Formal letter greetings in UK: yours sincerely or your faithfully? Hi everybody I am training for my General IELTS exam and a doubt rose about the writing part; although on every preparation website or book it is recommended to use "yours faithfully" at the end of a formal letter, many english speakers have told me that it is really old-fashioned! they would rather close a formal letter with "yours sincerely" (which, according to IELTS preparation sources is only appropriate for semi-formal letters). Which rule should I follow? thank you!!!

Ielts writing essay, 1^ part: What factors are related to academic success in high school students? A gigantic thank you for your help! soon the II part of the essay Academic success in teen students is nowadays not that guaranteed as it used to be in the past, when social-economical status was a dominant factor. It is true that, statistically, students with better possibilities also gain better results, but we might consider that the era we live in is carachterized by many elements that change the general scenario, such as the multicultural advantage, the continuous technological stimulations and the change of attitudes - from an anthropological perspective. In those who have particular inclination for study, many times competitivity is a key for success: they not only have to reach results, but they have to keep up to them and always be on alert if they want those results to mature for a desiderd future – at a prestigious college, for example. In cases of poor attitude towards study and/or discomfort with teachers, family plays a fundamental role: if there is a stable and healthy domestic situation, the student is more likely to be mentally protected and motivated. Having the chance to count on family members (and I believe that good friends are as much as important) is a huge priviledge that nobody should undermine. Another important factor to consider, in my personal opinion, is that students must be free to chose and cultivate a passion, or a sport. Team sports, for example, are extremely important for socialization, and that contributes by all means to one’s personal growth and, in consequence, to a good attitude at school. Besides, everyone at that age should have enough free time to be spent in the best and healthier ways, stimulating mind and body. Sometimes students are overload with extra curricular activities, which are surely critical for the next steps of their education and important for a more promising career; but sometimes the stress is too much and not productive: I think it is also important for them to cherish simple free time, disconnected by school, empowering for the next day.

colorful expressions and sayings in English

Hello! I am Valentina and I am an Italian tutor. I always watch shows in original language and I understand 95% of it fortunately, but I still have trouble remembering sayings and colorful expressions in English to use, such as (only the last couple I've learnt) "top notch", "worked like a charm", "pull the job". Can any native English speaker be so nice to write a couple of his favorite expressions? In exchange I can provide their correspondent in Italiano :) or else.

I am particularly interested in how you express that something is (or has been) extremely hilarious or funny for you... like that you laughed until tears? XD Or if you are extremely bored?

Thanks in advance!

How can I use the verb "pull off"? Hello English speakers! I always hear this phrasal verb (is it?) in shows and movies but it seems to me that it's used in many different situations, and on the dictionary there are too many meanings.. it drives me crazy! could a native speaker give me some examples on how it can be used, with eventual shades and subtle implications? Grazie!!