Monday, March 30, 2020

SAT Chemistry Questions - What Are Your Best Tips?

SAT Chemistry Questions - What Are Your Best Tips?You are probably looking for answers to the chemistry SAT prep questions, but you don't know where to look for answers. This article provides a quick primer on some of the key points to keep in mind before you start worrying about how to answer the challenging SAT chemistry questions that will appear on your exam.The first thing to realize is that the SAT has changed and continues to change in the way it asks questions. In fact, some of the changes have made them harder than ever. This means that if you think you can simply rely on your textbook and memorize the answers, you are in for a big surprise.Take a look at the types of questions that you will see on the SAT. These questions will cover a wide range of topics including biology, history, literature, geography, social sciences, psychology, chemistry, and more. As a result, you need to know how to take care of these subjects as well. The best way to do this is to follow a well-kno wn, proven science or math formula that the specific question was asked of.For example, the SAT chemistry questions that ask you to calculate the concentration of an unknown chemical compound will usually call for the estimation of both its molecular weight and the number of atoms. If you have memorized the values of these elements in the textbook, you will be better off to use this formula. However, if you can't recall the number of atoms, you will be better off to use your homework science formulas in lieu of using the textbook value.Keep in mind that even though science questions may not be hard for you now, they likely will become so as you progress through your higher level studies. The way to overcome this is to continue to learn new concepts and try to understand each concept on its own. Then you can apply the principles as part of a larger solution to the problem at hand.One aspect of SAT prep that you should really keep in mind is to continue working on your homework proble ms. You may find yourself having to revise a problem repeatedly as you go along, but this doesn't mean that you have to give up on solving them. Practice again until you are confident that you can solve the problem without help.It is also important to remember that the mathematics section of the SAT will require you to solve problems in basic algebra and geometry. You won't have much trouble with these problems because they are so similar to those that you are already familiar with. As long as you continue to practice and learn the basic elements of algebra and geometry, you should be fine.There are plenty of resources online that can help you learn how to tackle SAT chemistry questions and solve difficult problems, so take advantage of them. Start learning and practicing early so that you can prepare for the examination ahead of time.

Friday, March 6, 2020

7 Steps To Take After Your Internship Interview

7 Steps To Take After Your Internship Interview www.snagajob.com Ending Questions Ending an internship interview can be a smooth process in itself. All you are doing is telling them thank you for taking the time to speak to you and that you look forward to hearing from them soon. They will most likely ask you if you have any questions for them and if you do,  MAKE SURE TO ASK THEM! They aren’t just saying this so that you don’t; they genuinely want you to ask them things. This makes you seem interested in the company and it makes you look like you want to become more invested in this job. Asking questions can also give you more insight into things that may help you make a more accurate decision on whether or not this internship is for you. Handshake This one is simple. A handshake can tell a lot about a person. At the end of an internship interview, giving your potential employer a firm handshake can tell them a lot about you. There are many types of handshakes that mean various things and can send certain signals to the interviewer. Make sure your handshake is firm, but not a hand crusher. Also make sure your palms aren’t sweaty; that is a no-no and also kind of gross. Check Email Sometimes interviewers will send additional files or things for you to do when you get home. Or the email they send you may just be a thank you for interviewing with us email. Regardless of which they send, it would be good to check your email just in case anything of importance comes in. lifehacker.com Thank You Email Sending a thank you email can go a long way. Not all companies will care if you send one or not, but it’s always nice to send just in case. Personally, I know that sending thank you cards is what many students do when they interview for medical schools and even graduate schools; therefore, why not go the extra mile for your internship? It may just be an internship, but an internship can take you a long way if you learn a lot from it. Many online sites have templates for thank you emails, if you are lost on how to start one. Waiting Game Those days/weeks of waiting to hear whether or not you got the job can be agonizing. Unfortunately, some employers will choose not to email you or contact you at all if you did not get the internship. I’ve had this happen through personal experience, but if they do decide to contact you whether the news is good or bad, you still say thank you and whatever else and you move on. The Call/Email When you get that call or email stating that (in this case) you got the job, you can internally do a little dance and freak out, but the idea is to focus and make sure you get all the information you need before your first day. If any paperwork needs to get sent to you or if you need to send anything in return, you need to make sure you don’t miss anything. metro.us First Day Make sure you are there on time, dressed to impress and ready to work. Your boss will expect you to know what you are doing or go straight to them to learn your new tasks. Possibly, you will have a supervisor to go to and who you direct all your questions towards. The first couple of days is to learn how to do things and commit certain things to memory. After that you can choose to flourish in your new job or you can choose to fall to rock bottom. I would choose the first one. The interviewing process is hard enough, there is no need to add more stress to yourself during the aftermath of said internship interview. These tips are meant to help guide you through the small window of waiting time between the interview and the company’s decision whether to hire you or not. Unfortunately, there aren’t classes you can take on how to conduct yourself AFTER an interview. In the end, you will have to figure out what works for you and what seems to get you the best results. It is all about how much you want that internship.

