If you wait too long, children become hardened in rebellion, established in their own thoughts, formed in their own habits, resentful of corporal correction, and able to leave the home and live on their own. As we know from the delay of civil punishment, the hearts of men become set to do wickedly (Eccl 8:11)

You must begin when they are very young, and then only reminders will be needed later. Self-discipline and right conduct can be taught early, and they must be taught early. Every year of life makes it more difficult to change habits and attitudes. Train them now, while they are young. Consistent chastening early will do more good than harder and more frequent chastening later. The earlier you begin, the less is required. Start today!

Training can begin in infancy嬰兒期, for we read that Hannah delivered Samuel permanently to the priests at Shiloh immediately after his weaning (I Sam 1:24-28). He was prepared to live away from home, follow instructions, and worship God from a very, very early age.

We must chasten early, and we must also chasten severely. Do not let their tears and crying move you, for children quickly learn to beg, plead, promise, cry, and scream to avoid discipline. Ignore his tears now to save him and you much worse crying later. It is ungodly pity that hinders us from doing our duty for their happiness and good. Eli’s choice to compromise with his sons brought infinitely more pain to him and his entire family than any short difficulty that chastening them would have caused. Consider it!

No good parent enjoys chastening his child, for he would much rather hold him tenderly and enjoy his happy company. But the goal of saving him from hell in life must drive us in our duty. True love is not just hugs and kisses: true love is correction; withholding correction is hatred (13:24). If you spare the rod, you hate your son, for you are creating future trouble for him; and this choice will come back to haunt both of you (29:15). David chose to spare the rod on Adonijah, and it cost his son his life (I Kings 1:6; 2:23).

Exalting friendship with children will lead to problems, for it will be hard to chasten with the right consistency and severity. You must first be a parent. Chasten them, and you will bring rest to your soul; reject the tempting and momentary ease now when they are young, so you can take perpetual ease later when your chastening has earned it (29:17).

If you have young children, there is hope today. Do not plan on tomorrow, for your case may soon be hopeless. If you have been negligent in the past, then confess your sin fully to God and beg Him for mercy for the children already past the point of no return. He does forgive and can mercifully help you recover the lost opportunity (Joel 2:25-27).

We are God’s sons by adoption through Jesus Christ (Gal 4:4-7), and He proves His love by correcting us when we disobey. He does pity our frame (Ps 103:13-14), but He chastens and scourges every adopted son (Heb 12:6). Chastening proves His love, for only bastards are ignored to go their own way (Heb 12:7-8). If you receive painful results in your life for sin, on the inside or outside, you can know you are greatly loved!

7 Ways to Get Your Teen Closer to You

Have you ever felt that 'time flies' and your kids are older than you feel they are? Before you knew it your infant started toddling around, finished kindergarten and primary school and got all set for the rebellious teens. Suddenly all the love and affection that you had been showering that they loved seemed like interference and over indulgence to them. They began to hate you and kept complaining of the 'generation gap'. Everything you did seemed wrong to them and they did not want to listen to anything you had to say. Have you ever felt that you just don't know how to handle them anymore? Here are a few tips to help you out.

1. Listen. We are so used to talking and lecturing as to what we believe is right and better for them that we never notice or make time to listen to them or their point of view. Teenagers have over the years developed a mind of their own. Their set of limited experiences has taught them quite a few things too. They believe they know what's good for them. Make time to hear out their point of view. If you feel the need to change it, first empathize with it, win your child's confidence and then suggest a change. Half your battle is won the moment you stop correcting and imposing instead start listening and suggesting.

2. Let them make mistakes. As parents we always want to protect our children and make sure nothing hurts them. However, teenage in an age when children want to experiment and learn. Overprotecting them frustrates them. So does this mean we just watch them do what they want? Definitely not. We need to warn them about all potential dangers of the experiment and encourage them to make an informed choice rather than follow an order. They will commit more to their choice than your order.

3. Give them responsibility. Make them feel like an adult in charge of certain things in the family and their life. For example, make them in charge of their finances by giving a fixed pocket money for the month. Do not indulge them over and above that amount so that they learn to value money and budget.

4. Negotiate. Teenagers need their freedom and space to grow. You cannot keep controlling their timings and activities. It is important to let them feel in charge. However you can set the limits with their consent. For example you want them home by 10pm from a party and they want to stay till 11pm, suggest a 9pm deadline and they will be happy with 10pm. That way they feel they got their way and stick to the deadline with a smile rather than a sulk and fight.

