VoA for Learning English - Taking Action

VoA for Learning English - Taking ActionFor learning English as a second language there are several important steps that must be taken. But most importantly, you must become fully immersed in your new environment. Even though your teaching style may be Western, your teacher will still expect you to learn by getting comfortable with your surroundings.If you are already an English teacher, or even if you're not, you know how much time it takes to learn the language. You need a good way to help your students, but more importantly, you need to give them everything they need to accomplish their goals in just one day. You can't teach them everything they need to know. The best teachers have a whole lot of different sources of information.Your students will not find enough time to fully absorb all that you have to offer if you don't provide them with plenty of information about the English language. But you can still start your lessons with French. If you put this on in your vocabulary list s, it will not only improve their understanding of the English language, but will also give them the ability to speak the language.Another thing that is beneficial to the English speaking students is reading the English newspaper. The time that you spend on reading the newspaper will pay off for years. All you need to do is get a free newspaper subscription and look through the daily newspaper on the Internet, so that you will be reading the daily news while you are doing the lessons.When students have not had the chance to read the newspaper for a while, they will start to forget what the newspapers are all about. But when you give them the opportunity to read the newspaper, they will be reminded of the articles that interest them. The newspaper makes for a great way to put your mind in a relaxed mode and they will understand you better. To help keep your students from losing their focus, put your newspaper in a location where they won't disturb it.The English language has been aro und for thousands of years, so it should be used as much as possible. Many students of English will want to learn the language as much as possible. If you can teach them the vocabulary and phrases that you would like them to know, this will help you keep them in the learning mode for longer.Use whatever resources you can to help you develop your lesson plans for your students in English. And always keep in mind that all your efforts are worthless if you don't keep your students involved in the learning process. If you're a teacher, this is the most important tip for you to keep in mind. If you want to teach English effectively, you need to create a situation where your students will learn at their own pace.

Benefits of Taking SAT Practice Tests

Benefits of Taking SAT Practice Tests When it comes to the SAT, you can never have enough practice under your belt. The SAT is totally different from the typical exams high school students are accustomed to taking in the classroom. Therefore, one of the absolute best ways to excel on the SAT is by taking SAT practice exams. Its that simple. As students gain more exposure to the SAT question types and become comfortable with the specific format, the higher they will score on test day. [RELATED: What is an Average SAT Score?] Time management is probably something we could all afford to work on. Even for those who are extremely bright and familiarized with the SAT format, timing often appears to be an issue on this standardized test. Most students who have taken the SAT admit to running out of time during the exam or having to rush through the last few questions of a section. The truth is that the SAT test-makers allot you barely enough time to complete the assessment in its entirety. The most important reason to take SAT practice tests is that you will learn how to pace yourself and realize which sections require more time than others. Overall, there are hundreds of vocabulary terms out there classified as SAT words. It would be a tremendously challenging and impractical task to try to memorize every vocabulary word that has ever appeared on the SAT. You may want to take a look at these SAT flashcardsthat can help you study. Even the most skilled SAT test-takers probably dont know every definition. By taking practice tests, you will notice which vocabulary words appear more frequently than others. You should write down the words that you encounter over and over again; your time is best spent learning the words that pop up most often, rather than learning words that have only shown up a few times in the history of the SAT. You may also want to take a look at this information on how the SAT is scored. The Critical Reading section of the SAT can be problematic for a variety of reasons. The type of reading that this test requires is much different from the type of reading we do in the classroom and at home, where theres no ticking timer and we have dictionaries at our disposal. Considering the limited time you will have on the SAT, the most you can typically hope for is a very basic understanding of the passages. Dont get hung up on technical details like dates, names, and words you havent seen before. If these details are relevant, its likely that the questions will indicate the exact line in which theyre used. Its important to remember that you dont gain points simply for reading the passage thoroughly; you only gain points for correctly answering the questions about it. Practice tests will allow you to rehearse this aspect of reading comprehension necessary for succeeding on the exam. When you take SAT practice tests, online or in prep books, you will become better aware of the types of questions that the test utilizes. For instance, the Critical Reading section contains questions that ask about the chronology of events, tone, inferences, vocabulary in context, etc. The wording of the questions may vary, but you can bet that the SAT will contain questions that test these concepts. The test-makers come up with a diverse collection of ways to ask about the same idea questions like, Which of these statements would the author agree with? and What can be concluded from the passage? are both questions of the inference type. The more you take SAT practice tests, the better you will become at figuring out what the questions are truly asking. Although the questions may be different each time you take the SAT, the format is consistent. The more you work through SAT practice tests, the more familiar you will be with how the exam is laid out as well as with the principles it tests. If you decide to commit to taking SAT practice tests in your spare time, youll be doing yourself a huge favor. Familiarity eases anxiety and increases performance. [RELATED: How is the New SAT Scored?]

