• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content

Speak Hut

Learn Faster. Live Better.

  • How It Works
  • Courses
  • FAQs
  • Log in

Memrise IELTS TOEFL Vocabulary

February 16, 2015 by Bret Tutor

Memrise for IELTS and TOEFL Vocabulary

What is Memrise and why should I use it?

With Memrise.com , you can either taking existing courses to help you learn new vocabulary or build your own. The reason that it is so effective is due to the use of visual memory aids. These memory aids help to ensure that whatever you are learning is stuck in your mind and is easy to recall when necessary.

As an example, let’s say that you are a student learning IELTS vocabulary. You can do it the old way by reading through a list of words and constantly drilling yourself through quiz after quiz. The other way is to use Memrise and one of their IELTS lists already built and ready to go for learners like you. Get a free account at Memrise.com and then login. Go to this IELTS  vocabulary course to take a look. Once you are in you will see the following:

Screen Shot 2013-11-07 at 3.57.48 PM

Now all that you need to do is click on the continue learning button to start the course. As you move along you will select the memory aids that work best or create your own for each word that you see. Here is one example:

Screen Shot 2013-11-07 at 3.59.50 PM

Now I can select from a series of different “mems” to help me remember or upload my own.

Screen Shot 2013-11-07 at 4.01.42 PM

It really is as simple as that. And it is 100% free. There are more free IELTS courses as well.

If you are taking the TOEFL, there are many different free TOEFL vocabulary courses as well.

Here is more information take directly from the Memrise site:

Memrise is based on several important scientific discoveries about how we learn. First, our system of mems (mnemonics and memory aids) promotes elaborate encoding- encouraging the learning brain to do more by engaging the imagination, and thus helping lay down stronger, more durable memories.

Secondly, Memrise makes use of Spaced Repetition, helping you review items at expertly spaced intervals to help you maintain them in memory in the most efficient manner possible. Reminders space out in time as your knowledge for an item gets deeper, meaning you don’t forget, but don’t waste time reviewing what you already know.

Third, Memrise systematically exploits the Testing Effect, which shows that by actively recalling a memory, you strengthen it. Because the degree of strengthening to a memory correlates with the difficulty of the test, Memrise automatically makes the tests more difficult over time, again helping you boost your learning in the best way possible.

Filed Under: Vocabulary Tagged With: IELTS, Memrise, TOEFL, Vocabulary

Pick Up – With Respect To

November 3, 2014 by Bret Tutor

Pick Up – With Respect to

Pick Up

Definition: Example:
To understand or to start to understand something. To learn something. He picked up on how to speak English properly through the teachers and lessons on SpeakHut.

Point Out

Definition: Example:
To explain or call attention to someone or something. My teacher was very kind when she pointed out the mistakes that I had made.

Set Up

Definition: Example:
To provide the money for something. The newspaper company provided the money to set up the new travel magazine.
To assemble something. Jack set up the stereo system for me.
To start something new. I am going to set up a new bank account.

Sharp

Definition: Example:
Exactly at that time. I’ll meet you at 9 o’clock sharp. If you’re late, we’ll be in trouble!
Someone who is very smart. Kate is really sharp. She seems to be able to solve any problems.

Show Up

Definition: Example:
To appear, arrive or to be present. What time did your friend show up for the party?

Sleep On It

Definition: Example:
To think about something overnight before making a decision. That sounds like a good deal, but I’d like to sleep on it before I give you my final decision.

Sort Of

Definition: Example:
To be similar to something but not quite the same. Did you finish cleaning the kitchen? Sort of, but not really.

Stick With

Definition: Example:
To continue doing something. To not quit even though it might be hard. The boy has been able to stick with his music lessons since he was a child.

Take it Easy

Definition: Example:
To relax. To not be so serious about something. I don’t have any special plans for the summer. I think I’ll just take it easy.

Take Out

Definition: Example:
To remove something from somewhere. I took out some onions from the refrigerator.

To the Extent That

Definition: Example:
To a certain point or degree. I plan to provide information about the new company policy, to the extent that I am familiar with it.

To Bug

Definition: Example:
To bother someone. Hey, stop tapping your fingers. It’s really bugging me!

Twenty Four by Seven

Definition: Example:
Every minute of every day, all the time. You can access our web site twenty four by seven. It’s very convenient!

Up To

Definition: Example:
To a certain point or approaching a certain point There were probably up to thirty people at the meeting.

Used To

Definition: Example:
Accustomed or familiar with something. My friend is not used to living in such a big city.

With Respect To

Definition: Example:
Referring to something or concerned with something. I do not know what the company will do with respect to the old computer system.
[slickquiz id=18]

Filed Under: Idioms

In Ages – Open To

November 2, 2014 by Bret Tutor

In Ages – Open To

In Ages

Definition: Example:
Since a very long time ago. Have you seen Joe recently? I haven’t seen him in ages. It must be at least two or three months since we last spoke to each other.

