DEMAGOGUE (n.)
A leader who appeals to the fears, emotions, and prejudices of the populace
Adolf Hitler is often cited as the epitome of a DEMAGOGUE. Hitler rose to power by using impassioned speeches that appealed to the ethnic and nationalistic prejudices of the German people. Hitler exploited, embittered, and misled war veterans by blaming their plight on minorities and other convenient scapegoats.
Unfortunately, Americans have not been immune to the impassioned pleas of DEMAGOGUES. During the 1950s, Senator Joseph McCarthy falsely alleged that Communist sympathizers had infiltrated the State Department. As McCarthy's DEMAGOGIC rhetoric grew bolder, he denounced General George Marshall, former Army Chief of Staff and ex-Secretary of State, as "part of a conspiracy so immense and an infamy so black as to dwarf any previous venture in the history of man."
Quick Quiz:
The Senator was a gifted demagogue, with particular skill in —--------.
A. manipulating press and television
B. making sensible speeches
C. addressing the elite of society
Answer: A
@ibtilTOEFLiBTGREIELTS
A leader who appeals to the fears, emotions, and prejudices of the populace
Adolf Hitler is often cited as the epitome of a DEMAGOGUE. Hitler rose to power by using impassioned speeches that appealed to the ethnic and nationalistic prejudices of the German people. Hitler exploited, embittered, and misled war veterans by blaming their plight on minorities and other convenient scapegoats.
Unfortunately, Americans have not been immune to the impassioned pleas of DEMAGOGUES. During the 1950s, Senator Joseph McCarthy falsely alleged that Communist sympathizers had infiltrated the State Department. As McCarthy's DEMAGOGIC rhetoric grew bolder, he denounced General George Marshall, former Army Chief of Staff and ex-Secretary of State, as "part of a conspiracy so immense and an infamy so black as to dwarf any previous venture in the history of man."
Quick Quiz:
The Senator was a gifted demagogue, with particular skill in —--------.
A. manipulating press and television
B. making sensible speeches
C. addressing the elite of society
Answer: A
@ibtilTOEFLiBTGREIELTS
Word of the day:
NEGLIGIBLE
(NEG-li-ji-bul)
Unimportant, trifling, of little consequence.
That which is negligible can be neglected. A negligible concern can be
disregarded; it is so trivial and insignificant that it warrants little or no
attention.
@aalaeeTOEFLiBT
NEGLIGIBLE
(NEG-li-ji-bul)
Unimportant, trifling, of little consequence.
That which is negligible can be neglected. A negligible concern can be
disregarded; it is so trivial and insignificant that it warrants little or no
attention.
@aalaeeTOEFLiBT
MENTOR (n.)
An advisor; teacher; guide
ACOLYTE (n.)
A devoted follower
In the Star Wars saga, Obi-Wan Kenobi is a Jedi Knight who served as Luke Skywalker's MENTOR. As an eager young ACOLYTE, Skywalker learned the ways of the Force, a natural power harnessed by the Jedi in their struggle against the villainous (vile, wicked) Datth Vader and evil Galactic Empire.
Quick Quiz:
He had a mentor —---------- many things about the world of politics.
A. whom he learned from
B. who had no knowledge of
C. who taught him
Answer: C
@ibtilTOEFLiBTGREIELTS
An advisor; teacher; guide
ACOLYTE (n.)
A devoted follower
In the Star Wars saga, Obi-Wan Kenobi is a Jedi Knight who served as Luke Skywalker's MENTOR. As an eager young ACOLYTE, Skywalker learned the ways of the Force, a natural power harnessed by the Jedi in their struggle against the villainous (vile, wicked) Datth Vader and evil Galactic Empire.
Quick Quiz:
He had a mentor —---------- many things about the world of politics.
