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IELTS Preparation: Best Online Free Resources, Mock Tests, and Guidelines for IELTS Academic and General
IELTS has emerged as a global standard for English proficiency tests. A good number of higher study destinations abroad requires a minimum IELTS score for acceptance. It is also a requirement for professional employment seekers. The standardized test helps aspiring candidates prove their proficiency in English. The test comprises 4 distinct assessments – reading, writing, listening, and speaking. Considering the assessment depth, the preparation should be taken accordingly. But everyone can't enroll in expensive mentorship programs for IELTS. So here are some of the best free resource materials out there for impeccable IELTS preparation.
Best Online Free Resources for Complete IELTS Preparation
For ease of navigation, the contents of this article are divided into the test criteria for the exam.
Writing
The best writing test modules can be found at the British Council. The British Council is the joint owner of IELTS alongside IDP, IELTS Australia, and Cambridge Assessment English. As a result, the British Council provides comprehensive directives regarding the exam.
Read Best Countries to Study and Work in 2021
The writing assessment can be found here for the academic track. Click here for guidelines of general IELTS preparation.
EAP Foundation is another great place to get an all-around grasp of the writing assessment. The blog takes a deep dive into the various intricate aspects of academic as well as general writing. An examinee can get a detailed idea about what to include and what to avoid in their writing.
Skills You Need focuses mainly on writing in general. An examinee can match with the IELTS module and practice from the diverse writing resource module available on the website.
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Want to test the writing ability in Cambridge standard? Write & Improve offers a test module to get an essay marked in the Cambridge marking guideline. This is a paid service. However, the first essay can be tested for free.
Virtual Writing Tutor is another great website to get the writing constantly checked. This is a completely free website that grades the writing on general readability scores.
Read How to Improve Handwriting: Tips for Adult Learners
Vocabulary
Whether it’s writing, reading, speaking or even listening, having a strong grasp of vocabulary is important. This is often a determining factor in the reading and writing section of the IELTS test.
The Academic Word List is a comprehensive vocab list of all words related to academics. An examinee can use Road to Grammar to practice vocab skills. Some people prefer printable practice sheets for vocabs. For them, the AWL Practice Sheets can be a great option. The Academic Phrase Bank from Manchester University is another useful resource to learn the British colloquial terms.
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Reading
The Reading aspect of IELTS is a comprehensive test that analyzes the ability of an examinee to read and understand general and academic English. The resource material for the reading can be English dailies and blogs. In addition to that, there is the British Council Magazine which offers free reading material for prospective IELTS candidates.
Lactose Intolerance: 10 Food Substitutes for Common Dairy Products
Many people suffer from bloating, gas, cramps, nausea and diarrhea as soon as they have dairy products. Their digestive systems cannot break down the natural sugar in milk, which is called lactose, properly. Hence, a strict lactose intolerance friendly diet becomes mandatory for them. But it is not always easy to find the alternatives because most of the food that is consumed by everyone has some sort of a dairy product in it. Today, let’s look at some substitutes for milk- based products in order to combat the symptoms of lactose intolerance.
Non-dairy Alternatives of Milk
Almond milk
Almond milk is a favorite alternative for most lactose intolerant people as it tastes good and is also packed with vitamin D. Compared to other non-dairy alternatives, almond milk is a comfortable transition for people from normal milk as it does not have a strong flavor.
It is easily available in the supermarkets and is quite cheap to buy. One can also make almond milk at home as it is quite easy to make too. The optimal amount an adult should take daily is about 1 cup which contains 1 gram of protein, 2.5 grams of fat and about 39 calories.
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Soy milk
Another popular option for alternating milk is with soy milk. Soy milk is filled with essential nutrients like calcium and potassium. It contains about 80 calories, 7 grams of protein and 4 grams of fat.
Soy milk is also beneficial for people who are looking to stay fit by losing weight and cutting down on calories. However, because of the strange flavor it has, transitioning completely to soy milk from dairy milk might take some time.
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Coconut milk
Coconut milk is the go to option for people who like to drink sweetened milk. Because of its naturally sweet flavor, it requires no artificially added sugar. This is also a really efficient transition for people who want to lose some weight as it has half the fat of cow’s milk.
A cup of coconut milk contains about 5 grams of fat, less than a gram of protein and around 74 calories. It is known to reduce the cholesterol levels in people as well. Many people like drinking their coffee with this milk as it naturally has a very creamy consistency.
