Sunday, October 29, 2023

Intermediate English Grammar Diagnostic Test

  Intermediate English Grammar Diagnostic Test

Instructions: Choose the correct option to complete each sentence.

1. If I ____ him, I would have told you.

A) saw

B) have seen

C) had seen

D) would see


2. Sarah is the girl ____ sings in the choir.

A) who

B) which

C) where

D) whose


3. By the time you arrive, we ____ dinner.

A) will have

B) will have had

C) have had

D) had


4. I wish I ____ to her party last night, but I was too tired.

A) went

B) had gone

C) would go

D) g


5. Neither of the applicants ____ suitable for the job.

A) is

B) are

C) were

D) have been


6. She can’t attend the meeting, ____?

A) can she

B) can’t she

C) couldn’t she

D) isn’t it


7. the rain, the soccer game continued.

A) Despite

B) Although

C) Because

D) As


8. I used to ____ coffee every morning, but now I prefer tea.

A) drinking

B) drink

C) drank

D) have drunk


9. I'd rather you ____ to them why we can't come.

A) explain

B) explains

C) explained

D) to explain


10. The instructions ____ clearly before the exam started.

A) were explained

B) explained

C) are explained

D) have been explained


11. You ____ better check your answers before submitting the test.

A) would

B) should

C) could

D) must


12. Not only ____ to Paris, but he also visited Rome.

A) he went

B) went he

C) did he go

D) he did go


13. There ____ any messages for you while you were out.

A) wasn’t

B) weren’t

C) isn’t

D) aren’t


14. She’s interested ____ learning more about French history.

A) to

B) in

C) on

D) at


15. If he ____ the truth, he would have told us.

A) knows

B) knew

C) had known

D) know


16. We’ve run out of milk. I need to go ____ some.

A) buy

B) to buy

C) buying

D) buys


17. ____ time you come, please call first.

A) The next

B) Next

C) On next

D) At the next


18. This is the book ____.

A) who I need

B) that I need

C) which I need

D) what I need


19. Everyone ____ when the results were announced.

A) were surprised

B) was surprised

C) surprised

D) have been surprised


20. He drives more carefully ____ his brother does.

A) than

B) then

C) as

D) like



See the answer key below. Scroll to the bottom of the page.



































Answer key for the diagnostic English grammar test:

  1. C) had seen
  2. A) who
  3. B) will have had
  4. B) had gone
  5. A) is
  6. A) can she
  7. A) Despite
  8. B) drink
  9. A) explain
  10. A) were explained
  11. B) should
  12. C) did he go
  13. B) weren’t
  14. B) in
  15. C) had known
  16. B) to buy
  17. B) Next
  18. B) that I need
  19. B) was surprised
  20. A) than

Friday, October 20, 2023

Quotable quotes on RECONCILIATION



"Reconciliation requires changes of heart and spirit, as well as social and economic change. It requires symbolic as well as practical action." – Malcolm Fraser

"Forgiveness is the key to action and freedom." – Hannah Arendt

"In the end, reconciliation is a spiritual process, which requires more than just a legal framework. It has to happen in the hearts and minds of people." – Nelson Mandela

"We are all broken by something. We have all hurt someone and have been hurt. We all share the condition of brokenness even if our brokenness is not equivalent." – Bryan Stevenson

"True reconciliation does not consist in merely forgetting the past." – Nelson Mandela

"Reconciliation should be accompanied by justice, otherwise it will not last. While we all hope for peace it shouldn't be peace at any cost but peace based on principle, on justice." – Corazon Aquino

"The practice of peace and reconciliation is one of the most vital and artistic of human actions." – Thich Nhat Hanh

"Forgiving is not forgetting; it's actually remembering—remembering and not using your right to hit back." – Desmond Tutu

"There is no reconciliation until you recognize the dignity of the other, until you see their view- you have to enter into the pain of the people. You've got to feel their need." – John M. Perkins

"The first step to reconciliation is understanding. The second step is acceptance." – Thabo Mbeki

"It takes a lot of strength to mend a broken heart. Channelising energies into our work helps, but work is not a solution to personal griefs." – Mary Kom

"Every act of reconciliation is a miracle, a phenomenon beyond human explanation and prediction." – Raimon Panikkar

"All the greatest and most important problems in life are fundamentally insoluble… They can never be solved, but only outgrown." – Carl Jung

"Reconciliation means working together to correct the legacy of past injustice." – Nelson Mandela

"Healing and reconciliation are a necessary part of the narrative. Otherwise, history repeats itself." – Andra Day

May these quotes offer guidance and wisdom to those seeking the path of reconciliation.

Wednesday, October 18, 2023

Why did jews return to Israel? What legitimize their return to that land?

 The return of Jews to Israel is a complex topic, and it is interwoven with religious beliefs, political movements, and historical circumstances.

Religious Aspect:

Divine Promise: Many Jews believe that God promised the land of Israel to the Jewish people. This belief is based on biblical texts. The covenant between God and Abraham, which is found in the Book of Genesis in the Hebrew Bible (or Old Testament), is often cited as the divine promise of the land to the Jewish people.

