TOEFL ZONE

Dear Metages Mesfin,

My scores finally came out and I am so excited to share that I scored 107 on my toefl which I took on January 18. Your guidance made this possible, and I am deeply grateful for your support. Thank you sir 👍

Five students have informed me that they received emails from ETS stating that their TOEFL exams in the United States have been canceled. The reason for the cancellation was not mentioned, but it could be due to severe weather conditions.

If you have received a similar email, please contact your test center immediately for confirmation and reach out to ETS for further clarification and instructions.

Make sure to act quickly to address the situation.

An Academic Discussion task

Doctor Achebe:

In our discussion on the importance of workplace mentoring, we learned that mentoring (training or guiding someone) is typically associated with senior employees―that is, workers who have been at a company for a long time and mentor younger colleagues. However, at some companies, especially those that use innovative technology, younger employees sometimes train or guide senior colleagues. Do you think that it is a good idea for companies to encourage younger employees to mentor senior coworkers? Why or why not?

Claire:
I support the idea of having younger employees mentor senior ones. Technology is developing so rapidly these days, and young people are much more skilled in dealing with technology than older employees are. It’s the ideal way for senior employees to learn new digital skills.

Kelly:
Claire makes a good point, but technology aside, I do not think that younger employees make good mentors right away. When younger employees join companies, they often lack the experience needed to be fully effective in their roles. They should be mentored by senior coworkers who have achieved a high level of expertise in their work.

My response:
I agree with Claire’s point that younger employees should be encouraged to mentor senior colleagues, especially in areas related to technology. In today’s rapidly evolving digital landscape, younger employees often have a natural advantage in understanding and utilizing modern tools and platforms. By allowing them to share their expertise, companies ensure that all employees, regardless of age, stay up to date with the latest technologies, which is critical for remaining competitive. Additionally, having younger employees mentor senior ones creates a more collaborative work environment. This can help break down traditional hierarchies and encourage open communication between generations. Younger employees can feel more valued and motivated when their skills are recognized, while senior employees benefit from learning new approaches that improve their efficiency. Although Kelly raises a valid point about younger employees lacking experience, mentorship is not just about job-specific expertise. It’s about sharing knowledge in areas where one excels

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Vocabulary from the Story

1. Inaugurated – formally admitted to office.


2. Non-consecutive – not following one after the other.


3. Rotunda – a large, round room beneath a dome.


4. Fervor – intense and passionate feeling.


5. Administered – carried out or executed.


6. Symbolizing – representing something as a symbol.


7. Underscoring – emphasizing.


8. Controversies – disputes or arguments.


9. Ambitious – showing a strong desire to succeed.


10. Jubilation – a feeling of great happiness or triumph.


11. Precaution – a measure taken to ensure safety.


12. Geographical – related to physical locations or regions.


13. Polarizing – causing division or disagreement.


14. Vigilant – keeping careful watch for danger or difficulties.


15. Grandeur – splendor and impressiveness.
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A historic return Donald Trump's Inauguration Day

By Metages Mesfin

On a cold January morning in 2025, history was made as Donald J. Trump was inaugurated as the 47th President of the United States. The ceremony, moved indoors to the Capitol Rotunda due to the harsh winter weather, marked Trump’s return to the White House after a non-consecutive first term—a feat last seen in the late 19th century with Grover Cleveland. The atmosphere was electric, blending the grandeur of tradition with the fervor of Trump’s supporters.

Chief Justice John Roberts administered the oath of office, while JD Vance, the new Vice President, took his oath before Associate Justice Brett Kavanaugh. In attendance were former Presidents Barack Obama, George W. Bush, and Bill Clinton, symbolizing a rare unity in a politically divided era. The event also drew international figures such as Argentinian President Javier Milei and China’s Vice President Han Zheng, underscoring the global significance of this political moment.

The ceremony was accompanied by a lineup of performances that captured the celebratory mood. Country music star Carrie Underwood delivered a stirring rendition of “America the Beautiful,” while the iconic Village People energized the audience with their signature hits.

Security measures were at an all-time high, a precaution following recent threats and controversies. National Guard troops patrolled the area, ensuring the safety of the event. After taking the oath, President Trump addressed thousands of supporters gathered at Capital One Arena. He emphasized a renewed commitment to "making America great again," promising swift action on his ambitious agenda.

The evening concluded with three inaugural balls: the Commander in Chief Ball, the Liberty Ball, and the Starlight Ball. These events were filled with elegance and jubilation as attendees celebrated the beginning of a new era.

President Trump wasted no time in getting to work. Within hours of the ceremony, he signed executive orders addressing immigration, rolling back transgender protections, and renaming controversial geographical landmarks. While these measures were met with mixed reactions, they set the tone for what promises to be a bold and polarizing presidency.

As Trump embarks on his second term, the nation finds itself at a crossroads. For his supporters, it is the dawn of a thrilling new chapter. For his critics, it is a moment to remain vigilant. Either way, January 20, 2025, will be remembered as a day that reshaped American politics and leadership.
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Extensive Reading for Academic Success Advanced + Audio
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Merhaba! Best wishes to all sitting for the TOEFL on January 18, 2025. Stay focused!

Sir, I got my results today. 120/120! 💪 Thank you for your help:)

Dear Sir, I have finally achieved the score I was aiming for and I wanted to let you know how much your support meant to me. I am not sure if it’s something you’re interested in, but I just wanted to share.