In Case

Definition: Example:
What to do if something happens. I will take my umbrella in case it rains.

In Favor Of

Definition: Example:
To like something or to approve of it. My company is in favor of changing our holiday schedule.

In Order To

Definition: Example:
For the purpose of something. To do something because of something else. They have decided to close down the school for the summer in order to do some major repairs.

In the Black

Definition: Example:
When a business is making money and is profitable. Our business is really improving. We’ve been in the black all year.

In the Nick of Time

Definition: Example:
Just in time for something. Arriving or doing something at the exact time before it is too late. I got to the drugstore just in the nick of time. It’s a good thing, because I really need this medicine!

Keep in Touch

Definition: Example:
To not stop communicating with someone. To stay in contact. Don’t forget to keep in touch. I want to know how you’re doing while you’re away.

Keep Someone/Something in Mind

Definition: Example:
To remember or think about something or someone. I told my employees to keep in mind the new starting time for work.

Keep One’s Chin Up

Definition: Example:
Remain strong and to keep trying. I know things have been difficult for you recently, but keep your chin up. It will get better soon.

Kind Of

Definition: Example:
Similar to something, but not the same. Not fully or 100%. Your hamburgers are kind of like what my mom used to make. I was kind of tired when I arrived home last night.

Know Something Like the Back of Your Hand

Definition: Example:
To know something or someone very well. If you get lost, just ask me for directions. I know this part of town like the back of my hand. She knows her husband like the back of her hand, since they have been together for 20 years.

Look Up

Definition: Example:
To search for something in a dictionary, book or on a search engine like Google. I will look up my friend’s name in the telephone book. Look up the answer through a search on Google.

Miss the Boat

Definition: Example:
To miss an opportunity. The sale ends today at noon. If we don’t hurry, we’re going to miss the boat!

Next to Nothing

Definition: Example:
To cost very little. I went to the new discount store and bought these new shoes for only five dollars. That’s next to nothing!

Of Course

Definition: Example:
Certainly, definitely or naturally. Of course you can use my car if you want to.

Once in a While

Definition: Example:
Not very often or very rarely. Have you been to the new movie theater? No, I only see movies once in a while. I usually stay home and watch TV.

On Time

Definition: Example:
At the scheduled time, exactly at the correct time, punctually. Our train arrived exactly on time.

Open To

Definition: Example:
To want to learn about different ideas, people and cultures. Most members of the class were open to the teacher’s ideas.
[slickquiz id=17]

Filed Under: Idioms

ESL History Lesson Nationalism Samurai Daimyo

October 27, 2014 by Bret Tutor

History Lesson: Nationalism, Samurai and Daimyo

Nationalism and Other TermsTaken from the video Samurai, Daimyo, Matthew Perry, and Nationalism: Crash Course World History #34.
Nationalism is defined as is a thought, creed or political ideology that involves a person identifying with their nation. Nationalism does not require the person to reside in the nation, nor does the person have to be born in the nation they feel so closely to. To learn more about nationalism while improving your English:

  • Watch the first video below. Use the subtitles option to read along in English.
  • Read the explanation.
  • Watch the second video which covers the grammar, pronunciation and vocabulary.
  • Take the quiz.

Here is the first video to watch:

John Green starts out talking about nationalism as being “the most important global phenomenon of the 19th century”. The words global phenomenon form a compound noun. This compound noun is a thing, or actually more of an event. A phenomenon is something that is extraordinary or exceptional. When you combine that with global the end result is something extraordinary that is on a worldwide basis.

When he talks about his globes being out of date, he means that they are no longer correct. Due to the rise and fall of nationalism, countries have been formed and other have fallen apart. Out of date is a commonly used idiom referring to things that are no longer relevant, true or need to be switched for something new. A phone or computer that is five or more years old might be out of date.

While talking about nationalism in China the speaker states “and even in China, where nationalism ran up against the dynastic system that had lasted more than 2000 years.”. Dynastic refers to the ruling parties in China that were taken over by the nationalists, who were eventually taken over by the communist nationalists led by Mao Zedong. Ran up against is a commonly used idiom that means to have difficulty with someone, a group or something. Another example of this expression is “We ran up against a better team on Saturday night that beat us seven to three”.

The Three Facist Leaders of World War TwoTaken from the file 1938 Naka Yoshi Sangoku.

In the above picture are the three fascist leaders of World War Two. Fascism is something new in the 20th Century which is defined as a radical form of nationalism, typically led by a strong, charismatic and persuasive leader. Note in the definition the use of adjectives such as strong, charismatic and persuasive. In particular look at the adjective order and use of commas with more than one adjective.

Another definition given at this time in the video is that of the Nation State. A nation state is any area that has as a legitimate government ran as a sovereign nation. There are currently 196 different nation states in the world.

