Grammar 101: insider tips and tricks to instantly improve your writing (part 1)

Cryptids are creatures that are often unseen and mysterious. They are shrouded in legends and stories that have been passed down for generations, making them a fascination for humans for centuries. If you're looking to add a little more creativity to your story writing, learning about these elusive beings can be a great way to do so. In today's post, we'll take a closer look at some examples of cryptids, to get your imagination racing.

What are cryptids?

Cryptids are mythical creatures or beings whose existence cannot be proven by science. Some may claim to have seen them but there's usually no solid proof of the encounter. They exist in folklore, mythology and urban legends. Cryptids can be found in cultures all around the world, from the Loch Ness Monster in Scotland to the Chupacabra in Latin America.

Here are ten cryptids you'll want to learn about this Halloween season:

Barghest

The Barghest is a ghostly black dog cryptid that appears in the folklore of Yorkshire and Lancashire. It is often associated with misfortune, and sightings of this ominous creature continue to be reported.

Owlman

The Owlman is a humanoid creature with owl-like features such as red eyes, wings and feathers. Sightings of this mysterious creature have been reported around the village of Mawnan Smith in Cornwall, adding an eerie twist to local legend.

The Kraken

The Kraken is a legendary sea monster of gigantic size and octopus-like appearance, said to dwell in the deep sea and feasting on ships that are unfortunate enough to come across it.

Water Leaper (Llamhigyn Y Dwr)

The Water Leaper, also known as the Linton Worm or Lindworm, is a Welsh cryptid believed to inhabit bodies of water such as ponds and rivers. Descriptions vary, but it is often depicted as a fearsome water-dwelling creature.

Autumn (or fall, depending on where you are) is a season full of color, changing weather and cozy traditions. It is also a great time to learn new English vocabulary. Some autumn words are useful in everyday conversation, while others are unusual words that can help you sound more natural and descriptive.

Here are some autumnal English words to add to your vocabulary.

1. Crisp

Crisp can describe cool autumn weather, especially in the morning. Not to be mistaken for the British potato snack. Example: “It was a crisp autumn morning.” It can also describe something that makes a sharp sound when you touch or eat it, such as a dry leaf or an apple.

2. Foliage

Foliage means the leaves of trees and plants. In autumn, the leaves can change from green to yellow, orange, red and brown. Example: “The autumn foliage was beautiful.” This word is useful when talking about nature and landscapes.

3. Russet

Russet is a reddish-brown color often associated with autumn leaves. Example: “The trees were covered in russet and gold leaves.” It is a less common word, so it can be a fun addition to your vocabulary.

4. Mellow

Mellow can describe something soft, calm or gentle. It is often used to describe autumn colors or light. Example: “The garden was filled with mellow autumn colors.” It can also describe music, flavors or a relaxed person.

5. Harvest

A harvest is the process of collecting crops from fields and farms. It usually happens in late summer or autumn in many parts of the Northern Hemisphere. “The farmers began the apple harvest in September.” You can also use harvest as a verb: “The farmers harvested the pumpkins.”

6. Equinox

An equinox is a time when day and night are approximately the same length. The autumn/fall equinox marks the start of astronomical autumn in the Northern Hemisphere. It is a useful word for talking about seasons and the natural world.

7. Squirrel

You may see squirrels collecting food and preparing for colder weather during autumn. Example: “A squirrel was hiding an acorn under the leaves.” Try learning the phrase “squirrel away”, which means to save or hide something for later.

8. Drizzle

Drizzle means light rain made up of very small drops. Example: “It was drizzling when we left the house.” Unlike heavy rain, drizzle is usually light and gentle.

9. Gloomy

A gloomy day is dark, grey or lacking in sunlight. Example: “The weather was cold and gloomy.” You can also use gloomy to describe a person, place or situation that feels sad or depressing.

10. Rustle

Rustle is the soft sound made when leaves, paper or other light materials move. Example: “We could hear the leaves rustling in the wind.” It can also be used as a verb: “The wind rustled the leaves.”

11. Cozy

Cozy means comfortable, warm and relaxing. It is often used when talking about autumn and winter. Example: “I love spending a cozy evening at home.”

12. Petrichor

Finally, here is an unusual one: petrichor. Petrichor is the earthy smell that you can sometimes notice after rain, especially when rain falls on dry ground. Example: “I love the smell of petrichor after an autumn shower.” You won't hear it every day, but it is a great example of how English has specific words for things we experience.

Does taking an English test remotely make it less rigorous? Not necessarily. What matters is how the test is designed, scored and delivered – not simply where it is taken. For universities and governments, this is important. English test scores can help organizations make decisions about study, admissions and other opportunities.

They need to know test results are reliable and comparable, wherever and whenever a test is taken. A strong test starts with good test design. PTE Express assesses four core English skills: speaking, listening, reading and writing. The test uses a structured format to assess how candidates use English in different situations.

Tasks can include understanding spoken information, responding to questions and producing written answers. This is important because a rigorous test is not simply a difficult test. It should measure the English skills it is designed to measure and give candidates a fair way to show what they can do.