US Campus Scholarships

US Campus ScholarshipsThe University of South Carolina Tutoring Center offers a very unique and personalized education for each of their students. The center is considered to be one of the best in the country. The University of South Carolina in Columbia, SC has a very distinguished reputation among the different schools. This scholarship is awarded to outstanding academic achievers.One very valuable thing that this school is known for is the environment that they create in their classrooms. Students that come from the high school or even from the elementary schools have a better chance of being accepted into the university. The University of South Carolina also has a scholarship for any student that desires to attend this prestigious college. In fact, the number of accepted students for the scholarship program is very high. In this article, we will give you some of the key advantages of this scholarship.To qualify for this scholarship, you must be a US citizen or a legal resident al ien. You must also be a resident of the state of South Carolina. If you live outside of this area, you may still be eligible to receive this award, but you must be able to submit the essays as well as personal statements that the University of South Carolina will require.The first thing that the University of South Carolina does is to assess your academic performance. The assessment will determine how much financial aid you will need to attend the university. They will also be looking for how much hard work you put into the studies.Some of the advantages of applying to this scholarship is that you can still be a resident of the state of South Carolina, so there are no issues with your high school or middle school transcripts. The essay will give more information about your personal profile, specifically your goals. In addition, you will be given an opportunity to interview and possibly get invited to the University of South Carolina campus.In order to get this scholarship, you must still meet the requirements for admission. However, the odds of you getting the award are higher because of the many different factors that are considered when determining the chances of acceptance. There are a lot of scholarships available, but not all of them will give the same kind of scholarship for similar qualifications. This is why it is important that you apply for the one that you are most likely to get.The University of South Carolina offers scholarships that will fit any type of personality. If you are looking for a private education, you will find them at this particular university. You will also find many students that are studying abroad, so if you do not have a degree, you should also consider this type of scholarship.

Jumpstarting Your Music Career 5 Tips Nobody Talks About

Jumpstarting Your Music Career 5 Tips Nobody Talks About Suzy S. If youre one of the many with dreams of scoring a record deal, embarking on a world tour, or gracing the Broadway stage or maybe even the big screen, youve probably received a wealth of advice from teachers and mentors. You know the importance of working hard, practicing a ton, acing your auditions and networking. But theres actually much more to it. When it comes to making it in the entertainment field and getting the opportunity to do what you love, the path to success can be filled with frustration and unpredictable outcomes. So how do you survive the ups and downs? New York, NY teacher Natalie W. recently gave us her 5 tips for survival that arent always mentioned in the career guidebooks. Here are her words of wisdom, coming from years of experience as a professional opera singer: 1) Dont go to school for the performing arts.   No one truly cares where (or whether) you went to school; they just want to see what you can do.   You will get far better training studying privately with teachers and coaches and designing your own curriculum than you will get in pretty much any program.   With few exceptions, the best teachers dont teach in universities, because they can make far more money teaching privately in a city like New York. 2) Do go to school and study something that interests you.   Study philosophy, psychology, art history, political science, biology, whatever.   Broaden your world.   Make yourself a more complex, well-rounded person.   This will serve you as an artist, and help prepare you for my next piece of advice: 3) Prepare for a parallel career.   I was always told I would need a fall-back career, something to do if I didnt make it.   Well, of course, I was going to make it, so I didnt need one.   In fact, I didnt want a fall-back career, because then I knew I would end up falling back on it.   If I gave myself no option except to make it, then Id have to make it right?   (wrong)   Heres the reality: except for the most miniscule percentage of people, even highly successful performers those who have had national tours, performed on Broadway or at the Met, have made blockbuster movies or been on Law Order have times when they are not making money as performers.   Even if you make it, you will have to support yourself by other means at times.   If you dont want to spend the largest chunks of your life temping or waiting tables, figure out something you would like to do that allows you some flexibility for your artistic pursuits and train yourself for that.   I have found that for myself wit h my teaching the only reason Im glad I have a Masters degree in voice performance (even though nothing of what I learned in grad school gets passed on to my students). 4) Make time for friends and family.   It is so easy to say I cant, I have rehearsal (my mom actually bought me a t-shirt with this on it once, and I wore it with pride), and then wake up years later when your career is stalled to realize you have no friends and your marriage is on the rocks.   There is no one audition, no one show, no one opportunity that will be the deciding factor in your career.   You cant always sacrifice your career dreams for your friends and family, but you also cant always sacrifice your friends and family for your career dreams.   In the end, your relationships are what sustain you, what nourish you, what make you a whole person, and are what you can count on when the dream eludes you.   Besides, who are you going to thank when you win your Tony? 5) Lastly, if there is anything else in life that will make you happy, do that.   It is rare that the moments of joy outnumber the moments of pain and frustration in this business, so it is only worth doing if you are miserable not doing it. Natalie W. teaches piano, singing, Broadway singing, music performance, music theory, opera voice, and acting lessons to students of all ages in New York, NY. She joined the TakeLessons team in October 2012, with over 20   years of teaching experience. Find out more about Natalie, or visit TakeLessons to search for a teacher near you! Photo by Emz.watson