A. whom he learned from
B. who had no knowledge of
C. who taught him
Answer: C
@ibtilTOEFLiBTGREIELTS
Word of the Day: VANGUARD (VAN-gahrd)
The forefront of an action or movement, leading position or persons in a movement: “They were in the vanguard of the war on poverty.” In its strict military sense, vanguard means the troops moving at the head of an army, the part of the army that goes ahead of the main body, an advance guard.
The forefront of an action or movement, leading position or persons in a movement: “They were in the vanguard of the war on poverty.” In its strict military sense, vanguard means the troops moving at the head of an army, the part of the army that goes ahead of the main body, an advance guard.
Dilettante (n.)
An amateur or dabbler; a person with a superficial interest in an art or a branch of knowledge
In the movie “Iron Man," Tony Stark enjoys being a DILETTANTE playboy who lets Obadiah Stane take care of the day-to-day operations of Stark Industries. However, behind ills facade of being a DILETTANTE playboy, Tony is in reality a polymath (a person of great and varied learning) who is a master engineer and inventor. Held prisoner by a terrorist group, Tony battles his way out of captivity by building a prototype armored suit.
Quick Quiz:
There is now no room for the amateur or the dilettante in this business because anyone involved should —----------.
A. already be affluent
B. be care about health as well as health
C. know this area of work profoundly and be experienced as well
Answer: C
@ibtilTOEFLiBTGREIELTS
An amateur or dabbler; a person with a superficial interest in an art or a branch of knowledge
In the movie “Iron Man," Tony Stark enjoys being a DILETTANTE playboy who lets Obadiah Stane take care of the day-to-day operations of Stark Industries. However, behind ills facade of being a DILETTANTE playboy, Tony is in reality a polymath (a person of great and varied learning) who is a master engineer and inventor. Held prisoner by a terrorist group, Tony battles his way out of captivity by building a prototype armored suit.
Quick Quiz:
There is now no room for the amateur or the dilettante in this business because anyone involved should —----------.
A. already be affluent
B. be care about health as well as health
C. know this area of work profoundly and be experienced as well
Answer: C
@ibtilTOEFLiBTGREIELTS
TOEFL iBT December 5, 2015 Writing Topic:
Do you agree or disagree with the following statement: @aalaeeTOEFLiBT
Government, instead of individuals, should cover Internet fees.
Do you agree or disagree with the following statement: @aalaeeTOEFLiBT
Government, instead of individuals, should cover Internet fees.
TOEFL iBT December 5, 2015 Speaking Task 1
Which one of the following jobs deserves a higher salary? Teacher, policeman or nurse?
@aalaeeTOEFLiBT
Which one of the following jobs deserves a higher salary? Teacher, policeman or nurse?
@aalaeeTOEFLiBT
TOEFL iBT December 5, 2015 Speaking Task 2
Should students be required to do volunteer work?
@aalaeeTOEFLiBT
Should students be required to do volunteer work?
@aalaeeTOEFLiBT
TOEFL iBT December 5, 2015 Speaking Task 3
The university is planning to move the theater off-campus due to two reasons. The first reason is that the theater now is way too small to accommodate the increasing number of students, and the second reason is that much better facilities can be offered in the new theater.
In the conversation, the student disagrees with the plan. His first reason is that the location of the theater is so important for students. Most of them are reluctant to go downtown because it’s so inconvenient. As for the second reason, the student points out that students are already used to dealing with the equipment they have now, they’re not trained to cope with fancier facilities, and it may not work out that well as expected in the end.
@aalaeeTOEFLiBT
The university is planning to move the theater off-campus due to two reasons. The first reason is that the theater now is way too small to accommodate the increasing number of students, and the second reason is that much better facilities can be offered in the new theater.
In the conversation, the student disagrees with the plan. His first reason is that the location of the theater is so important for students. Most of them are reluctant to go downtown because it’s so inconvenient. As for the second reason, the student points out that students are already used to dealing with the equipment they have now, they’re not trained to cope with fancier facilities, and it may not work out that well as expected in the end.
