domenica 26 aprile 2026

Some useful vocabulary for international relations

https://www.economist.com/international-relations-a-to-z

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Glossary_of_international_relations_terms

https://academicmarker.com/academic-guidance/vocabulary/subject-specific-vocabulary/english-for-international-studies/what-are-the-top-100-international-relations-words/

https://www.e-ir.info/2022/05/15/glossary-of-key-international-relations-terms/

https://www.scribd.com/document/430934586/International-Relations-Vocabulary

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Glossary_of_international_relations_terms

https://irp2014.wordpress.com/vocabulary-lists/

https://diplomacy.state.gov/discover-diplomacy/diplomatic-dictionary/

https://www.vocabulary.com/lists/183677

https://2009-2017.state.gov/documents/organization/122125.pdf

http://kamudiplomasisi.org/pdf/kitaplar/___adictionaryofdiplomacy.pdf

https://academicmarker.com/academic-guidance/vocabulary/subject-specific-

https://www.e-ir.info/publication/beginners-textbook-international-relations/ 

Free grammar and language tests with answers

B2 level

https://englishpracticetest.net/practice-english-grammar-tests-for-b2-with-answer/

https://www.esl-lounge.com/student/first-certificate-multiple-choice-cloze.php

https://test-english.com/use-of-english/b2/b2-english-test-2-multiple-choice-questions/

https://engxam.com/handbook/5-free-practice-tests-b2-first-fce/#b2-first-fce-practice-online-use-of-english-tests-online-pdf

https://www.examenglish.com/FCE/fce_grammar.htm

C1 level

https://englishpracticetest.net/practice-english-grammar-tests-for-c1-with-answer/

https://www.esl-lounge.com/student/advanced-multiple-choice-cloze.php

https://engxam.com/handbook/practice-tests-c1-advanced-cae/

https://www.examenglish.com/CEFR/C1.htm

Grammar - although, even though, though, despite, in spite of

Explanation

https://learnenglish.britishcouncil.org/grammar/b1-b2-grammar/contrasting-ideas-although-despite-others

https://www.ecenglish.com/learnenglish/lessons/in-spite-despite-and-although

https://www.learn-english-today.com/lessons/lesson_contents/grammar/although-despite.html

https://www.mobberley.cheshire.sch.uk/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/Worksheet-14.pdf

Exercises

https://iuuk.mff.cuni.cz/~andrew/EAP/Murphy_p226-7.pdf

https://www.learn-english-today.com/lessons/lesson_contents/exercises/although-despite-quiz1.html

https://www.myenglishpages.com/grammar-exercise-although/

https://www.grammarbank.com/despite-although-exercise.html#google_vignette

https://english-practice.net/english-grammar-exercises-although-though-even-though-in-spite-of-despite/#google_vignette

https://test-english.com/grammar-points/b1/clauses-contrast-purpose-reason/2/

https://speakspeak.com/english-grammar-exercises/upper-intermediate/despite-in-spite-of-although-even-though-2

https://test-english.com/grammar-points/a2/however-although-time-connectors/

https://www.myenglishpages.com/grammar-exercise-although/

https://www.perfect-english-grammar.com/linking-words-contrast-exercise-1.html

https://agendaweb.org/grammar/conjunctions-connectors-exercises.html

 

Grammar - quantifiers

Explanation

https://www.wallstreetenglish.com/exercises/what-are-quantifiers

https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/much-many-a-lot-of-lots-of-quantifiers

https://poorvucenter.yale.edu/sites/default/files/files/Quantifiers_1.pdf

https://learnenglish.britishcouncil.org/grammar/a1-a2-grammar/quantifiers-few-a-few-little-a-bit

Exercises

https://www.english-4u.de/en/grammar-exercises/quantifiers.htm

https://www.englisch-hilfen.de/en/exercises_list/mengen.htm

https://www.englisch-hilfen.de/en/exercises_list/mengen.htm

https://www.grammarbank.com/a-little-a-few-exercise.html

https://agendaweb.org/grammar/quantifiers-quantity-exercises.html

https://test-english.com/grammar-points/a2/much-many-little-few-some-any/

https://www.english-grammar.at/online_exercises/quantifiers/quanitifiers-index.htm

 

Grammar - Inversion for emphasis or formality

Explanation

Read parts 1, 2, 3 and 4 here carefully:

https://www.perfect-english-grammar.com/inversion.html

and then do the exercise from the link at the bottom of the page.