Your Guide to Past Perfect in English

Your Guide to Past Perfect in English English Past perfect tense can be a difficult for English learners, especially in conversation.  The goal of todays lesson is to make it easier for you.  Hopefully it will be the confidence boost you need to use past perfect  the next time youre talking about more than one action in the past!  Dont forget to schedule a class with LOI if you need a friendly, professional native speaker to practice with.  Lets get to it!English past perfect tense to talk aboutA completed action before something in the past:I had read the book, so I knew what would happen in the movie.She had never been to that restaurant until she went on a date there.I had never visited Amsterdam before I moved here.Duration before something in the past (non-continuous verbs):He had had the job for 20 years before he got fired. By the time he left, he had been  in Thailand for 3 months.He had felt unhappy  for months before he quit  his job.Good to Know For using English past perfect tense:regular past participles end with -ed, but here are some  common irregulars:bite - bitten                          â€¢  see - seenblow - blown                        â€¢  show - shownbreak - broken                     •  sing - sungeat - eaten                             •  speak - spokengive - given                           •  take - takenknow - known                      â€¢  tear - tornovercome - overcome         •  wake - wokenride - ridden                         •  wear - wornrun - run                               •  write - writtenWatch and Learn About English past perfect tense:Complete the sentences  with the correct use of English past perfect tense in the comments section.When I arrived at the cinema, the film (start).She (sing) a few times before she tried out for the play.We (be) in Taiwan for a year before we moved away.Before he tried today, he (ride) a bike one time.___ you guys (meet) before you went on your first date?He didnt arrive until after you (leave).I  (have) that car for 10 years before it broke down.The shark (bite) a few people before it bit her.Now, fill in the blanks below with English past perfect tense.  When youve finished, start the video at 1:00 to check your answers.A woman in Paris  was on her way to go shopping, but she ___ _________(forget) her coat. went back to get it.When she ___ ______(get) her coat the phone ___ ____(ring), so she ___ _______(stop) to answer it, and talked for a couple of minutes.While the woman was on the  phone, Daisy was rehearsing for a  performance at the Paris Opera House.  While she was rehearsing, the woman (off the phone now) ___ ____(go) outside to get a taxi.Now, a taxi driver ___ ______(drop) off a fare earlier and ___ _______(stop) to get a cup of coffee, and all the while Daisy was rehearsing.This cab driver, who dropped off the earlier fare and ___ _______(stop) to get the cup of coffee, an d picked up the lady who was going shopping and ___ ______(miss) getting the earlier cab.The taxi had to stop for a man crossing the street who ___ ____(leave) work five minutes later than he normally did because he forgot to set his alarm.While that man, late for work, was crossing the street, Daisy ___ ________(finish) rehearsal and was taking a shower.While Daisy was showering, the taxi was waiting outside a boutique for the woman to pick up a package, which _____ ____(not/be) wrapped yet because the girl that was supposed to wrap it ___ ______(break) up with her boyfriend the night before and forgot.The delivery truck pulled away and the taxi was able to move, while Daisy, the last to be dressed, waited for one of her friends who ___ ______(break) a shoelace.And if only one thing ___ ________(happen) differently-if that shoelace _____ ______(not/break), or that delivery truck ___ _____(move) moments earlier, or that package ___ ____(be) wrapped and ready because the girl _____ _ _____(not/break) up with her boyfriend, or that man ___ ____(set) his alarm and got up five minutes earlier, or that taxi driver _____ _______(not/stop) for that cup of coffee, or that woman ___ __________(remember) her coat and got into an earlier cab-Daisy and her friend would have crossed the street, and the taxi would have driven by.Great work!  Cant get enough?  Click here for another fun past perfect post!