Exile and Return: Throughout history, there have been several instances where Jews were exiled from the land of Israel and later returned. The Babylonian exile and subsequent return (6th century BCE) is a notable example.

Political and Historical Aspects:

Zionism: In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, a political movement known as Zionism emerged. The movement sought to establish a national homeland for the Jewish people in Palestine. This was partially due to the persecution Jews faced in various countries.

Holocaust: The genocide of approximately six million Jews by the Nazi regime during World War II, known as the Holocaust, greatly influenced the global and Jewish perspective regarding the need for a Jewish homeland. After the war, support for the establishment of a Jewish state increased significantly both among Jews and within the international community.

Balfour Declaration: In 1917, the British government, through the Balfour Declaration, expressed its support for "the establishment in Palestine of a national home for the Jewish people."

UN Partition Plan: In 1947, the United Nations proposed a plan to partition Palestine into Jewish and Arab states. Despite the Arab rejection of the plan, the State of Israel was proclaimed in 1948.

Socio-Cultural Aspects:

Identity and Connection: Many Jews have felt a profound historical and cultural connection to the land of Israel. This connection has been maintained and expressed through religious practices, literature, and traditions.

Geopolitical Aspects:

British Mandate: The British controlled Palestine from 1917 until 1948 under the British Mandate. Their policies, at various times, both facilitated and hindered Jewish immigration to the region.

Israeli-Arab Conflict: The establishment of Israel was followed by a complex and ongoing conflict with its Arab neighbors. This has involved numerous wars and consistent political tensions.

The return of Jews to Israel is, therefore, a multifaceted phenomenon influenced by a blend of religious, historical, political, and sociocultural factors. Various individuals and groups may prioritize or emphasize different aspects of these factors based on their beliefs, experiences, and perspectives.

Wednesday, October 11, 2023

Islamic verses that may have inspired radical muslim groups


  1. Surah Al-Baqarah (2:61)

    • "And [recall] when you said, 'O Moses, we can never endure one [kind of] food. So call upon your Lord to bring forth for us from the earth its green herbs and its cucumbers and its garlic and its lentils and its onions.' [Moses] said, 'Would you exchange what is better for what is less? Go into [any] settlement and indeed, you will have what you have asked.' And they were covered with humiliation and poverty and returned with anger from Allah [upon them]. That was because they [repeatedly] disbelieved in the signs of Allah and killed the prophets without right. That was because they disobeyed and were [habitually] transgressing."
    • Description: This verse describes some Israelites who disobeyed Moses, but interpretations vary on whether it's a general condemnation of Jews or specific individuals.

  2. Surah Al-Ma'idah (5:51)

    • "O you who have believed, do not take the Jews and the Christians as allies. They are [in fact] allies of one another. And whoever is an ally to them among you - then indeed, he is [one] of them. Indeed, Allah guides not the wrongdoing people."
    • Description: This verse advises against taking Jews and Christians as allies, but interpretations vary regarding whether this was a specific historical directive or a general rule.

  3. Surah Al-Ma'idah (5:64)

    • "And the Jews say, 'The hand of Allah is chained.' Chained are their hands, and cursed are they for what they say. Rather, both His hands are extended; He spends however He wills. And that which has been revealed to you from your Lord will surely increase many of them in transgression and disbelief. And We have cast among them animosity and hatred until the Day of Resurrection. Every time they kindled the fire of war [against you], Allah extinguished it. And they strive throughout the land [causing] corruption, and Allah does not like corrupters."
    • Description: This verse accuses Jews of spreading corruption and having animosity, with differing interpretations on whether it refers to specific individuals or more broadly.

  4. Surah Al-Ma'idah (5:82)

    • "You will surely find the most intense of the people in animosity toward the believers [to be] the Jews and those who associate others with Allah..."
    • Description: This verse describes Jews as among the strongest in enmity toward the believers, with interpretations varying between a general characterization and a specific historical context.

These translations, while widely recognized, can differ slightly between versions. Thus, readers and scholars emphasize the importance of understanding the context in which these verses were revealed (Asbab al-Nuzul) and caution against taking them out of that context to apply them to different times, places, or people.

Discussions about religious texts and their interpretations should be approached with sensitivity, acknowledging that perspectives on these verses can vary widely even among adherents of the faith. Different Islamic scholars and communities may have varying interpretations and apply these verses differently in their beliefs and practices. Remember that it's essential to promote dialogue and understanding, particularly when engaging with topics of religious beliefs and interfaith relations.

Tuesday, October 10, 2023

RELIGIOUS TRADITIONS encouraging followers to refrain from killing

Many religious and spiritual traditions emphasize the sanctity of life and have teachings that encourage adherents to refrain from killing. Here’s a list of some teachings or guidelines from various religious traditions that speak to this principle:

1. Christianity

The Ten Commandments: The commandment "Thou shall not kill" (Exodus 20:13) is explicit in prohibiting killing.