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Rice Milk
Rice milk is made from fortified brown rice and so is a good alternative to normal milk. It can be easily made at home and is a good source of calcium and vitamin D. Its texture is watery and is naturally sweet in taste.
A cup of rice milk contains about 120 calories, 1 gram of protein and 2.5 grams of fat.
Non-dairy Sustitutes of Ice cream
Coconut Ice cream
If ice cream is part of someone’s diet that they cannot just live without, then transferring to coconut ice cream might be a good idea as there is no risk of lactose intolerance. To make coconut ice cream, coconut milk is used as the substitute for milk. It adds the flavor and is also a plant- based milk devoid of the symptoms caused by dairy.
Read Trans Fats: Facts You Need to Know
Best Countries to Study and Work in 2021
Every year, a large number of students emigrate from Bangladesh in search of better educational opportunities. The quality of education combined with the standard of living attracts these students from developing countries like Bangladesh. Every year, immigration policies change as countries offer more and more inclusive opportunities for aspiring students. Even with the pandemic, now is a better time than ever to scout for a foreign degree and work opportunities abroad. So, which countries are the best for studies and work? And what are the settling opportunities there? Let's find out.
Best Countries to Study and Work in 2021
The list is created in no particular order. Aspiring students can choose any of these based on their preference as well as means of support.
Singapore
Singapore is one of the fastest-growing economies not only in Asia but in the entire world. The country has emerged as an economic hub in recent years which has contributed to its growth. In addition to excellent work opportunities, Singapore offers some of the best study destinations in Asia.
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There are a total of 34 universities in Singapore. Six of them are national whereas the rest are private. 2 of these universities regularly rank in the QS ranking. The National University of Singapore, Nanyang Technological University as well as Singapore Management University are some of them.
The annual tuition fee for undergraduates ranges from 18000 to 50000 SGD. The living cost also varies between 10000 to 15000 SGD per year. Approximately, 1 SGD (Singapore Dollar) equivalent to 63.55 BDT (Bangladeshi Taka). However, the living cost can be easily covered with part-time jobs. The graduate placement is also very high in Singapore which easily makes it an ideal destination for work and study.
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Italy
Standing at the helm of once-famous roman civilization, Italy is one of the top destinations in Europe for higher studies. The country boasts an impressive list of 34 universities in the global ranks. The tuition fee generally ranges between 850 to 1000 euros. EU students have a slight advantage in this regard as their fees are comparatively lower than that of non-EU students.
In addition to part-time work opportunities, there are regional scholarships for international students. A student can comfortably pay their tuition and living expenses through jobs and scholarships. Graduate students get a separate visa for job hunting in the country. As a result, settling in the country is easier than imaginable.
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Netherland
Nestled among the Nordic countries of Europe, Netherland offers world-class education and job opportunities in the picturesque country. The country has emerged as an education hub for management, engineering, business, and technology programs.
University of Amsterdam, Leiden University, and the Delft University of Technology are just some on the list. The annual tuition fee varies between 6000 to 12000 euros for the bachelor's program and 7000 to 20000 for the master's program. 1 EURO is equivalent to 99.38 BDT. The Netherlands is a notoriously expensive country to live in. However, counting the job opportunities and scholarships, a student can easily get by without a hitch.
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Germany
Germany has been on the news for its effort to rehabilitate the influx of migrants from war-torn countries. In addition to that, Germany provides top-notch educational streams for international students. What's more amazing is that it is completely free. Expect to shell out around 850 euros per month on living costs but that is about it. There are no other additional charges involved.
Breast Cancer Prevention: How to Cut Your Risk?
Breast cancer is a common fear for most women. Almost everyone knows someone who is suffering or has suffered from its consequences. While breast cancer sounds worrisome, modern medical science offers excellent ways to treat it. Along with advanced effective treatments, there are also a couple of actions that can be taken in order to prevent breast cancer. Most of these tips are associated with lifestyle changes. Apart from risk factors like family history and age, most of these lifestyle habits can be formed to prevent breast cancer.
10 Breast Cancer Prevention Tips
Here are 10 tips for women to prevent the risks of breast cancer.
Maintaining healthy weight
Maintaining a Body Mass Index (BMI) that falls within the normal range is extremely important when it comes to breast cancer prevention. Especially older women who have hit menopause are at a risk of getting breast cancer. Therefore, it becomes imperative for women to maintain a healthy weight so that they can reduce its risk. Regular weight measurements to ensure that the weight falls within the normal BMI for an adult of 18.5- 24.9 is a necessity to avoid being obese as it will only increase its risk.