Seven reasons why smart software is becoming a must have for tutors

Seven reasons why smart software is becoming a ‘must have’ for tutors The one-to-one model of private tutoring has worked well for years, and as we all know, the tutor ‘industry’ is booming. The secret’s out: tutors play a vital role in driving their students’ success. But is it ever possible to offer the ‘perfect’ service? There’s almost an unlimited amount of preparation you could do, and a sea of resources out there that you could wade through. Worst of all, when it gets to Easter, it’s almost impossible to balance workload and quality… if you've ever planned a session on the tube on the way to your tutee’s house, you’re definitely not alone!! At Create a Test, we had previously built assessment software targeted at maths teachers in secondary schools. This software lets a teacher create very targeted, professional assessment papers in minutes, tracks each student’s performance, and lets users create tailored assessments for students in seconds. We’ve had a lot of early success, and are endorsed by the Manchester Grammar School and Mossbourne Community Academy, amongst others. But the really interesting thing was this: several of our users were also tutors, and they kept telling us how useful Create a Test was for their tutoring. So we asked ourselves: why shouldn't tutors get access to software like this? How would software like this help tutors (aka, you!)? We've had several tutors adopt Create a Test already, and the friendly folk at Tutorfair have also given us plenty of their time. Here are seven of the biggest benefits people get from using software like ours, which provide good food for thought: Incredibly easy to build between-session and in-session question papers, targeted any way you want: This is at the core of what we do. Create a Test contains a bank of 1000’s of questions searchable by difficulty level and subject sub-topic. Even better, you can regenerate questions to refresh the numbers used, meaning you can have an endless supply of questions. Great brainstorming tool: Unsure if your tutee really ‘gets’ what you’ve run through on averages… but know they love cricket and want to make things engaging? Simply scroll through our highly filterable bank of questions in seconds, grab bits you like, then change a boring looking data series into a question on batting averages!   Be “exam-board-proof”: All our questions can be filtered by exam board and are maintained to the latest curriculum. You can be sure you don’t get that awkward and deflating moment when your tutee can’t answer a question that they’ve never been taught how to do. One-click personalised tests: Picture the scene â€" there’s a minute of the session left, you’ve got to shoot across town to your next tutee then the mum comes in and asks if you could set homework. Create a Test really comes into its own here â€" we can track every score every student gets on every question, and have built one-click functionality that can, for example, generate a test based on the last 20 questions that your tutee answered incorrectly. It’s ready by the time you’ve finished answering “No problem” to the mum! Professional look and feel boosts your standing with your tutee and their parents: Each paper is professionally assembled with an exam-style front cover, and formula sheets can be included. Best of all, you can tailor the paper name â€" tutees love seeing their name on the front page! Access anywhere, no need to update: Access Create a Test from any web browser â€" if your tutee has access to a computer, no need to bring anything with you or rely on them having textbooks. Also, all of your students’ scores and papers are saved remotely, so you have no need to worry about archiving and losing your work or tutees’ scores. Best of all, updates will be ready for you as soon as you log on â€" no need to download anything! Track and show your student’s progress: Create a Test tracks every student’s performance and lets you see, for every sub-topic of the syllabus, their strengths and weakness. We’re also developing some pretty cool charting output, which you’ll have access to as soon as it’s released. Pretty soon, you’ll be able to use our analytics to show as many charts, line graphs and tables as are needed to pacify those super-keen parents! When you get used to these benefits, it’s hard to go back. But here’s the really interesting question â€" as other tutors start using software like this as a part of their daily routine, can you really afford not to? ---- Create a Test provide software for Maths tutors with students at the KS3/GCSE level, across all UK syllabuses and the iGCSE. While a license normally costs £250 per annum for schools and £150 per annum for tutors, we’re really happy to say that Tutorfair Maths tutors get a 20% discount: a full-year, unlimited use license costs £120. What’s more, for every Tutorfair purchase, £15 will go to the Tutorfair foundation. Not bad for something that saves you time and keeps you ahead of the game! Visit www.createatest.co.uk and use discount code “tutorfair”. Contact me at phil.craig@createatest.co.uk, and follow us on Twitter (@createatest) for free assessment papers and more!