@aalaeeTOEFLiBT
TOEFL iBT December 5, 2015 Speaking Task 4
In the lecture, the professor talks about the concept of information cascade which means people tend to follow others and make the same choice as theirs in spite of their own opinions when having to make a decision.
He offers an example to illustrate it. Once he went to a city he had never been to and he had to make a decision about where to have dinner. At first, he wanted to go to an Italian place which was highly recommended by his guide book. But he noticed that one of the French restaurants was full of customers, so he decided to give it a try. Unfortunately, it was not a very good experience, the food was worse than he expected and the restaurant couldn’t be compared to the Italian restaurant he wanted to go at first. It was full of customers probably because they all thought it was good because others chose to go there.
@aalaeeTOEFLiBT
In the lecture, the professor talks about the concept of information cascade which means people tend to follow others and make the same choice as theirs in spite of their own opinions when having to make a decision.
He offers an example to illustrate it. Once he went to a city he had never been to and he had to make a decision about where to have dinner. At first, he wanted to go to an Italian place which was highly recommended by his guide book. But he noticed that one of the French restaurants was full of customers, so he decided to give it a try. Unfortunately, it was not a very good experience, the food was worse than he expected and the restaurant couldn’t be compared to the Italian restaurant he wanted to go at first. It was full of customers probably because they all thought it was good because others chose to go there.
@aalaeeTOEFLiBT
TOEFL iBT December 5, 2015 Speaking Task 5
The woman’s problem is that she got injured last week and she can’t perform in the dance. There are two possible solutions. The first one is to dance anyway and the second solution is to find someone to replace her.
If I were in her shoes, I would go for the second solution because Beck is a great dancer, even though she’s not in the class and there’s little time to learn, I’m sure she can grasp the moves pretty quickly. I personally don’t recommend the other solution because the choreography will look weird and it may compromise the whole performance. That’s why in this case, I think the second solution is a better option.
@aalaeeTOEFLiBT
The woman’s problem is that she got injured last week and she can’t perform in the dance. There are two possible solutions. The first one is to dance anyway and the second solution is to find someone to replace her.
If I were in her shoes, I would go for the second solution because Beck is a great dancer, even though she’s not in the class and there’s little time to learn, I’m sure she can grasp the moves pretty quickly. I personally don’t recommend the other solution because the choreography will look weird and it may compromise the whole performance. That’s why in this case, I think the second solution is a better option.
@aalaeeTOEFLiBT
TOEFL iBT December 5, 2015 Speaking Task 6
In the lecture, the professor talks about fish’s abilities to avoid predators. He offers two examples to illustrate it. The first example is about zebrafish. Zebrafish have small hair cells under their membrane to help them detect predators in water. They can sense where the predator is by the water flow.
The second example is about trout. Trout can stay still in flowing water. They can keep breathing while hiding under water. That’s how the professor uses these two examples to illustrate it.
@aalaeeTOEFLiBT
In the lecture, the professor talks about fish’s abilities to avoid predators. He offers two examples to illustrate it. The first example is about zebrafish. Zebrafish have small hair cells under their membrane to help them detect predators in water. They can sense where the predator is by the water flow.
The second example is about trout. Trout can stay still in flowing water. They can keep breathing while hiding under water. That’s how the professor uses these two examples to illustrate it.
@aalaeeTOEFLiBT
TOEFL iBT December 5, 2015 Reading Vocabulary Questions
supplement=add to
exclusively=solely
anxious=worry
enduring=lasting
erase=eliminate
culminate=end
exploit=use
initiate=start
emergence=appearance
autonomous=independent
@aalaeeTOEFLiBT
supplement=add to
exclusively=solely
anxious=worry
enduring=lasting
erase=eliminate
culminate=end
exploit=use
initiate=start
emergence=appearance
autonomous=independent
@aalaeeTOEFLiBT
Iconoclast (n.)