The narrator discusses “But let’s ignore diasporas for the moment and focus on territorially bound groups with a common heritage.” Diasporas is a noun referring to when people are forced to live outside of their normal homeland which may no longer exist. Territorially is an adjective referring to a certain area. Common heritage is a compound noun referring to the social characteristics and traditions of a group of people. People try to preserve their heritage through language, celebrations and traditions.

An important point is made with the statement “In the US, nationalism pulled a nation together, but often, nationalism was a destabilizing force for multi-ethnic land-based empires.” Pulled together is an idiom that means a person, or group of people or even groups of people unite for a specific reason. “Our family pulled together to help our younger brother”, is another good example. Destabilizing is something that breaks apart another. When you have multi-ethnic groups of people they can be a destabilizing force, especially for newly established nation states that do not share a common heritage.

As the video moves forward it discusses the Japanese samurai. It states “…tend to think of samurai as noble and honorable, but urban samurai, according to Andrew Gordon’s book A Modern History of Japan, were a rough-and-tumble lot.”. Japanese samurai were the upper ranks of society that were also in control of the land and military. Rough-and-tumble is an idiom referring to a group that is rather dangerous, cause trouble and typically fight a lot amongst themselves or others. Lot is used in reference to a group of people. “They were a fine lot”, is the exact opposite of “they were a rough-and-tumble lot”.

While discussing this region around Asia, the John states “First was China’s humiliating defeat in the Opium Wars, after which Western nations forced China to give Europeans special trade privileges. It was a wake up call to see the dominant power in the region so humbled.”. Humiliating is an adjective referring to something that is offensive and makes someone or something look lesser than before. When adjectives end in ing it typically describes a source of feelings. Here are other examples of adjectives ending in ing. When you get a wake up call it can be a good or bad thing. A wake up call, used as an idiom in this case, refers to an event that is typically negative and shows someone or a group of people that there is something wrong with what they are doing. Jack’s heart attack is a wake up call that I should eat better. That is another example when it is used as an idiomatic expression. “I asked the front desk for a wake up call” is more of a literal expression, which is known more as a phrasal verb. You can learn more about phrasal verbs and how to use them.

Filed Under: Grammar, History, Lesson, Pronunciation, Vocabulary Tagged With: Grammar, History, Lesson, Pronunciation, Vocabulary

Fed Up With – Hit the Hay

October 27, 2014 by Bret Tutor

Fed Up With – Hit the Hay

Fed Up With

Definition: Example:
To dislike something or someone that you had liked before. I’m fed up with my job! I think I should start looking for a new one.

Figure Something Out

Definition: Example:
To try to understand a problem and eventually solve it. I finally figured out how to use the new computer software.

Fill in for Someone

Definition: Example:
To take over someone else’s job while they are away. While I was away from the store, Jack filled in for me.

First of All

Definition: Example:
The very first thing. First of all, we need to prepare the garden before we plant the seeds.

Get Back To

Definition: Example:
To return to something that you were doing before and had stopped doing. I was happy to get back to my work after my holiday.

Get Into

Definition: Example:
To become interested or involved in something. I do not want to get into an argument with my friend.

Get Through

Definition: Example:
To complete or finish something. I have a lot of reading that I must get through before tomorrow.
To survive an event or deal. She was able to get through her father’s death.

Give Someone a Hand

Definition: Example:
To help someone with something. I want to move this desk to the next room. Can you give me a hand?
To clap or show applause for a person or event. Give them a hand for all of their hard work on the project.

Grab a Bite

Definition: Example:
To go to eat. Usually it is somewhere outside of your home. I’m going to go grab a bite. I’ll be back in a few minutes.

Hang On

Definition: Example:
To wait or make someone stop something. Hang on a few minutes. I have to make a phone call, and then I’ll be able to join you for lunch.

Hard Headed

Definition: Example:
Stubborn or unwilling to change an opinion or idea. I can’t work with Joe any more. He’s so hard headed!

Have a Change of Heart

Definition: Example:
To think about something differently than before. This can be a positive or negative change. I thought I would change jobs, but now that my boss is treating me with more respect, I have had a change of heart.

Have Something to do With

Definition: Example:
To be involved with something or in reference to it. To be part of an event, task or problem. The book has something to do with cooking but I am not sure if you will like it. Jack had something to do with the success of the project due to his hard work.

Hit the Hay

Definition: Example:
To go to bed. It’s after 12 o’clock. I think it’s time to hit the hay.
[slickquiz id=16]

Filed Under: Idioms Tagged With: Grammar, idioms

  • Go to page 1
  • Go to page 2
  • Go to page 3
  • Go to Next Page »

Copyright © 2021 · Epik Theme on Genesis Framework · WordPress · Log in

This website uses cookies to improve your experience. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. Cookie settingsACCEPT
Privacy & Cookies Policy

Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these cookies, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are as essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience.
Necessary
Always Enabled

Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.