The 5 Best Polyglot E-books for Anyone Who Dreams of Becoming Multilingual

The 5 Best Polyglot E-books for Anyone Who Dreams of Becoming Multilingual The 5 Best Polyglot E-books for Anyone Who Dreams of Becoming Multilingual Technology  has made it possible to go beyond lugging heavy textbooks around.No need to stuff those  100  must-read books into your poor, tired backpack.Convenient, right?Well, e-books are way more than  just convenientâ€"theyve proven themselves to be great tools for learning a foreign language.First, you get quantity. With  e-books, you can tote several  great language learning books around at once and interact with diverse multimedia content.  Oh, and all of this valuable digital content is cheaper than whats in print.You also get  quality.  Some e-books out there are absolutely ideal for learning a foreign language.In my years as an English and ESL teacher, I realized that a surprising amount of students had never heard of books that  teach language learning strategies  (and not just languages themselves). Too many  students go straight for  the workbooks and language DVDs, skipping over the foundational approaches that are actually essential to  learning any language successfull y.The 5 Best Polyglot E-books for Anyone Who Dreams of Becoming MultilingualConsider these e-books life hacks for learning a new language. Whether it’s your first or  your third language  that youre studying, youve got to recognize that  training your brain to think a certain way  helps immensely when youre taking on such a big project.You need to get yourself in the language learning zone. What should you expect? What problems may crop up? What are the best learning  methods for you?  All these questions and many, many more are explored in the following books.Fluent Forever: How to Learn Any Language Fast and Never Forget ItCheck availability: Ama zon’s Kindle and  Barnes Noble’s Nook“Fluent Forever” is the lengthiest book on this list at a whopping 336 pages, but this in-depth guide is well worth the time it takes to read. At 36 years old, the book’s author, Gabriel Wyner, speaks six languagesâ€"all self-taught. In this book, Wyner introduces the strategies he’s ma stered through learning languages on his own.The overall focus is to help you formulate a  faster way of acquiring a new language, which Wyner does by showing you how to divide and conquer all the aspects of learning a language. For example, flashcards  are a common learning strategyâ€"but what’s the most efficient way to make and use flashcards for studying? Youll find out here.The book also stresses memory tactics, since the idea of remembering all the grammar and vocabulary that makes one fluent in a language can easily seem overwhelming.“Fluent Forever” starts with pronunciation and moves on to repetition techniques and exercises, which are based on the spaced repetition learning system  (SRS). Youll learn tricks that will help you associate sounds and spelling with images. Youll really get into the right frame of mind for  thinking in a language, rather than thinking first in your native language and then translating into your target language.Wyner makes a big promises: W ith his methodologies, you can learn 100 words in a month (that’s more than three words a day!) and this is all laid out for you from the get-go in a chapter on setting your vocabulary goals.Outside of learning strategies, the book also includes a useful FAQ section about language learning, such as how quickly one can realistically expect to become fluent in a language (spoiler: it depends) and what kind of books and resources youll need to move ahead (think workbooks and language groups).One of the greatest things about this guide is that the writing has a humorous and relatable edge. Wyner begins the book with an anecdote about how he had joined the fencing team in high school to get out of gym class. After that,  you feel like you really know and can trust the guyâ€"and youll need to trust him to let his great methods get to work on your brain.In addition to Amazon, this book is available on VitalSource, a place where you can rent or buy e-books and access them on the Bookshelf app (for Kindle, iPad, Android and Chromebook). Their World Languages section is quite robust, so its an excellent resource for dedicated language learners to check out.31 Steps to Learn a New LanguageCheck availability: Amazon’s KindleThe whole title of the book is actually “31 Steps to Learn a New Language: Fun, Fast Easy Steps Learn Any New Foreign Language You Want,” and fast it is: In just 44 pages, this motivating book proves to be a great tool for those who want to learn a language for the first time.Author Philip Veng is like a lesser-known version of do-it-quick, do-it-smart Tim Ferriss (author of “The Four Hour Work Week”), writing about quick routes to accomplishments that are seemingly impossible to the everyday person.“31 Steps” will help you tackle things like setting goals, making a study schedule and determining your learning style. It lists some great resources for everyday learning (like listening to foreign radio stations and reading childrens boo ks) that you may not have thought of.Each chapter is quite shortâ€"averaging a page and a halfâ€"which makes it very digestible for those not looking to read a huge, in-depth book.The True Polyglot Guide: How to Learn Any Foreign Language Fast and for FreeCheck availability:  Amazon’s KindleThis 24-page guide is chock full of language learning methods and secrets that are ideal for those who want to add a second (or third!) language to their arsenal but arent sure how to start.Author Ryan Lair clearly understands the unique challenges of learning multiple languages (like mixing up vocabulary for similar languages). If you’re not sure what language you want to tackle yet, this book offers tips that will help you determine what the easiest language for you to study might be based on your learning style.The book covers the stages of language learning, like spelling, pronunciation and vocabulary, and outlines learning strategies unique to each of them.Lair doesnt leave out the motiv ational factor thats so crucial to the serious commitment of language learning, either. His book promotes the many, many benefits of being multilingual, issuing encouraging claims such as improved mental alertness and increased personal confidence.Fluent in 3 Months: How Anyone at Any Age Can Learn to Speak Any Language From Anywhere in the WorldCheck availability:  Amazon’s Kindle and Barnes Noble’s NookSome scientific studies have shown that the ability to learn a foreign language dips significantly after the age of 30, and this 256-page book does a pretty good job of disproving that theory.Yes, the book’s title certainly sounds like a big promiseâ€"but with dedicated effort many language learners have found this book to be true to its word.If you need proof, consider this:  Author Benny Lewis was named a 2013 “Traveler of the Year” by National Geographic Traveler magazine, and is a self-taught polyglot who speaks over 10 languages (he knew just one of them in 2003). Fo r that reason, this e-book offers the advantages of someone who has actually accomplished learning numerous languages at a relatively older  age.The book is divided into two parts: The first goes over how to begin learning a foreign language, and the second part covers how to move into the intermediate and advanced levels.The beginner section doesnt scare you away with the more technical aspects of language learning. Instead, it hones in on what you need to learn for your particular situation (are you a tourist or are you moving there for a job?) and gets you talking as a soon as possible. The second section stresses grammar mastery and immersion through multimedia, which Lewis believes are better saved for when youre more comfortable with your new tongue.Like “The True Polygot,” Lewiss e-book also does a good job of pep-talking you through learning a foreign language and debunks common myths, which makes this a great resource for true beginners.Learn World CalligraphyCheck avai lability:  Amazon’s Kindle  and  Barnes Noble’s NookThis is the best e-book Ive found for taking foreign language learning way beyond speakingâ€"where the emphasis so often liesâ€"and moving  it into writing, a key part of learning a language that doesnt share the same alphabet as your native tongue. It’s also a sure way to impress others, if nothing elseâ€"you can learn to write lesser-known scripts like Celtic, Ethiopian and Mongolian. You’ll also find Greek, Russian, Chinese and Arabic, among others.This beautifully laid out full-color book, which consists of 192 pages of gorgeous calligraphy and step-by-step instructions, is perfect for those who learn visually and by doing.In addition to teaching you how to write in a foreign language, it also provides a history of each language that brings a new appreciation to why scripts have ended up looking the way they do.Since e-books can be limiting when it comes to writing, one extra plus to this book is that you can print out free practice sheets on the author’s site.Theres something for everyone in these e-books, so shop aroundâ€"read some previews and ratings, and get a feel for what will work best for you!Jane K. Callahan is a former teacher turned writer who has traveled to over 30 countries across six continents. She has lived in Ireland, Thailand, Italy, Hawaii and New York City. You can follower her on Twitter at @JaneKCall.And One More ThingIf youre digging these polyglot strategies, youll love using FluentU. FluentU makes it possible to learn languages  from music videos, commercials, news and inspiring talks.With FluentU, you learn real languagesâ€"the same way that natives  speak them. FluentU has a wide variety of videos like movie trailers, funny commercials and web series, as you can see here:FluentU App Browse Screen.FluentU has interactive captions that let you tap on any word to see an image, definition, audio and useful examples. Now native language content is within reach with inter active transcripts.Didnt catch something? Go back and listen again. Missed a word? Hover your mouse over the subtitles to instantly view definitions.Interactive transcript for Carlos Baute song.You can learn all the vocabulary in any video with FluentUs learn mode. Swipe left or right to see  more examples for the word you’re learning.FluentU Has Quizzes for Every VideoAnd FluentU always keeps track of vocabulary that you’re learning. It uses that vocab to give you a 100% personalized experience by recommending videos and examples.Start using FluentU on the website with your computer or tablet  or, better yet,  download the FluentU app from  the iTunes store  or Google Play store.