Photosynthesis Finally Explained by a Qualified Personal Tutor!

Photosynthesis Finally Explained by a Qualified Personal Tutor! With GCSEs now on the horizon, Frank Iâ€"a top GCSE personal tutor at Tutorfairâ€"explains how to crack the dreaded GCSE Biology topic of photosynthesis . . . . Photosynthesis involves chlorophyll pigments, redox proteins, NADPH, the Calvin cycle…. wait, where did everyone go?  You’ve gone haven’t you?  Will you stick around if I just cut out the rubbish and get to the bits that matter? Deal?  Great! Everything that happens on this planet happens because of sunlight. Energy flows through our planet like a river. It comes in as light, leaves as heat, and somewhere in between it drives every single thing on Earth. The rushing wind, pouring rain, fluffy clouds, winter, summer and of course LIFE all come down to sunlight. But wait, people aren’t solar powered! We eat food (sugars, proteins, and fats) that supplies the energy we need to play football, write a blog post, or run in the opposite direction from someone who might try to talk to you about science.  If you’re feeling a bit drained, you can’t just stand in a field and absorb a bit of light energy… but plants CAN! And the way they do it is called photosynthesis. Photosynthesis is the gateway through which that river of energy from sunlight pours into the great circle of life.The laugh of a child, the flutter of a butterfly’s wings and the roar of a lion. Just like a raging river, sunlight is always moving (at about 300 million meters per second to be precise). It’s here and then it’s gone. Now we’ve got a problem. To survive, all living organisms require a constant supply of energy every second of every day. Even if plants could live directly off that river of light, what happens at night, or in the dead of winter, or on any of the 364 days of the year in England when the sun doesn’t shine? They need to trap it. Plants need to be able to dip a bucket into that river of light, fill it up, and keep it aside for later. How? Photo(light)-synthesis(making). Making what? Plants reach out and grab carbon dioxide from the air and water from the soil and use them to build their “buckets” of energy, namely sugars, fats, and proteins. This energy is then locked into the bonds between atoms of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen. Light energy has now been trapped as chemical energy that the plants can store until they need it. Oh, and in the process they spit out a bit of oxygen as a waste product… cheers plants! OK. So what’s this got to do with the laugh of child, the roar of a lion, blah blah blah? Well, that lion eats a zebra and steals its energy buckets (sugars, fats, proteins). Of course the zebra had just nicked those buckets of energy by eating . . . you guessed it . . . Plants!â€"which of course used photosynthesis to pour light energy into those buckets in the first place. Humans are just like the lions except we’ll eat anythingâ€"plants, other animals, even Marmite. Now there’s no point in stealing those buckets of energy if we can’t empty them back out when we need them.  And that’s called respiration which would take me AGES to explain.  Take photosynthesis, turn it around, and run it backwards.  That’s respiration.  Actually, that didn’t take long it all! So, the next time you’re in the shops, peering at the calories on the back of a packet of biscuits, just remember, those calories (energy) come from those little photosynthetic buckets: sugars, fats and proteins. When you’re counting those calories, you’re counting rays of sunshine. And when that burst of chocolate rolls across your tongue, you’re tasting starlight. Nice one plants. Fancy private biology tuition? Visit the Tutorfair website for Biology tutors. Frank  also  tutors science and maths in London. Please  check out his personal profile page on Tutorfair’s website. Leaves Photograph from  www.flickr.com  CC-by Illustrated Diagram from  en.wikipedia.org  CC-by