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Taking part in regular physical exercise
Research suggests that taking part in regular physical exercise can reduce the chances of breast cancer by 10 percent. Starting to work out at even a later stage of life can be helpful in this regard. A daily walk of 30 minutes or engaging in yoga or doing any kind of physical activity on a regular basis that makes the body sweat can aid in the prevention of breast cancer to a certain extent.
Eating healthy
Eating a healthy and balanced diet can lessen the risk of getting breast cancer. This balanced diet should be ideally recommended by a registered nutritionist according to the individual needs of a person.
Korean Skincare Routine: 10 Skincare Hacks
Korean Skincare has revolutionized skincare like none other. It cannot be traced back to a certain person or a company, rather it gradually started to take over the world of beauty with its effective ways of taking care of the skin. Korean skincare refers to a skincare routine that is based on prevention than cure. It is formulated as such that the well-curated skincare hacks leave one with glowing glass skin and take care of skin problems before they even appear.
10 Steps of Korean Skincare
Let’s take a look at the 10 step skincare routine which can also be used as hacks for beautiful skin.
Steam massage
A steam massage helps to circulate blood within the skin. The heat from the steam opens up pores and allows the skin to breathe. Using their own hands, one can massage the skin in repetitive circular motions starting from the forehead to the cheeks and jaw. A jade roller can also be used to enhance blood circulation and soothe the skin. Massaging the skin can tighten the skin, decrease any sort of inflammation and also provide a natural dewy finish to it.
Read:10 Post- Pregnancy Skincare Tips: Get Your Glow Back
Cleansing (Oil-based)
After a long day outside, one needs to get rid of all impurities that have been collecting on the skin, especially when one has got makeup on. Since makeup, sunscreen and the skin’s natural sebum are oil-based, it requires an oil-based cleanser to remove all the dirt from the face. Besides, using an oil-based cleanser along with a steam massage can actively hydrate the skin. These cleansers also help to protect the skin’s moisture without stripping it away.
Cleansing (Water-based)
Using the second round of cleansers is a good idea as it removes any residual impurities from the skin. Water-based cleansers foaming face washes are used to remove excessive oil from the skin. This step will also ensure that the face is not polluted by any sort of filth or sweat.
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Bangladeshi artist Rokeya Sultana’s solo exhibition in India gets postponed
An exhibition of paintings by Bangladeshi artist Rokeya Sultana marking the 50th anniversary of the India-Bangladesh relationship at the Lalit Kala Academy in New Delhi from October 23 has been postponed.
Necessary arrangements were also made for the inauguration of the exhibition on Saturday, but the Indian government has ordered the postponement of the exhibition without showcasing any particular reason, according to Indian newspaper Anandabazar.
Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury, Leader of Congress party in Loksabha, and Chairperson, Public Accounts Committee, Parliament of India, slammed the decision via a tweet from his verified Twitter account on Friday.
Read: Rokeya's art exhibition opens at Indian Cultural Centre
“Bangladesi artist Rokeya Sultana's solo has been postponed without assigning any appropriate reasons. However the exhibition in India was organized by Indian Council of Cultural Relations in collaboration with Bengal Foundation,” he wrote.
Distance Learning: Grab foreign degrees online while staying in Bangladesh
Due to the easy availability of technology, anyone can get a degree from various universities in America and Europe at home. You can get certificates from Harvard, MIT, Stanford, Oxford, and other famous universities online. Apart from this, the opportunity to participate in free courses is available online at almost all reputed universities. As a result, without going to Europe or America, online is now becoming an alternative way for young people to get a foreign degree.
More than 2 million students from 165 countries worldwide are taking various courses online for free on more than 100 subjects.
How can distance learning help career advancement?
When a student studies a subject through conventional means, there is less opportunity to study other subjects. However, enthusiastic learners can overcome this limitation through distance learning online. Students or professionals can be involved in e-learning while they are full-time jobholders.
Read SoP for Higher Studies: How to write an unfailing Statement of Purpose?
The biggest advantage is that it will be possible to obtain an international degree in your home country without any visa complications and additional fees. Further, there is no obstacle of education break and age. There is no danger of wasting time getting the desired degree as there is no session delay like the conventional procedure.
The popularity or acceptance of foreign online courses in Bangladesh is continuously emerging. Not to mention, these certificates will add extra value to the resume. Gaining knowledge is more important than getting a certificate in an online course. The knowledge earned from online courses can help an individual apply those in the workplace, which ultimately helps career advancement. Further, these certificates will make your commitments a little stronger to the employer. These courses may be useful for those who want to switch careers in the future.