Orange County SAT Tutor Tips The Summer SAT - TutorNerds

Orange County SAT Tutor Tips The Summer SAT - TutorNerds Tips From an Orange County SAT Tutor: 4 Ways to Study for the Summer SAT Right now, most students are focused on last-minute study for advanced placement exams as well as final study for all of their courses. However, students who signed up for the summer sat will have to hit the ground running as soon as they complete the requirements of their classroom assignments. Although it can be a challenge for students to take the SAT exam over the summer, theyre saving themselves a lot of stress by getting it out of the way before fall. Additionally, students who take college entrance exams in the summer months will have the chance to avoid dealing with classroom work at the same time. The most important thing is that students can stay focused and remember that the results of their SAT can make a big difference when it comes time to apply for college our experienced Orange County SAT tutors are here to help. 1. Identify strengths and weaknesses The first thing students should do is identify which sections of the SAT they need to work on the most. One of the best ways to achieve this is by taking a practice test, which will give students an idea of how they scored in each section and how it adds up to an overall composite score. Students are encouraged to try to score the test themselves so they can see how the scoring system works and identify which problems they got wrong. They can then share the results of the exam with their Orange County SAT tutor who can help them identify patterns of strengths and weaknesses. 2. Time management Test prep students are also encouraged to create a plan for the day they commence their SAT study and the actual date of the test. The ideal study plan will allow time for students to focus on areas of improvement as well as do a general review of the topics they usually excel at. They should also allow time for breaks, so they dont get overwhelmed and also have a couple of extra study sessions in their schedule just in case something unexpected comes up (READ: TutorNerds Featured in Orange County Mom Blog). 3. A clear goal Students should have a goal in mind before starting their SAT prep. They are encouraged to talk with their college counselor as well as do some independent research in regards to the average score for an admitted student at the colleges and universities they are interested in applying to. They can then compare this to the score they got on their first practice test. Once students know where they stand they can plan their study sessions around the number of points they want to increase to have a good chance of admittance. 4. Math practice Whether a student is naturally talented with numbers or if they try to avoid math at all costs, the reality of the SAT requires a fair amount of math practice. The top things students should focus on include memorizing formulas, practicing multiple-step problems, checking their work for accuracy, and working under pressure. There is not an excessive amount of time on the big day so students should learn how to solve problems as quickly and efficiently as possible. Dont wait to book your Orange County private SAT tutor for the summer! Call us today for more information. Members of the TutorNerds team and our private tutors write every blog post. If you have any questions about our blog, please email us at pr@tutornerds.com.