How to Write Effective Supplemental Essays

How to Write Effective Supplemental Essays ACT SAT Prep and College Admissions Blog I recently spoke with a former college admissions officer who mentioned that a lot of applicants fail to give supplemental essays their proper attention. Instead, these students focus all of their energy on the main essay. While it’s obviously important to have a knockout personal statement, overlooking the supplemental essays could be a fatal error in judgment. Every individual piece of your application matters. Here’s how to maximize the positive impact of your college application supplemental essays. FILL IN THE BLANKS The personal statement isn’t your life story â€" it’sonestory, hopefully with a lot of character and detail, but still â€" just one story. The supplements allow you to mine from other stories in your life â€" various skills, interests, or challenges you’ve overcome. Use your quirks, your passions, and your unique life experiences to give your application greater depth. It’s an opportunity to share another side of yourself â€" something that wouldn’t necessarily be on your resume. Doing so will give the admissions committee a fuller picture of who you are. Your supplemental essays should help illustrate the many facets of your personality, and you’ll leave the impression of a real person instead of just grades on a page. DECLARE YOUR INTENT The most common supplemental essay question is “why this school?” or some variation of it. In this essay it is crucial that you illustrate your familiarity with what makes the school unique â€" and how your own individual strengths will complement it. By combining those two points, you demonstrate how you will thrive as a result of being a part of the school’s community and how the school will benefit from adding you to their student body. Be specific (always! Specificity is the key to avoiding the trap of being forgettable) about aspects of the school that appeal to you, and about the qualities you possess that make you a good match for the school. ANSWER THE QUESTION There must be substance to your supplemental essays. It’s easy to write something vague in these answers â€" you don’t have a lot of words to work with and not, having been to college yet, it might be difficult to articulate what aspects of a school truly matter to you. That’s why it’s important to do the research and to answer the question as directly and succinctly as possible. Being vague or generic reads as insincere â€" like you’re just filling out another application. Colleges want individuals who bring something to the table and who know what they want to get out of a great education. Always ask yourself “Why?” â€" why do you believe this answer to be true? Come up with concrete answers. The more you refine your “why” statements, the better. CHECK YOUR TONE If you can’t come up with specific, exciting reasons to be there, why are you even applying to the school in question? Are you excited about the school’s curriculum and its opportunities for growth or leadership in both academic and social realms? Don’t focus on what’s expected of you by other people â€" like following in your family’s footsteps or the earning potential a degree from the school will give you. Focus on your individual growth potential. Show them you want to challenge yourself to become a better person by the time you graduate, and how you believe the school will help you achieve that goal. hbspt.cta._relativeUrls=true;hbspt.cta.load(215486, 'a519c073-790d-4c67-b0fd-7095f1869478', {});

The 2019 Kumon Student Conference Application Period is Now Open

The 2019 Kumon Student Conference Application Period is Now Open The 2019 Kumon Student Conference Application Period is Now Open Kumon North America is excited to announce that the 2019 Kumon Student Conference will take place in Chicago, Illinois, on Wednesday, July 10, 2019! The Kumon Student Conference is a prestigious learning opportunity for Kumon Students who are studying at least three years above their grade level. The goal is to bring to life our founder, Toru Kumon’s, vision of developing responsible people who will use their skills and talents by contributing to their communities around the world. Kumon Students who meet the following criteria are eligible to submit an application: Platinum Award (Advanced Student Honor Roll 3) Grade 4 or higher Level G or higher in Math and/or Reading Attendees will have the opportunity to learn from each other through a variety of enjoyable activities that will foster team building, group discussion, critical thinking, and creativity. In this unique learning environment, students will also hear from inspirational former Kumon Students who reached Level J by 6th grade and completed the Kumon Program. Excelling in-an-out of the classroom, these speakers will demonstrate the value of the Kumon Method and the long-term benefits of Kumon Study. Important details to remember: The application period opens on January 16th and ends on February 8th at 11:59 pm ET Finalists for the next round will be contacted by April 1st to provide additional information Accepted students will be notified by April 15th Kumon North America will pay round-trip economy class airfare for the accepted student and two parents/guardians along with two nights at the Sheraton Grand Chicago from July 9-11. Speak to your Instructor today about your interest in applying for acceptance to the 2019 Kumon Student Conference! You might also be interested in: Inspired by a Kumon Program Completer, This Student Became One Himself Motivated by his Peers, this Kumon Student Wants to be an Architect and a Doctor Motivation is the Key to this Kumon Student’s Success How Developing Discipline in Kumon Helped This Student Succeed The 2019 Kumon Student Conference Application Period is Now Open The 2019 Kumon Student Conference Application Period is Now Open Kumon North America is excited to announce that the 2019 Kumon Student Conference will take place in Chicago, Illinois, on Wednesday, July 10, 2019! The Kumon Student Conference is a prestigious learning opportunity for Kumon Students who are studying at least three years above their grade level. The goal is to bring to life our founder, Toru Kumon’s, vision of developing responsible people who will use their skills and talents by contributing to their communities around the world. Kumon Students who meet the following criteria are eligible to submit an application: Platinum Award (Advanced Student Honor Roll 3) Grade 4 or higher Level G or higher in Math and/or Reading Attendees will have the opportunity to learn from each other through a variety of enjoyable activities that will foster team building, group discussion, critical thinking, and creativity. In this unique learning environment, students will also hear from inspirational former Kumon Students who reached Level J by 6th grade and completed the Kumon Program. Excelling in-an-out of the classroom, these speakers will demonstrate the value of the Kumon Method and the long-term benefits of Kumon Study. Important details to remember: The application period opens on January 16th and ends on February 8th at 11:59 pm ET Finalists for the next round will be contacted by April 1st to provide additional information Accepted students will be notified by April 15th Kumon North America will pay round-trip economy class airfare for the accepted student and two parents/guardians along with two nights at the Sheraton Grand Chicago from July 9-11. Speak to your Instructor today about your interest in applying for acceptance to the 2019 Kumon Student Conference! You might also be interested in: Inspired by a Kumon Program Completer, This Student Became One Himself Motivated by his Peers, this Kumon Student Wants to be an Architect and a Doctor Motivation is the Key to this Kumon Student’s Success How Developing Discipline in Kumon Helped This Student Succeed

