Why does php give me syntax error for this valid if...else statement [duplicate]

This question already has an answer here:

• PHP parse/syntax errors; and how to solve them? 14 answers

So I have this code but I keep getting syntax error saying :unexpected '=' in line 9.I don't understand..I've tried what i can.

<?php 
$rate=$_POST['rate'];
echo $rate;

?>

<?php

if($rate !=== 'applaud' OR $rate !=== 'applaud')
{

die("Sorry there was a problem var rate was not well stated");
}

else
{
    echo 'yay ,well stated!!!';
}
?>



?>