5. Trust. Teenagers are vulnerable and parents get paranoid. The more you doubt them, their friends, their activities the more they tend to lie to you. This obviously makes you trust them less and makes them distance themselves from you more. Have faith in them and their judgment. Give your opinions about their friends, activities etc as suggestions rather than doubts.

6. Do not criticize. None of us like being criticized and teenage is a time when we are a lot more sensitive. It is very important as parents that we are supportive and encouraging in these years rather than critical and corrective. Focus on what your child has done well and either ignore or casually suggest ways of improving for wherever he has not well.

7. Be open to learn. We as parents don't always know best. Our teenagers have a lot to teach us if we are willing and open to learn. Accept your mistakes and give them their due credit. You will become best friends and relationships will become very smooth and easy.

Teenage is a time when children want to discover themselves. It is a time when they develop their individuality and identity. It is important for us as parents to understand and respect this. We need to give them the space to learn by their experience and mistakes and yet gently guide them with our experience and knowledge.

I'm a clinical psychologist practicing in Mumbai, India. Helping people explore and enhance their potentials is my passion. You can get to know more from my blog http://www.makethemostoflife.net Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Saloni_Sawnani

IELTS Writing Task 2 (Acadamic Paper)

Task 2

You should spend no more than 40 minutes on this task.

Write about the following topic.

Is the protection of environment the responsibility of individuals or of the Government? Discuss. What is your opinion regarding the issue?

Give reasons for your views and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.

You should write at least 250 words.

IELTS Writing Task 1 (Acadamic Paper)

Writing Task 1

You should spend no more than 20 minutes on this task.

The bar-chart below shows the percentage of primary students who exercise regularly in different countries. The pie-chart records the three reasons why children in Hong Kong did not do exercise regularly.

Summarize the information by selecting and reporting the main findings, and compare and contrast the data to describe your findings.

You should write at least 150 words.

'Blind' Communication VS Insightful Communication.

'Blind' Communication

• Matt. 7:1-4 "1 “Judge not, that you be not judged. 2 For with what judgment you judge, you will be judged; and with the measure you use, it will be measured back to you. 3 And why do you look at the speck in your brother’s eye, but do not consider the plank in your own eye? 4 Or how can you say to your brother, ‘Let me remove the speck from your eye’; and look, a plank is in your own eye?"

The moment we become judgmental and condemn other behaviours, it reflects that we are communicating in a self-blinded manner while others can easily see our blinded spot. Thus, the communication suffers because such communication will not really help build our characters, instead it reveals our poor motivation attempting to address some selfish interest.


Insightful Communication

• Phili 2:3-4 3 Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. 4 Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others.

Insightful communication, on the other hand helps build our characters. As we are willingly to humble ourselves, we become insightful and have the wisdom to learn a lot more through other eyes. This also helps us excel in communication because others can see our genuine love. Jesus is an excellent role model for us.

Chinese Style of Pain Killing & Health Maintenance

What is the main healing concept of Chinese medicine?

The overall concept is to engage one's life style with a full use of automated self-repairing systems of human body. To maintain one's health, it is necessary to ensure a healthy life style which enhance the operational systems of human body.


Life Style
The good life style includes physical, mental, and even spiritual well beings of individuals. It can help determine how well our health will be like. Those who live according to hostile nature guarantees a poor conditions to one's health; but those who live in accordance with the harmonious nature, a strong health is granted.

Body Meridians

One of the concepts mentioned in the book, "The User's Manuel For Human Body" by Alex Wu regarding the anger illustrates the point. Anger can be considered as a way to venting negative and hostile "air" in one's spleen. The "air" can break the veins in the spleen. The spleen will emit the damaged blood cells and turn them into toxic substance. If the toxic substance accumulate too much, they will clot and turn into tumor.

Meridians

Meridian is the vein system spread over human body. They are the basic energy carrying system of human body. The meridian control the energy gas, body fluid to run along the main meridians, between the various parts of the body in conjunction with each other channels.