Inspirational Quotes and Sayings ~ Seneca, about Gratitude

Inspirational Quotes and Sayings ~ Seneca, about Gratitude Nothing is more honorable than a grateful heart. Lucius Annaeus Seneca, known as Seneca or Seneca the Younger (c.4 BC 65 AD), Roman philosopher, tragedian, statesman, orator, tutor and advisor of emperor Nero. Seneca was one of Romes leading intellectual figures. For several years between 54 and 62,  during the first phase of the emperor  Nero’s reign, Seneca  had strong influence on the young emperor  and was virtual ruler of the Roman world. However, he lost influence and favor with his former student over time. In 62 AD Seneca  withdrew  from public life and devoted his time  to philosophy and  writing. During this time he wrote some of his best philosophical works, including  the  Letters to Lucilius.  In 65 AD Seneca was accused of being involved with the Pisonian conspiracy  against Nero and was forced to commit suicide.

Is Tuition Insurance Worth It

Is Tuition Insurance Worth It pexels.com Is tuition insurance a good fit for you? After considering all the factors involved in purchasing a tuition insurance plan, you’re probably wondering if tuition insurance is a good fit for you personally. Of course, tuition insurance is not one size fits all. Its value to you depends on your individual medical and psychological background, your (and/or your family’s) financial status, the school you attend, and a number of other factors. There are primarily two situations in which you would benefit from having tuition insurance. One is if you are chronically ill. After all, illnesses can often be unpredictable, which means you never know when you’ll unexpectedly have to take time off from school in order to recover. Having a tuition insurance plan would afford you peace of mind, knowing that if you do ever need to take time off, you will be covered and refunded your expenses which is a huge relief, considering just how costly any college education can be. That leads to the other situation in which you would benefit from tuition insurance: if you attend a costly school. If your family is shelling out thousands of dollars (sometimes even hundreds of thousands of dollars) for you to attend a certain university, you definitely want to protect your investment. A reliable tuition insurance plan can protect you in case something unexpected or catastrophic happens that prevents you from continuing the semester or further time in school for the foreseeable future. However, in many other cases, tuition insurance is not worth the cost because it doesn’t provide good financial return. If you are generally a physically and psychologically healthy individual, chances are that you won’t need to suddenly discontinue your time in school. Also, if you attend a relatively inexpensive university, you may not need a tuition insurance plan to protect your investment, as the cost of the insurance might just end up being an extra expense for you to handle at the end of the year. How do you apply for tuition insurance? If you decide that tuition insurance is going to be valuable to you, it’s not difficult applying for it. The process involves simply deciding the coverage term and amount you want, entering your personal information, and choosing the policy you prefer. After you’ve paid for your insurance policy, it will go into effect for the duration of the semester or period of time you indicated on your application. What are some other ways you can protect your college investment? pexels.com A tuition insurance plan from an outside source or company is not the only way to go. Many colleges and universities offer some kind of tuition refund policy that should cover at least some portion of your expenses. As a result, looking into your specific school’s policy could be well worth the time and effort. Another option is to go with life insurance instead, especially if you have a relatively serious medical condition. As life insurance is much more comprehensive and secure than tuition insurance, you’ll be sure to have peace of mind. Summary: factors you should consider in purchasing a tuition insurance plan In summary, there are a number of different factors you should consider when weighing the pros and cons of getting tuition insurance. Cost Cost is definitely one significant factor to consider. If you are leaning towards getting tuition insurance, rest assured that it is generally less expensive compared to other types of insurance. For instance, if your tuition is around $50,000, you might only be spending a few hundred dollars. What’s being covered Knowing exactly what is being covered by a specific policy is of utmost importance. You wouldn’t want to spend money on insurance only to find out that you don’t qualify for a refund. Your needs Knowing if you qualify is also crucial to whether or not you would benefit from tuition insurance. As mentioned above, be familiar with what is covered and decide if it would be worth it for you personally, based on your own needs, including your medical, mental/psychological, and financial background. Withdrawal period If you do need to withdraw from school, the time at which you withdraw is important to note. For example, if you withdraw within the first few weeks of the semester, you may be covered already by your school’s policy. That being said, become familiar with your school’s refund policy and decide whether the timing would allow you to benefit from tuition insurance. Coverage period In many cases, the insurance policy may only cover the current semester which means you need to decide if that particular window of time is worth it for you. Ultimately, the decision on tuition insurance depends on you your concerns, your needs, and your background. Make sure to properly weigh the pros and cons so that you can make an informed decision that works best for you and your family. Either way, you should be able to feel at peace and secure with whatever decision you arrive at, knowing that you can decide what you want to invest in.