Then go to:

https://www.clarkandmiller.com/inverted-conditionals-have-you-mastered-this-advanced-english-trick/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lgNSRr9-Fbo

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I8zQaJZEfz0

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RmQH6B9P8r8

https://www.hornerschool.com/inversion-negative-adverbials/

Exercises

https://www.perfect-english-grammar.com/inversion-exercise-1.html

http://random-idea-english.blogspot.com/2011/05/negative-inversion-practice-exercises.html

https://www.tolearnenglish.com/exercises/exercise-english-2/exercise-english-88760.php

https://www.tolearnenglish.com/exercises/exercise-english-2/exercise-english-116807.php

https://test-english.com/grammar-points/b2/inversion-negative-adverbials/

https://www.tolearnenglish.com/exercises/exercise-english-2/exercise-english-89063.php

https://test-english.com/grammar-points/b2/inversion-negative-adverbials/

https://www.luizotaviobarros.com/negative-inversion-examples/

Inversion and Conditionals

https://learnenglish.britishcouncil.org/grammar/c1-grammar/inversion-conditionals

https://english.lingolia.com/en/grammar/other-conjunctions-inversion

https://www.bbc.com/learningenglish/burmese/course/towards-advanced/unit-26/tab/grammar

venerdì 17 aprile 2026

Some quick help on paragraphs and linking words (discourse markers)

https://www.uefap.org/exercises/writing/parag/paragex1.htm

https://www.uefap.org/exercises/writing/parag/paragex2.htm

https://www.uefap.org/exercises/writing/parag/paragex3.htm

https://www.uefap.org/exercises/writing/parag/paragex4.htm

https://www.uefap.org/exercises/writing/parag/paragex5.htm

https://www.uefap.org/exercises/writing/parag/paragex6.htm

https://www.uefap.org/exercises/writing/parag/paragex7.htm

https://www.uefap.org/exercises/writing/parag/paragex8.htm

https://www.flo-joe.co.uk/cae/students/writing/linking/index.htm

https://ndla.no/r/engelsk-1/tasks-using-linking-words-in-your-writing/d4270bc334

This exercise is designed to improve the flow, structure, and cohesion of an essay by inserting appropriate discourse markers (linking words and phrases). 

Essay Exercise: The Impact of Technology on Education

Instructions: Fill in the gaps (1-10) with the most appropriate discourse marker from the list below. Some words may be used more than once.

Markers: Furthermore, However, For example, In conclusion, Firstly, Consequently, On the other hand, Specifically, Moreover, As a result.

Technology has transformed the modern classroom in numerous ways. (1) __________, it has provided students with unprecedented access to information. Tablets and laptops allow instant research, (2) __________, students can access global libraries in seconds. (3) __________, learning is no longer confined to textbooks.
(4) __________, the use of technology in education has its drawbacks. (5) __________, many educators argue that excessive screen time reduces face-to-face interaction and diminishes social skills. (6) __________, students may become overly dependent on digital devices, making them less capable of critical thinking.
(7) __________, a balance must be struck. Teachers need to adopt digital tools, but they must also encourage traditional methods. (8) __________, a blended learning approach often yields the best results.
(9) __________, while technology offers substantial benefits, it cannot fully replace the role of a teacher. (10) __________, technological tools should be used as a complement to, rather than a replacement for, traditional pedagogy.


Answer Key with Explanations

1.     Firstly (Sequencing: Introduces the first point)

2.     For example / Specifically (Illustration: Gives a concrete example)

3.     Consequently / As a result (Logical consequence)

4.     However / On the other hand (Contrast: Introduces the opposite view)

5.     For example (Illustration)

6.     Moreover / Furthermore (Adding Information: Adds another point)

7.     Therefore / Consequently (Conclusion/Result: Based on previous points)

8.     Specifically (Rephrasing/Clarifying)

9.     In conclusion / Overall (Summary/Summing up)

10. Therefore / Thus (Conclusion/Final Argument) 

https://www.scribd.com/doc/215050140/Linking-Words-and-Phrases

https://test-english.com/grammar-points/b2/discourse-markers/

https://www.domestika.org/en/blog/12047-what-are-discourse-markers-examples-explained

https://www.scribd.com/document/426822887/Discourse-markers-Exercises-pdf

https://saylordotorg.github.io/text_business-english-for-success/s09-writing-paragraphs-separating-.html

Starting a new paragraph involves either indenting the first line or jumping a line (adding vertical space) to signal a change in thought. In printed books and formal manuscripts, it is standard to indent the first line without a blank line between paragraphs, while online or in business writing, it is standard to use block formatting (no indent, but a blank line between paragraphs). 

Methods for Paragraph Formatting

  • First Line Indent (Word/Docs): Do not use the space bar or Tab key manually. Instead, set this automatically by opening the Paragraph Settings, selecting Special, and choosing First Line (commonly 0.5 inches).
  • Using the Ruler: You can move the top triangle marker on the ruler to create a first-line indent, or the bottom triangle for a hanging indent.
  • "Jumping a Line" (Block Method): Set your paragraph spacing to add space after each paragraph rather than pressing "Enter" twice, which keeps the document structure clean.
  • Starting a New Line within a Paragraph: Press Shift+Enter to create a line break without finishing the paragraph and starting a new indented one. 

Standard Guidelines

  • Manuscripts/Books: Indent the first line of every paragraph, except often the very first paragraph of a chapter.
  • Academic (APA): Indent the first line 0.5 inches and double-space the entire document.
  • Online/Email: Use block style (no indents, one blank line between paragraphs). 

Tips for Consistency

  • Never use both: Do not indent and add a blank line between paragraphs, as this looks cluttered.
  • Modify Styles: In Word, right-click the "Normal" style to modify it so that all new paragraphs are automatically formatted with either an indent or space after.