Stretching Exercise

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Headache Healing

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Figure of Speech

Figure of Speech - Word, phrase or sentence that (1) presents a “figure” to the mind of the reader, (2) presents an imaginative or unusual use of words that the reader is not to take literally, or (3) presents a special arrangement or use of words or word sounds that create an unusual effect. Ordinary language that does not contain a figure of speech is called literal language. Language that contains a figure of speech is called figurative language. Figurative language is also sometimes called imagery because it presents an image to the mind. Consider the following sentences:

The leaves blew across the lawn. (Literal language)
The leaves danced across the lawn. (Figurative language)

Notice that the second sentence presents a figure to the mind of the reader: The leaves are dancing as if they were people. Obviously, the writer does not mean that the leaves literally danced. However, they “figuratively” danced. Now consider the following additional examples:

Mr. Piper harvested a bushel of green vegetables. (Literal language)
Peter Piper picked four pecks of peppers. (Figurative language)

The repetition of the "p" in the second sentence is considered a figure of speech because it presents a sound to the mind. This glossary contains definitions of various figures of speech. The most common figures of speech are Alliteration, Irony, Metaphor, Metonymy, Onomatopoeia, Oxymoron, Paradox, Personification, Simile, and Synecdoche.

Alliteration - Repetition of consonant sounds. Examples: (1) But now I am cabined, cribbed, confined, bound into saucy doubts and fears.–Shakespeare. (2) Duncan is in his grave; after life's fitful fever he sleeps well–Shakespeare. (3) When I was one-and- twenty–A.E. Housman. (Note that "one" has a "w" sound. (4) I sent thee late a rosy wreath–Ben Jonson. (Note that "wr" has an "r" sound.)

Irony (1) Saying the opposite of what is meant, or verbal irony; (2) result or ending that is the opposite of what is expected, or situational irony; (3) situation in which the audience attending a dramatic presentation grasps the incongruity of a situation before the actors do, or dramatic irony. Examples: (1) "What a beautiful day," Maxine said, opening her umbrella. (2) In the movie Planet of the Apes, an astronaut who lands on another planet where intelligent apes rule discovers a startling irony at the end of the movie: When looking over a vast wasteland, he sees the head of the Statue of Liberty and realizes he was on earth all the time. Apparently, a nuclear war had destroyed humankind while he was time-traveling. While in his Einsteinian time warp, the apes had evolved to an almost human level. (3) In Oedipus Rex, by Sophocles, Oedipus is unaware that he has married his own mother even though the audience is well aware of the incestuous union.

Metaphor - Comparing one thing to an unlike thing without using like, as or than. Examples: (1) The iron tongue of midnight hath told twelve.–Shakespeare. (The striker or clapper of the bell is being compared to the tongue of a speaking human being.) (2) The sea being smooth, how many shallow bauble boats dare sail upon her patient breast .–Shakespeare. (The sea is being compared to a woman with a "patient breast.") (3) I am a man whom Fortune hath cruelly scratched.–Shakespeare. (Fortune is being compared to an entity that can be cruel.) (4) In battle, the soldier is a tiger. (5) Michael Casey's face is a map of Ireland.

Metonymy - Substitution of one word or phrase to stand for a word or phrase similar in meaning. Examples: (1) In Shakespeare's time, the crown was anti-Catholic. ("Crown" stands for Queen Elizabeth I.) (2) The White House was severely criticized for its opposition to the tax increase. ("White House" stands for the president or the president and his advisers.) (3) Wall Street welcomes the reduction in interest rates. ("Wall Street" represents investors.) (4) Sweat, not wealth, earned her the respect of her peers. ("Sweat" stands for hard work.)

Onomatopoeia Figure of speech in which (1) a word mimics a sound or (2) an arrangement of words in a rhythmic pattern suggests a sound or an image. Examples of No. 1: burp, varoom, oink, crackle, moo, hiss, gong, thud, splash, zip, creak, boom, slurp, crunch, quack, twitter, honk, hoot, squeak, buzz, and zoom. Example of No. 2, from Sylvia Plath's poem "Daddy," in which the the rhythm of the words in one stanza imitates the chug of a locomotive:

An engine, an engine
Chuffing me off like a Jew.
A Jew to Dachau, Auschwitz, Belsen
I began to talk like a Jew.
I think I may well be a Jew.

Notice that the words mimic the rhythm of a chugging locomotive–an engine, an engine; like a Jew, a Jew.

Oxymoron - Combining contradictory words to reveal a truth. Oxymoron is a form of paradox. However, unlike paradox, oxymoron places opposing words side by side. Examples: (1) Parting is such sweet sorrow.–Shakespeare. (2) Working in a coal mine is living death. (3) The hurricane turned the lush island retreat into a hellish paradise.

