Yeah there is. 'Pick it up' can have more than one meaning. For example, pick up that pen, please. Literally means, pick it up with your hand, but in this context (with the computer manual), it means that you will understand it. So it's more of an abstract meaning I guess. Hang it up is completely different. Hang up your coat (put it in the wardrobe, or on the coat rack), or sometimes it might be used to say that someone is quitting or retiring ...For example, Messi has decided to hang up his boots (retire from football).

I like traveling and cooking

I like traveling and cooking, so I watch one or two programes about them everyday. Now I'm watching a programe of Thai cooking. Thailand is one of my faverite countries. There are a lot of beautiful places and many delicious foods. However, I haven't been to Thailand yet, I hope I can go there next year.

 

Great work!

IELTS writing task 2 answer (5) (should the government regulate people's lifestyle?)

Question:

Some people say that the government should ensure that people lead a healthy life, while others believe that individuals should have their own choices. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.


Answer:

Some argue that governments should regulate citizen’s behaviour to make them adopt healthy lifestyles. Although I agree that guidance and intervention from authorities can benefit people’s well-being, I am convinced that one’s freedom to decide how to live should be protected, provided that it does not interfere with other people.

It is true that governments should take some actions to make sure that citizens are protected from some unhealthy behaviours. It cannot be denied that it is difficult for some to discipline themselves from yielding up to unhealthy indulgences, which not only damage their own health but also the health of others. Therefore it is important that governments impose restrictions on these behaviours. For example, no smoking should be allowed in public places.

On the other hand, it is absolutely against the respect for basic human rights if people’s freedom of choice of their own lifestyles is completely deprived. They will live under tremendous pressure if they have to worry about toeing the line because of strict government regulations, which, for instance, specify the exact proportion of vegetables in a meal. Therefore, the government should not enforce such laws on citizens.

In my opinion, governments’ priority in terms of public health is to launch awareness campaigns to guide people to choose a healthy lifestyle according to their own situations. It is difficult to define what qualifies a healthy lifestyle, because every individual has different physical condition. As a result, different lifestyles should be chosen on an individual basis, and the government’s role is to guide people to make their own choices by providing sufficient information about health.

In conclusion, governments should set some guidelines to encourage citizens to choose a healthy lifestyle instead of imposing laws on them.

 

Wow, I've taught IELTs for a while now, and none of my students have written anything this good! 

my "little" problem

Today I have a "little" problem.
After 2 years I'll study in University (now i'm in a lyceum/school). So I decided that I'll go in St. Petersburg, but I don't know which University to choose.
I dream to study in a University of foreign languages where I could learn Korean. Ahah, yes...I like Korea. But I must know English and must pass exam well.
So, is it enough after 2 years of learning of English?
What are you think about it?
Please, heeelp тт.тт

 

Do you have to do a speaking test as well as grammar/vocabulary etc?
I think you'll be fine. 

Travel experience

Hi, I arrived last week from Mexico city, where I was at a wedding, My niece got married! I was so excited!
I live in Costa Rica with my husband and our children, we all travelled to the wedding and
We spent a good time together with my sister´s family in their house. We enjoyed it a lot there.
It was difficult to take all our special clothes, like dresses and suits (there are 6 of us), to the party.  
We took 8 suitcases!!
But it was very funny

 

Great work. 
Sounds like a good week! 

Today I learn something new

I want write a great book, however there are too many things going round and round in my head. Very soon I will begin a blog for young people, and I hope they will/I will enjoy it.

 

Sounds like a cool idea!