How to Learn a Language Fast 5 Ways to Set Yourself Up for Success

How to Learn a Language Fast 5 Ways to Set Yourself Up for Success How to Learn a Language Fast: 5 Ways to Set Yourself Up for Success What if I told you the ordinary ways of learning a language arent actually that helpful?What if I also told you those same methods are not only ineffective, but a huge waste of time?Yes, its true. But your time doesnt have to be thrown away whenever you decide to pick up a new language.Thankfully, there are much more efficient ways to speed up the process of learning a new language. These strategies will help you chop off some precious learning time while still increasing your language acquisition.Without further ado, here are the five biggest time-wasters when learning a new language and how we can correct them: How to Learn a Language Fast: 5 Ways to Set Yourself Up for Success1. Immerse yourself in the country  and  the learning.The ordinary way: Immersing yourself solely in the countryWhen you live abroad, its easy to think that by putting yourself in the culture, youll naturally begin to start picking up the language. News flash: Immersion is a waste if you dont know whats bei ng said most of the time. While immersion may have worked when we were babies, our brains make it a lot harder to formulate language through immersion as adults.When I was living in China, I met several expats who had been living in the country for three, five and even nine years but still had not picked up the language. To put that into perspective, nine years means over 3,000 days without learning Mandarin. Yikes!At first, I couldnt believe how someone could live in a country so long without learning the language. But over time, I began to see the loopholes that come from language immersion. For instance, most natives will at least try to speak English when you approach them, even if you are living in their country. While in China, I was shocked to find that natives were eager to practice their English skills with me. While I was glad to do this, it prevented me from practicing my Mandarin at times.What to do instead:Immerse yourself in the learning, not just the environment. If y ou do move to the country that speaks the language you are studying, great! That simply means there are more chances for you to seize learning opportunities. Resist the urge to use English.  Even when you are surrounded by others speaking the language, the responsibility still lies on you to study, learn and practice.If youre not living in the country that speaks the language you would like to learn, design your home environment into a place where growth is unavoidable. Create visual cues that encourage you to study at times you normally wouldnt. This can mean changing your cell phones language or even that of your Facebook account. Give it a shot!2. Focus on the most commonly used words and expressions.The ordinary way: Focusing on vocabularyThis is what we call textbook learning. In other words, you are mostly focused on rote memorization. While this may build your arsenal of new words, if wont get you very far when actually implementing the language. Speaking a new language is no t a formulaic process. It requires quick and flexible thinking. Unless you plan on sounding like a robot, you may want to devote your attention to areas outside vocabulary.What to do instead:Strategize and prioritize your learning by focusing on what matters. Mandarin is a language of over 3,000 characters. But did you know that by learning the 500 most commonly used words you acquire approximately 75% of language understanding? This is not just isolated to Mandarin. In just about all languages, about 20% of the vocabulary accounts for 80% of understanding. So why waste time trying to learn more words?While vocabulary is important, it must be considered holistically when learning a new language. Identify what words, phrases and expressions will get you the most bang for your buck, and work from there.You can also let someone else do that work for you by taking the I Will Teach You A Language  Conversations  course,  which is designed to get you talking by systematically introducing you to your target languages most common words and phrases.3. Be mindful during the learning process.The ordinary way: Rushing the learning process and crammingIt may be tempting to cram loads of information into your head and expect it to stay there.  The truth is, acquiring any new skill takes time. Canadian author Malcolm Gladwells 10,000 Hour Rule theorizes that it takes 10,000 hours of practice before one can truly master a skill. He came to this conclusion by studying the lives of some of the worlds most successful people and observing how long it took them to become masters at their skills. No matter what language learning hack you consider, be aware of how you are spending your time.For those of you wanting to learn a new language fast, the idea of slowing down may seem counterintuitive or abstract. It may be tempting to quickly fill our brains with as much information as we can in the shortest amount of time. Unfortunately, cramming usually doesnt end up help us achieve lon g-term learning.What to do instead:Be mindful while learning a new language. Its easy to start a new language with our heads caught up in the fact that we arent yet perfect. We become so focused on the end goal of becoming fluent that we lose track of our progress along the journey.Not only will presentness help you absorb new information in the moment, it will also aid your long-term memory.  Try more effective and efficient methods, such as a Spaced Repetition Software (SRS), and you will be pleasantly surprised with the amount of information your brain holds on to.You can also try taking short breaks from your studying to reflect and practice what youve learned. These breaks can be as short as three minutes and consist of you simply summarizing what youve learned. Play around with new words and phrases. This simple exercise can help prevent you from going on autopilot while studying by honing in on every step of the learning process.4. Be an active learner.The ordinary way: Learn passively.All learning is not created equal. In fact, most of the time we learn in a passive style that lacks any kind of critical thought. Think of that professor you had in the past who conducted lessons by parroting words from the textbook. There is no classroom engagement, dialogue or discussion. Unfortunately, weve been conditioned to learn in this one-way fashion where information is passively given to us without any response or analysis.What to do instead:Become an active learner. The brain works on a use-it-or-lose-it style, meaning you must apply whatever you learn. After memorizing a new phrase, say it aloud 30 times. After learning how to write a new Mandarin character, rewrite it 20 times. And then use the new phrase or character in a real situation: with a language partner or writing online to a native speaker, for example. The key is to implement what you learn until it sticks.To make words and phrases stick quickly, a great tool for some in context active learning is FluentU.  FluentU takes real-world videosâ€"like music videos, movie trailers, news and inspiring talksâ€"and turns them into personalized and engaging language learning lessons. Learning the words and phrases through authentic videos makes them stick easily, making you learn faster.5. Become passionate about learning your new language.The ordinary way: Treating your new language like a hobbyHobbies are activities we enjoy doing at our own leisure. They are simply for the purpose of fun, but theres no pressure to keep at them every day. This mentality may seem trivial, but it can mean the difference between you spending five months and five years when learning a new language. If you are nonchalant about learning, youll achieve nonchalant results.What to do instead:Make language learning a passion. Merge the fun of language learning with the commitment to follow through.  Knowing that you want to learn a new language is not enough to get us to actually take action.  Give yourself cl arity on what exactly compels you to learn a new language. Figure out the  why  behind your desire to learn. Whats the goal behind the goal? Whats the bigger picture here? How will learning a new language open opportunities in your future? Simply answering these questions for yourself will motivate you on much higher level to take action when necessary.While learning any language takes time, implementing these strategies will skyrocket your efficiency while minimizing your learning time. As always, have patience with the process and enjoy every achievement (and failure) along the way.Frank Macri works with those looking to create off the beaten path lifestyles. For tips on saving (and making) money abroad, unique options to travel for a living,  and wisdom picked up around the world, visit  www.TheFrankLife.com.