Read Can E-Learning Substitute Classroom Learning?
Where to get online international degrees?
There are many online education platforms such as Coursera, EDX that can provide international-level education. Further, many top-level universities also provide distance learning opportunities. Several leading universities and institutes in the United States and the United Kingdom are popular for distance learning. In addition, various universities in Europe, Australia, and even a few universities in our neighboring country India have distance learning programs.
Some of the most popular educational institutions in the United States offering distance learning programs are Boston University, University of Florida, Arizona State University, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Pennsylvania State University, Stanford University, Washington State, etc.
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Popular universities in the UK include the University of London (Institute of Education), the University of Manchester, the University of Liverpool, the University of Northampton, the University of Edinburgh Napier, and the Ashridge Business School. Apart from this, the distance education system has been introduced in various reputed universities in different countries around the world.
ADHD in Children and Adults: Meaning, Causes, Symptoms & Treatment
ADHD stands for “Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder,” which is a neurodevelopmental condition detected in children and adults characterized by the inability to pay attention and hyperactivity. Although all human beings find it difficult to maintain the same level of attention at all times, people diagnosed with ADHD face it more frequently and more intensely, hampering their professional and personal lives in general. The symptoms usually start from early childhood even though the symptoms might not be recognized during this time.
Types of ADHD
ADHD is mostly diagnosed in men than in women. It can be divided into three categories according to the behaviors of the patients and the intensity of their symptoms. Let’s take a look at the types of ADHD that the patients are diagnosed with.
Predominantly inattentive
People diagnosed with this type of ADHD frequently are unable to focus on a single thing. So the primary symptom of their mental issue is the inability to pay attention which might include things like getting distracted easily, forgetting to do basic chores, having difficulty following instructions, etc.
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Predominantly hyperactive
This type comprises people who predominantly show symptoms of hyperactivity like fidgeting, talking a lot, unnecessary movements, etc.
Combined
People with the combined type of ADHD fall victim to a mix of both inattentive and hyperactive behavior.
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Causes of ADHD
Although researchers are trying their best, research on the causes of ADHD has not revealed anything specific yet. Recent researches have suggested that factors like genetics, low birth weight, problems with the central nervous system, premature birth, intake of tobacco or alcohol during pregnancy, injury to the brain, exposure to unfavorable environments are some of the major causes that might be responsible for causing ADHD in children and in adults.
Apan Thikana: A Great Approach by RJ Kebria to Reunite the Lost Family Members
Apan Thikan is a great initiative by RJ Kebria to help reunite the lost family members. To make it work successfully, the ‘Apan Thikana’ team locates the missing persons based on as accurate evidence as possible. At the beginning of 2021, this program got a huge response from social media. Millions of people across the country have joined this endeavor by sharing the videos containing the interviews of the people who were looking for their parents, son, daughter or other dear ones. Let's get some information about this great approach.
The beginning of Apan Thikana
RJ Kebria used to present a program called Lost and Found on Dhaka FM 90.4. In that program the guests used to talk about their lost parents. The aim was to disseminate the information of the lost person and search for any trace or further information from the audience or whoever listens. Then from the audience, the relatives of many guests recognized them or contacted the ‘Lost and Found’ team. In this way, many families found their lost children.
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Popular RJ Kebria started Apan Thikana on his YouTube channel in the style of this Lost and Found show. The show is basically the first project of his own established Studio of Creative Arts. The first video was released on February 6, 2021. It was about the story of a girl named Nasima finding her lost mother. Three days later, RJ Kebria posted the video on his Facebook page as well.
Apan Thikana across social media
Within a few months of the upload of the show, the activities of the Apan Thikana team came to the notice of everyone. During each investigation, as much information as possible is obtained from the missing person and is carefully matched with the information provided by the family members.
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By now the total number of episodes at Apan Thikana is more than 80. These episodes, become popular with millions of viewers, speak of the miserable lives of lost people.
The grief of Shurovi, who has been missing for 11 years, the grief-stricken parents, the story of a girl who fell into a dilemma identifying her father after 20 years has been widely discussed on social media. And because these stories are shared by people all over the country, it has been possible to understand the audience's reaction to Apan Thikana as well as successfully deliver the lost people to their families.
