Examples of Phrasal Verbs with UP and their meanings

Examples of Phrasal Verbs with UP and their meanings We have already looked at Phrasal verbs using the preposition AROUND earlier this week. There are many more prepositions in English we can use to form phrasal verbs. So today lets take the preposition UP and study phrasal verbs with UP.UP is a very commonly used preposition in English. UP usually refers to something above us.The ceiling is  above my head. I am going up the stairs to my room.But when used in a phrasal verb it has many  different meanings.  Here are some examples of English Phrasal verbs with UP and their meanings. Examples of Phrasal Verbs with UP BREAK UP  The usual meaning here is to destroy or dismantle something.Examples:I broke up the Lego model I  made.  I broke up the old wooden table we had in the garden. However, to break up can also mean to end. Usually it refers to  relationships. When a relationship goes badly we say that couple who lived next door have broken  up. He has moved out of the house.Example: The pop group who had all those major hits a few years ago have announced that they are breaking up. They will have their own careers now.SEX UP  When someone wants something to look or sound a little more modern then we can use  this phrasal verb.Example: Irina had to make a very important presentation to her bosses the following week. She spent 2 days writing it and showed it to her boyfriend for his comments. He said it was ok but a little bit boring. He suggested to sex it up a little to make it more interesting. He suggested inserting (putting in) a few graphs and charts and a couple of pictures to make it look attractive.PICK UP  Literally this means to lift something off the floor/ground or from the table and carry it somewhere  else.ex. I picked up the package and put it in the cupboard.Several other meanings of PICK UP are:1. to improveex. The weather has been terrible, rain and winds for at least 10 days. However the weather  forecast says it will pick up by the weekend and the temperature will rise considerably.2. to collect someone from somewhereex. If you tell me what time your flight is arriving I will come to the airport and pick you up.3. to catch an illness or a bugex. Last week John picked up a stomach bug and missed 2 days of work. Phrasal Verbs with UP - Image to share CUT UP  Literally to  CUT UP  something is to take a knife or scissors and cut something in to pieces.ex. I  cut up that old dress as I never wear it now. I can use it to clean the windows.However, it can also  have some metaphorical meanings.ex. Sergei has broken up (split) with his girlfriend. They were  together for ages. He is very cut up about it (very upset).DO UPThis is quite informal and refers to improving or renovating something.ex. Peter  and Jane and been living in the house for 6 years. They hadn’t done any decoration in that time. As  spring was approaching Jane got some paint and designs and they decided to do up (decorate) the  house one room at a time before the summer.MAKE UPto become friends again after a quarrelex. We made up after our argument but it still feels like there is some tension.Next time when you are speaking English try and use some of the phrasal verbs with UP in your conversation.   English Phrasal Verbs with WORK - Video Lesson

Simple Steps to a Higher GRE Score

Simple Steps to a Higher GRE Score GRE/MAT Graduate School Blog There are many different ways to study for the GRE. But most GRE prep classes, GRE prep courses, and GRE tutors have the following 5 step process in common: Invest in some type of test prep material that is clear and easy to understand. Nowadays, there are more than 10 high quality options for almost every standardized test. Your chosen GRE prep materials should include: Descriptions of the major areas of the GRE Key concepts being tested in each area GRE testing strategies Several full length GRE practice tests Lots of practice GRE problems Complete a diagnostic test to understand strengths and weaknesses before you really start studying Plan in advance regular study time each week AND what you’ll review during each week Complete lots of actual practice problems, covering all of the major conceptual areas of the test Complete at least 5 different practice tests, and ensure your score is increasing each time. However, beyond that generic plan, a customized approach based on the starting point of each individual student can truly increase GRE scores. For example, here was our approach with one particular student: One Customized Approach Student was doing well with the quantitative sections of the GRE, but needed to improve verbal and writing scores dramatically. His objective was to get admitted into top graduate school programs, which required GRE scores in the 90th percentile or better. (1) Designed a study plan for GRE vocabulary (2) Intensive student-specific preparation created to help the student maximize success for questions where he was familiar with words or phrases (3) Direct observation of timed testing sections, to help improve time management and manage stress/frustration. Results Achieved We observed significant increase in GRE verbal score on second test date, with stated improved confidence, time management, and ability to overcome challenges during the test. You can read a full case study on our approach with this particular GRE test-taker (coming soon). How To Customize a Study Plan? Developing a customized GRE study plan doesn’t need to be difficult. The first step is simply identifying where you are strong vs. weak. If your percentile score in GRE Quant is 85th percentile (meaning you scored better than 85 out of 100 GRE test takers on your practice GRE), but your GRE Verbal score is 50th percentile, then you should consider layering in an extra week or two of GRE Verbal prep. If necessary, that may mean investing in additional test prep materials focused on whatever section you need extra help in. Just keep doing extra practice and reviewing problems you miss. However, you do need to keep monitoring your performance across all sections as your test prep process progresses towards your test date. We’ve seen many students who are apparently very strong in verbal but weak in math spend 2 months straight focusing on improving their math score. Sure enough, come test day, their math score is much better. However, lo and behold, now their verbal score is much worse. Why did this happen? Well, even if you are very good at GRE-verbal, you need to keep the concepts and the problem types fresh in your mind. You can easily make a bunch of small errors, even though you know the main concepts pretty well, and end up bombing the actual test due to those small errors piling up. Summary Like any standardized test, the GRE can be mastered with intelligent, careful practice that starts with basic test taking study plan development and strategy, and layers on a customized approach based on any given student’s starting point, strengths, and weaknesses. With a calm, steady, planned approach to studying for the GRE, most students observe significant improvement, regardless of the specific prep strategy they chose: GRE class, self-study, or private GRE tutor. What are your experiences studying for the GRE?