Teacher of the Week #6 Amera

Teacher of the Week #6 Amera Teacher of the Week #6 Amera Eid Teacher of the Week #6 Amera Eid This week, we are proud to feature a rising star,  Amera Eid  as our Teacher of the Week. Amera teaches Arabic on italki and has an impressive 5.0 feedback rating. Check out Amera speaking Arabic in this video with Fluent in 3 months:  Heres what some of her students had to say about Ameras class: Amera is very encouraging and is patient with me. She always gives me time to repeat or practice my new words and sentences. I feel very comfortable in my attempt to express myself in Arabic. I love my teacher! ?? michaeljarman Amera is awesome! Ive already learned so much in one half hour intro session! Looking forward to continuing more intensively with her.   nicklesb Book a lesson with her by visiting her profile here. Teacher of the Week #6 Amera Teacher of the Week #6 Amera Eid Teacher of the Week #6 Amera Eid This week, we are proud to feature a rising star,  Amera Eid  as our Teacher of the Week. Amera teaches Arabic on italki and has an impressive 5.0 feedback rating. Check out Amera speaking Arabic in this video with Fluent in 3 months:  Heres what some of her students had to say about Ameras class: Amera is very encouraging and is patient with me. She always gives me time to repeat or practice my new words and sentences. I feel very comfortable in my attempt to express myself in Arabic. I love my teacher! ?? michaeljarman Amera is awesome! Ive already learned so much in one half hour intro session! Looking forward to continuing more intensively with her.   nicklesb Book a lesson with her by visiting her profile here.