A person who attacks and ridicules cherished figures, ideas, and institutions
What do the Egyptian pharaoh Akhenaton and the modern filmmaker Michael Moore have in common? Both are ICONOCLASTS. Akhenaton challenged ancient Egypt's longstanding belief in a large number of gods by rejecting polytheism and insisting that Aton was the universal or only god. Michael Moore is a modern ICONOCLAST whose documentary films have attacked the Iraq War, the American health care system, Wall Street bankers, and Washington politicians. Like a true ICONOCLAST, Moore ridiculed Congress, saying that most of its members are scoundrels who deserve to be "removed and replaced."
Quick Quiz:
She is an iconoclast, —----------.
A. trying to take the system he ardently supports out of its present dilemma
B. wishing people to more heed the traditions on which our modern world feeds
C. rejecting the modern industrial world in a grand wholesale manner.
Answer: C
@ibtilTOEFLiBTGREIELTS
A person who attacks and ridicules cherished figures, ideas, and institutions
What do the Egyptian pharaoh Akhenaton and the modern filmmaker Michael Moore have in common? Both are ICONOCLASTS. Akhenaton challenged ancient Egypt's longstanding belief in a large number of gods by rejecting polytheism and insisting that Aton was the universal or only god. Michael Moore is a modern ICONOCLAST whose documentary films have attacked the Iraq War, the American health care system, Wall Street bankers, and Washington politicians. Like a true ICONOCLAST, Moore ridiculed Congress, saying that most of its members are scoundrels who deserve to be "removed and replaced."
Quick Quiz:
She is an iconoclast, —----------.
A. trying to take the system he ardently supports out of its present dilemma
B. wishing people to more heed the traditions on which our modern world feeds
C. rejecting the modern industrial world in a grand wholesale manner.
Answer: C
@ibtilTOEFLiBTGREIELTS
Ascetic (adj.)
Living without any physical pleasures or comforts, especially for religious reasons
At the age of 29, Prince Siddhartha Gautama left the luxuries of his father's palace and for the next six years adopted an extreme ASCETIC life. For days at a time, he ate only a single grain of rice. His stomach became so empty that, by poking a finger into it, he could touch his backbone. Yet, Gautama gained only pain, not wisdom. He decided to give up extreme ASCETICISM and seek wisdom in other ways. Gautama was successful and soon became known as Buddha, a title meaning "the Enlightened One."
Quick Quiz:
Louis became an extremely devout and ascetic man, —--------.
A. doing his best to make most of his wealth
B. intent on losing weight to look fit and healthy
C. giving up what is referred to as worldly pleasures
Answer: C
@ibtilTOEFLiBTGREIELTS
Living without any physical pleasures or comforts, especially for religious reasons
At the age of 29, Prince Siddhartha Gautama left the luxuries of his father's palace and for the next six years adopted an extreme ASCETIC life. For days at a time, he ate only a single grain of rice. His stomach became so empty that, by poking a finger into it, he could touch his backbone. Yet, Gautama gained only pain, not wisdom. He decided to give up extreme ASCETICISM and seek wisdom in other ways. Gautama was successful and soon became known as Buddha, a title meaning "the Enlightened One."
Quick Quiz:
Louis became an extremely devout and ascetic man, —--------.
A. doing his best to make most of his wealth
B. intent on losing weight to look fit and healthy
C. giving up what is referred to as worldly pleasures
Answer: C
@ibtilTOEFLiBTGREIELTS
Word of the Day: CREED (rhymes with need)
Belief, professed faith or opinion, especially a system of religious belief. Synonyms include doctrine and dogma. In the United States it is illegal to discriminate against someone based on race or creed, belief. Creed comes from the Latin credo, “I believe,” the source of the English word credo (KREE-doh or, like the Latin, KRAY-doh). A credo is a declared set of beliefs or opinions. Credo and creed are synonymous. Credo is the more learned (LUR-nid) word, usually reserved for a formal declaration of belief. Creed is used more generally of any professed faith or opinion. The Latin credo is also the source of incredible, not believable, credible, believable, and credulous (KREJ-uh-lus). Credulous means inclined to believe, willing to accept something as true without questioning. Credulous and gullible are synonymous. To a credulous person, even the most outrageous tall tales seem credible.