Paradox - Contradictory statement that may actually be true. Paradox is similar to oxymoron in that both figures of speech use contradictions to state a truth. However, paradox does not place opposing words side by side, as oxymoron does. Examples: (1) They called him a lion. But in the boxing ring, the lion was a lamb. (2) For slaves, life was death, and death was life.

Personification - Giving humanlike qualities or human form to objects and abstractions. Personification is a form of metaphor. Examples: (1) Thou has done a deed whereat valor will weep.–Shakespeare. (Notice that valor, an abstraction, weeps.) (2) Fortune brings in some boats that are not steered–Shakespeare. (3) Because I could not stop for Death, He kindly stopped for me. –Emily Dickinson. (4) The house pleaded for a new coat of paint.

Simile - Comparing one thing to an unlike thing by using like, as, or than. Examples: (1) The barge she sat in, like a burnished throne, burned on the water.–Shakespeare. (2) And the muscles of his brawny arms are strong as iron bands–Longfellow. (3) His hand was small and cold; it felt like wax.–Margaret Truman. (4) In the morning the dust hung like fog, and the sun was as red as ripe new blood–John Steinbeck.

Synecdoche - Substitution of a part to stand for the whole, or the whole to stand for a part. Examples: (1) The Confederates have eyes in Lincoln's government. (The word "eyes" stands for spies.) (2) Jack bought a new set of wheels. ("Wheels" stands for a car.) (3) The law pursued the bank robbers from Maine to Florida. ("Law" stands for police.)

Extracted form Cummings Study Guides

One step a time

by Manish Wilson

There is no sudden leap to greatness.
Your success lies in doing day by day.
Your upward reach will come from working well and carefully.

Adopt the pace of nature.
The secret is patience.
A bottle fills drop by drop.

Good work done little by little becomes great work.
The house of success is built brick by brick.

Build Me a Son - A Poem

By Douglas A. MacArthur

Build me a son, O Lord,
who will be strong enough to know when he is weak,
and brave enough to face him self when he is afraid;
one who will be proud and unbending in honest defeat,
and humble and gentle in victory.

Build me a son whose wishbone will not be
where his backbone should be;
a son who will know Thee- and that
to know himself is the foundation stone of knowledge.

Lead him, I pray, not in the path of ease and comfort,
but under the stress and spur of difficulties and challenge.
Here, let him learn to stand up in the storm;
here, let him team compassion for those who fall.

Build me a son whose heart will be clear, whose goals will be high;
a son who will master himself before he seeks to master other men;
one who will learn to laugh, yet never forget how to weep;
one who will reach into the future, yet never forget the past.

And after all these things are his,
add, I pray, enough of a sense of humor,
so that he may always be serious,
yet never take himself too seriously.

Give him humility, so that he may always remember
the simplicity of true greatness,
the open mind of true wisdom,
the meekness of true strength.

Then I, his father, will dare to whisper,
"I have not lived in vain."

A Letter to A Christian Friend

Dear Friend,

Regarding your encouter with an annoying neighbour, you must know that people can't change people especially those who do not want to change. Trying to do what you can't do will keep your from making progress in your life. You will only spend your time and energy in vain.

God has given us the grace and peace. John 14:27 "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. " Anger cannot help solve any problem. Be a serious and committed Christian. Learn to control your anger. No one can do it for you.

You must let Holy Spirit rule your life and help you change your negative emotion. With God's grace, bear the fruit of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23). Remember the real you is the one who live behind the closed door at home. Stop blaming others and bear the good fruits instead of the evil ones. The evil deeds will do you no good. They will only make you more bitter and resentful and take you to hell. This is what the enemy, devil is trapping you into, and they will make you stay in the loop of anger without making any progress in term of your spiritual war .

The end time is approaching and our time is also coming, and we'll all stand before God and each man has his own account to present before God. Make your decision in changing in your life style. So, you can present your homework to God eventually. Be a responsible Chritian!

Are you getting the peace that God has promised. Don't get upset so easily. Don't miss the log in your own eyes while you are trying to pick speck from your neighbour's eyes. (Matthew 7:3-4)

If you realise that you are not making any progress at all, especially when you see the annoying neighbour. Think about your in-laws are visiting you, standing in the front yard of your house. Your annoying neighbor is also around. I'm sure you will be able to control yourself in front of someone you want to impress. Don't forget God's watching. This is what so-call self controll.