Tips to Pass a Chemistry Test

Tips to Pass a Chemistry TestIf you want to know how to pass a chemistry test, you will need to know some essential tips. In the event that you are interested in learning how to pass a chemistry test, you will have to first know the types of questions which can be posed to the student. These types of questions include the topic questions and the multiple choice questions. You should therefore take note of each one as they will certainly play a vital role in your study experience.The most common topic questions are those which involve the elements of metals and the study of chemical properties. For instance, when you hear the question 'will it melt'can it be damaged', this can be a very specific type of question. If you are not familiar with the element X and its chemical properties, you need to then answer the question before answering the other types of questions. It would also be helpful if you read up on the elements and know their chemical properties. This will help you in answer ing any of the test questions.Knowing the chemical properties of metals is one thing, but you need to learn other materials as well. You may learn about their oxidation and chemical equilibrium in the laboratory. Sometimes, these materials are categorized into metals that react well with one another.Chemical equilibrium is something which is necessary in some of the chemical compounds. When you see the question 'how long will the reaction last', this can be a very detailed type of question. The answer to this question will depend on whether the substance has been oxidized or if it has been reduced. If you are an individual who does not have much knowledge about chemical compounds, it would be a good idea to have a mentor.One type of question can be very important in the physical examination. This can include the reactions of water and acids. The burning substance is usually shown in the tube to indicate the reactions of water and acids. This is something which will help you learn ab out the properties of the element in the laboratory.When the test date arrives, you will need to prepare for it in detail. Remember that you will need to practice these materials before taking the test. The first thing you need to do is look up at a large wall map and get familiar with the whole area where you will be taking the test. Once you have done this, you can now prepare for the test properly.The next tip is to study up on the material before the test. Make sure that you do not think too much about what you will be facing on the test. Just study up on the contents of the questions and the content of the test.

Review of Tsoh Organic Chemistry

Review of Tsoh Organic ChemistryTsoh Organic Chemistry is a book by James Wallace Crawford, which provides a sound introduction to the theories of organic chemistry, especially that of molecular structures. The book starts from simple and elegant formulations like those given in Maxwell's equations to the more complicated ideas such as the electronic, dipole and ligand properties of chemicals. It talks about the chemical bonding of molecules, the bonds between molecules, etc.The basic principles of organic chemistry are explained in a very clear manner and the topics are grouped in three main areas - thermodynamics, spectroscopy and molecular mechanics. These three topics are taught separately and are related to one another only through their relationship with chemistry. The textbook is a very good overview and introduction to organic chemistry. The topics are presented in a very general way to make the material easier to understand.The book is primarily dedicated to introducing the student to the main topics of organic chemistry. It also contains the first chapters of several other good books, but its title is chosen so that it will always be an attractive addition to the shelf.The main problem with many textbooks is that they do not focus on the fundamentals of organic chemistry enough. These topics are not given enough emphasis because they don't have enough depth. So in order to keep readers interested in this subject, the authors had to put a lot of depth into the topics.Most of the examples used in the Tsoh Organic Chemistry are drawn from cases, either theoretical or experimental, where the properties of the molecule are of great interest. Thus they will give the student a good feel for the fundamentals of organic chemistry. Thus, the student will know what is the importance of the fundamental concepts in this subject and this will help him get back to the fundamentals, which is the main objective of the book.This particular book makes use of diagrams wh ich show how each concept should be thought about, and it also shows how to bring these concepts to a better understanding and avoid misunderstandings. All the chapters of the book have been divided into sections of five, which means that the book will definitely keep one busy for the whole duration of the reading.I have found the best approach in studying any textbook for organic chemistry would be the online option. This option allows you to study any topic at any time of the day and at any place, without having to spend much time to travel and get an appointment with the teacher.

Advantages of ACT Reading Tutoring

Advantages of ACT Reading TutoringACT Reading Tutoring is a program designed to help students improve their reading skills. It is similar to other educational programs, but this program focuses on improving the skills that are directly related to the college entrance exam. There are many advantages of such a program, especially for students who have difficulty in reading and writing.The students take on their own agenda and learn at their own pace. The students are given hands-on experience in reading and writing. If the students do not get any help, they can still participate in a written assignment in a classroom. However, if the student also participates in the hands-on exercise, then he or she will have a lot of experience in reading and writing. This is very beneficial to the students.The course is a good approach towards learning. The students are allowed to make their own schedule, without anyone making their life difficult. They also get the support from their teachers, who p rovide constructive feedback. At the end of the day, students are able to improve their own reading skills.The students have to take tests to help them understand what they did wrong and what they should do in future. If they do well, then they will get a high grade and improve their grades in other subjects.If students succeed, then they will be able to get good results in other subjects. This will also help the students prepare for the SAT or ACT. The course can be obtained from colleges or other tutoring centers. Some schools also offer the course, but students need to register in order to avail the benefits.As with other educational programs, there are other advantages for taking the ACT exam. Students who take the course have an advantage over students who do not take the course. However, students should take into consideration the nature of the curriculum which is compatible with the ACT. Some schools offer this type of course, but they should be familiar with the reading and writing skills that is required to pass the test. Students who want to enhance their college entrance test scores can enroll in the ACT Reading Tutoring program.