Belief, professed faith or opinion, especially a system of religious belief. Synonyms include doctrine and dogma. In the United States it is illegal to discriminate against someone based on race or creed, belief. Creed comes from the Latin credo, “I believe,” the source of the English word credo (KREE-doh or, like the Latin, KRAY-doh). A credo is a declared set of beliefs or opinions. Credo and creed are synonymous. Credo is the more learned (LUR-nid) word, usually reserved for a formal declaration of belief. Creed is used more generally of any professed faith or opinion. The Latin credo is also the source of incredible, not believable, credible, believable, and credulous (KREJ-uh-lus). Credulous means inclined to believe, willing to accept something as true without questioning. Credulous and gullible are synonymous. To a credulous person, even the most outrageous tall tales seem credible.
HEDONIST (n.)
A person who believes that pleasure is the chief goal of life
In Ancient Greece, the HEDONISTS urged their followers to "eat, drink, and be merry, for tomorrow we die." Although it is a long way from Ancient Greece to the home of rapper Ricky Ross in Miami, the HEDONISTIC principle of pursuing pleasure remains the same. During the tour of his "crib," Ross proudly displayed the interior of his Escalade Maybach, a Cadillac Escalade with the interior of a Maybach. Hooked up with leather seats, plasmas, and satellites, the interior provides everything a HEDONIST could possibly ask for and more.
Quick Quiz:
Ted is actually a hedonist whose life is devoted to the pursuit of pleasure and —-----.
A. self-gratification
B. self-esteem
C. sacrifice for others
Answer: A
@ibtilTOEFLiBTGREIELTS
A person who believes that pleasure is the chief goal of life
In Ancient Greece, the HEDONISTS urged their followers to "eat, drink, and be merry, for tomorrow we die." Although it is a long way from Ancient Greece to the home of rapper Ricky Ross in Miami, the HEDONISTIC principle of pursuing pleasure remains the same. During the tour of his "crib," Ross proudly displayed the interior of his Escalade Maybach, a Cadillac Escalade with the interior of a Maybach. Hooked up with leather seats, plasmas, and satellites, the interior provides everything a HEDONIST could possibly ask for and more.
Quick Quiz:
Ted is actually a hedonist whose life is devoted to the pursuit of pleasure and —-----.
A. self-gratification
B. self-esteem
C. sacrifice for others
Answer: A
@ibtilTOEFLiBTGREIELTS
TOEFL iBT Sunday December 13, 2015 Writing Topic!!!
Some people believe that companies that produce heavy pollution should pay for a penalty, such as a higher tax or fine. Others think there might be a better way to deal with this problem. What do you think?
@aalaeeTOEFLiBT
Some people believe that companies that produce heavy pollution should pay for a penalty, such as a higher tax or fine. Others think there might be a better way to deal with this problem. What do you think?
@aalaeeTOEFLiBT
TOEFL iBT December 13, 2015 Reading Topics: Plate Tectonics @aalaeeTOEFLiBT
To get some ideas about the topic you may check this: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Plate_tectonics
To get some ideas about the topic you may check this: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Plate_tectonics
Wikipedia
Plate tectonics
Plate tectonics (from Latin tectonicus, from Ancient Greek τεκτονικός (tektonikós) 'pertaining to building')[2] is the scientific theory that Earth's lithosphere comprises a number of large tectonic plates, which have been slowly moving since 3–4 billion…
TOEFL iBT December 13, 2015 Reading Topics: Continental Drift @aalaeeTOEFLiBT
To get some ideas about the topic you may check this: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Continental_drift
To get some ideas about the topic you may check this: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Continental_drift
Wikipedia
Continental drift
movement of Earth's continents relative to each other