Teachings of Jesus: Jesus promotes love and forgiveness. He says, "You have heard that it was said to the people long ago, 'You shall not murder, and anyone who murders will be subject to judgment.'" (Matthew 5:21).

2. Islam

The Quran: “...if anyone killed a person not in retaliation of murder, or (and) to spread mischief in the land - it would be as if he killed all mankind...” (Quran 5:32).

Hadith: Prophet Muhammad teaches, "Do not kill any old person, any child, or any woman” (Abu Dawud).

3. Judaism

The Ten Commandments: Like Christianity, Judaism adheres to the commandment "You shall not murder" (Exodus 20:13).

Talmud: There are various teachings against violence and murder in the Talmud.

4. Buddhism

The First Precept: The first of the Five Precepts in Buddhism is to abstain from taking life ("Panatipata veramani sikkhapadam samadiyami").

The Noble Eightfold Path: Right action, which involves non-violence and not killing, is an essential element of the path.

5. Hinduism

Ahimsa: This is the principle of non-violence, which is highly regarded in Hinduism. It involves not causing harm or violence to any living being.

The Bhagavad Gita: Although it features a battlefield conversation, the text ultimately emphasizes Dharma (righteousness) and discourages unwarranted violence.

6. Sikhism

Guru Granth Sahib: The primary scripture emphasizes a life of love and non-violence. However, Sikhs are also taught to defend the defenseless.

Guru Tegh Bahadur: The ninth Guru sacrificed his life for the protection of the Hindu community, exemplifying defense without aggression.

7. Jainism

Ahimsa: Much like Hinduism, non-violence is central to Jainism, and it’s even more absolute. It requires adherents to be mindful not to harm any form of life.

Tirthankara Mahavira: He taught rigorous principles of non-violence, stating that one should be non-violent in thoughts, words, and deeds.

8. Baha'i Faith

Baha'u'llah’s Teachings: Emphasize the unity of humanity and discourage violence. There is a significant focus on creating a peaceful and united world.

The Kitáb-i-Aqdas: Discourages violence and emphasizes the importance of justice and fairness in society.

9. Zoroastrianism

Holy Zend Avesta: Teaches that life is a gift from Ahura Mazda (God) and should be preserved and respected.

Ahura Mazda: Is seen as a god of wisdom and light, promoting peace and harmony among his creations.

10. Shinto

Kami: All life is considered sacred because it is inhabited by Kami (spiritual beings or gods).

Harmony: Maintaining harmony and avoiding conflict is crucial in Shinto practices and beliefs.

Who exactly owned the land known today as ISRAEL?

The history of the area now known as Israel is exceptionally complex and multifaceted, with a rich tapestry that has been woven over millennia. Below is a very brief overview, but it's essential to acknowledge that each period is dense with events, conflicts, and cultural developments.

Ancient Periods:

Canaanites: The area was initially inhabited by Canaanite tribes and other Semitic peoples.

Israelites: In biblical times, the Israelites established the Kingdom of Israel and the Kingdom of Judah. The exact historical and archaeological veracity of these events is a matter of ongoing study and debate among scholars.

Various Conquerors: The region was conquered by various empires, such as the Babylonian, Persian, and Macedonian (under Alexander the Great).

Roman Period:

Roman Rule: The Romans controlled the area from 63 BCE. The region was named "Palaestina" by the Romans, a name that would stick in various forms for centuries.

Jewish-Roman Wars: There were multiple conflicts between the Jewish inhabitants and the Roman rulers, notably the revolts from 66-70 CE and 132-136 CE.

Islamic and Crusader Periods:

Islamic Caliphates: In the 7th century, the region came under Muslim rule by the Rashidun and then the Umayyad Caliphates.

Crusaders: From the late 11th century, European Crusaders intermittently established Christian kingdoms in the area.

Ottoman Period:

Ottoman Empire: From 1517 until the end of World War I in 1918, the area was part of the Ottoman Empire.

British Mandate:

Balfour Declaration: In 1917, the British government expressed support for the establishment of a "national home for the Jewish people" in Palestine.

British Mandate: After World War I, the League of Nations granted Britain the mandate to govern Palestine from 1920 until 1948.

Modern Period:

UN Partition Plan: In 1947, the United Nations proposed a plan to partition Palestine into Jewish and Arab states, with Jerusalem under international administration. The plan was accepted by the Jewish leaders but rejected by the Arab side.

State of Israel: In 1948, David Ben-Gurion declared the establishment of the State of Israel. Following this, neighboring Arab states invaded, marking the start of the first Arab-Israeli War.

Israeli-Arab Conflicts: Throughout the 20th and 21st centuries, there have been numerous conflicts between Israel and its Arab neighbors, as well as between Israelis and Palestinians.

Palestinian Territories: The West Bank and the Gaza Strip, territories occupied by Israel since the 1967 Six-Day War, have been the focus of ongoing conflicts and peace negotiations.

The history of the region is intricate, with each period being subject to various interpretations and perspectives. Therefore, when exploring the topic, it is crucial to approach various sources and viewpoints to get a comprehensive understanding.


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