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RJ Kebria, a popular name in radio media
How did Kebria become everyone's favorite RJ Kebria? In 2006, he joined ‘Radio Today’ as a ‘Kathabondhu’. Since then, Md. Golam Kebria Sarkar alias RJ Kebria has spent 14 years on radio. RJ, TV presenter, content creator Kebria is currently the station in charge of Radio Amber 102.4 and executive producer of Dhaka FM 90.4.
He has already created a brand of his own by performing Life Stories, Secrets, Star Night, and Lost and Found events. He has also become an entrepreneur by establishing the Studio of Creative Arts. Kebria, a 1st class graduate and postgraduate in Public Administration from Dhaka University, wants to work with people and story-based content. He is the first RJ in Bangladesh to get the honor of getting the YouTube Silver Button for the first time in just five months.
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Wrap up
Every show performed by RJ Kebria is all about human life. The specialty of his content is that he presents the story of every human life in an interesting and instructive way for viewers of all walks of life. Along with those events, Apan Thikana is a shining example of the proper application and success of social media. Not just a means of entertainment, social media can be a powerful tool for change.
10 Post- Pregnancy Skincare Tips: Get Your Glow Back
There is no doubt that pregnancy marks the beginning of a life- changing experience in a woman’s life. In addition to going through bodily changes during pregnancy, some of these changes persist even after pregnancy. When a woman gets pregnant, her body requires a new system of hormonal balance to sustain the life inside. After the baby is delivered, the mother's body slowly goes back to its original flow. But this fluctuation of hormones results in visible changes of the body as well as the skin of the mother. The skin might lose its natural glow and give rise to different skin related problems like dark circles, melisma, breakouts etc. Hence, postpartum skincare is important.
How to take care of your skin after delivery
Here are 10 tips for new mothers to revive their glow back without affecting the breastfeeding process.
Cleansing
What any skin type demands is regular cleansing. A good cleanse will wash away the impurities on the skin and will help to prevent unsolicited breakouts. Although new mothers will, more often than not, feel the urge to skip cleaning their face due to a whole day of tiredness.
If you are a new mom, your skin will thank you after going through this step. Cleaning the face with a mild cleanser will also get rid of the oil or any sebum that accumulates on the skin, ultimately allowing the skin to shine through.
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Healthy diet
Post- partum diet requires special attention as it does not only provides a good supply of breast milk for the baby, but also helps to sustain the skin’s natural glow. Eating the right kind of food that is full of fibers and vitamins not only keeps the skin firm and glowy but also helps to restore the mother’s stamina.
Thus, eating a healthy diet including whole grain foods, vitamin- enriched vegetables and fruits can help the new mother maintain sound health as well as a healthy looking skin. However, each breast-feeding mother should consult with a dietitian to get their individual diet chart.
Read When to See a Nutritionist?
Hydration and Toning
To maintain a healthy skin after delivery and also to ensure that the body remains fit, there is nothing more important than hydration. A recommended amount for new moms is drinking 8 glasses of water on a daily basis.
Apart from hydrating the body, the skin requires its own hydration and so after cleansing it, it is important to use a toner to make the skin supple and to restore the natural pH of the skin. Using products that are rich in hyaluronic acid will help maintain the skin’s hydration without affecting the breastfeeding process.
Read Fairness Creams: Dangerous Side effects of Skin Whitening Beauty Products
Sufficient sleep
While getting a sufficient amount of sleep is a basic need for the human body, it is also required for the glow on the skin. The new moms can hardly manage time for sleep, as the newborn babies tend to keep them awake the whole night and sometimes even the whole day. This disruption in the sleep cycle is the main culprit behind breakouts and dark, puffy eyes, which can make the skin look dull and spotty. Hence, ensuring at least 6 to 7 hours of sleep is an essential skin care tip for the new mothers.
Sun damage prevention
Most pregnant women go through a skin discoloration condition during their pregnancy, which is called chloasma. The dark spots from this disease get worse when exposed to the rays of the sun. To prevent this from happening, a good and reliable sunscreen with adequate SPF is recommendable. Application of sunscreen is such a significant postpartum skin care tip that it should also be maintained even when a mother stays indoor.
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Moisturizing
Cleansing, toning and moisturizing are the three foundational steps of any skincare routine. Often, just cleansing and toning the skin are not enough to keep the skin’s hydration intact. This is why the skin demands to be moisturized.
Application of a light moisturizer twice a day, after waking up and before going to bed, would help the skin to soften up and remain supple. It also helps to prevent dry skin during the post-pregnancy period.