Think about what Holy Spirit want you to learn a head of of your trouble time. This will help you better manage your own anger. Make a good use of your time that God gives us a purpose to fullfil. I would also like to remind you read at least one chapter of the Bible every day. For you, I think Proverbs is a good place to start.


With Love
Terri

Steve Jobs' 2005 Stanford Commencement Address

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At The Cross

You may download the beautiful and sweet hymns at the Hillsong Website.

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Oh Lord You’ve searched me
You know my way
Even when I fail You
I know You love me


Your holy presence
Surrounding me
In every season
I know You love me
I know You love me


At the cross I bow my knee
Where Your blood was shed for me
There’s no greater love than this
You have overcome the grave
Your glory fills the highest place
What can separate me now


You go before me
You shield my way
Your hand upholds me
I know You love me


You tore the veil
You made a way
When You said that it is done


And when the earth fades
Falls from my eyes
And You stand before me
I know You love me
I know You love me

Continuous Chest Compression CPR

Imagine you're at the mall and a man or woman collapses. Fortunately, you can increase or even triple that person's chance of survival if you start CPR. Mayo Clinic doctors say that a modified form...


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Cinemassacre's Top 10 Jackie Chan Stunts

Watch the video clip below and see if you can get the meaning of the two words,
cinemassacre and stunts


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Water - A Miracle Cure

Read and summarise the article below with no more than 100 words.

Many people never drink water. Some don’t like the taste of water, or they were never taught the importance of drinking it. Maybe their parents gave them juice, soft drinks, milk - anything but water. As a result, many people spend their day going from one caffeinated含咖啡因的 or sugar-based drink to another. They jump-start their mornings with coffee. By mid-morning they have a soda for another boost, then drink sweetened caffeinated iced tea for lunch. Late afternoon it’s another coffee-based or “10 percent juice” drink. Little do they know that all that caffeine and sugar are actually stealing water from their bodies, doing them more harm than good.


There are people in the States whose bodies are starved for clean, natural water. They are neglecting the most basic pillar of health, and their bodies and minds pay a terrible price. By the time I see them they often suffer from headaches, back pain, arthritis關節炎, skin problems, digestion problems, and other ailments病痛. Often they have gone to another doctor, who might have given them medications that didn’t address the problem but only turned off the symptoms病徵. This is similar to a red warning light blinking訉號 on your car’s dashboard informing you to check your engine.

If you simply decide to remove the fuse to turn off the warning light instead of taking your car in for service, you will eventually ruin your car’s engine. That is a simple illustration of what many individuals do by taking medications instead of addressing their body’s “warning light” that they are dehydrated and need an adequate intake of clean water.


Many Americans live in a mildly dehydrated缺水 state狀態 with various irritating令人煩躁 symptoms and never realize it. I often tell patients that when they have a headache, they don’t have a Tylenol deficiency. When they have joint pain, they don’t have an Advil deficiency. When they have heartburn, they don’t have a Pepcid deficiency, and if they are depressed, they don’t have a Prozac deficiency. In each of these cases, their body is often crying out for water.

Extracted from
http://www.sevenpillarsofhealth.com/water.html

Word Quiz

Match the meaning of Chinese words in the left-hand column with the correct sentence in the right-hand column.





*Answers are located in "comments"

Life Warrior - Nick Vujicic

Nick's Vujicic life was filled with difficulties and hardships. One was being prohibited by Australian law from attending a mainstream school because of his physical disability, even though he was not mentally impaired. During his schooling, the laws were changed, and Vujicic was one of the first disabled students to be integrated into a mainstream school. He learned to write using the two toes on his left "foot", and a special device that slid onto his big toe which he uses to grip. He also learned to use a computer and type using the "heel and toe" method, throw tennis balls, answer the phone, shave and get himself a glass of water.

Being bullied at his school, Vujicic grew extremely depressed, and by the age of 8, started contemplating suicide. After begging God to grow arms and legs, Nick eventually began to realize that his accomplishments were inspirational to many, and began to thank God for being alive.

A key turning point in his life was when his mother showed him a newspaper article about a man dealing with a severe disability. This led him to realize he wasn't the only one with major struggles. When he was seventeen, he started to give talks at his prayer group, and eventually started his non-profit organization, Life Without Limbs.

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