3 Creative Ways to Have a Blast with Self-directed Language Learning

3 Creative Ways to Have a Blast with Self-directed Language Learning Learning a new language takes guts. After all, its a project that requires time. A lot of time.If you dont have the support of a class or teacher, it can be tough to keep yourself engaged in the process.And if you do have that support, it can still be tough!Whether youre learning your chosen language through immersion techniques  at home, or  enrolled in a university or community class, youll start to tune out if the methods youre using dont hold your interest.So how can you keep this from happening?Simple: Put that gutsy attitude to work for you.Take that same curiosity and out-of-the-box thinking that made you want to learn a language in the first place, and use it to take control of your learning and get creative with your techniques!While this might sound like Im leaving it all up to you, getting creative doesnt mean learning all alone or without help.It just means exploring routes you may not have considered, some of which may benefit your progress towards fluency immensely.In t his post, Ill equip you to get started on an independent and creative approach to language learning, so you can keep your motivation going strong and learn faster and better than you ever thought possible.Youll be on your way to being a confident, self-directed language learner in no time. A Self-directed Learner? Whats That?Basically, anyone who decides to take control of their studies and find what works for them is a self-directed learner.A self-directed learner might be an adult choosing to take up a language in his or her free time after work.A self-directed learner might also be a university student enrolled in a number of language classes who chooses to go beyond the requirements and try out different language learning methods after the school day is over.So how do you know if this is the right approach for you? Well, its quite simple, reallyAll Language Learners Can Afford to Be More CreativeClasses and classroom mentalities arent the only ways to learn new information. Ev en if youre studying on your own, its easy to keep thinking like youre taking a class. But with self-directed learning, there are a whole lot more options out there!Think about itâ€"most classes are designed to cater to groups of 10 to 30 children or adults, as they should be. Organized lessons and textbooks and quizzes help the instructor keep track of everyones progress.  Not all  learning is classroom learning, though, and you can always afford to think outside the box.  You’re one person, so even if youre taking a class, classroom rules need not apply to you when youre not in the classroom.Unfortunately, if youre like most people, the only learning style with which youre familiar is the one used in schools and universities. You may try to emulate this at home with varying levels of success and, likely, waning interest.Things can be different, though! You can stay motivated and work towards fluency by getting creative.Even being creative in small ways will keep you motivated an d learning until you reach your goals.Here are three tips to start you off with breaking the mold!3 Creative Ways to Have a Blast with Self-directed Language Learning1. Ditch method loyalty, and try all sorts of things!Just as some people might try to create a makeshift classroom and curriculum in their house for their language study, a lot of learners are liable to stumble upon one method and stick to it, regardless of how much value it has for them personally.There are a huge variety of language learning methods out there, and they all have some value.The benefit of being a vagabond language learner of any kind is that it allows you the freedom to experiment.Experimentation keeps things fun and exciting, because theres always something new to try. As long as its in the target language, it certainly cant hurt you!Here are some ideas of ways to branch out:Media-based immersion.  This means watching TV and movies, listening to radio and reading novelsâ€"all in your target language! T his is meant to imitate the experience of living in a country that speaks your language. YouTube has plenty of material in major world languages, and TuneIn  can lead you to radio stations in your target language! For a huge selection of handpicked videos that are just right for your level and pre-filled SRS flashcards (more on this later), check out FluentU.  FluentU takes real-world videosâ€"like music videos, movie trailers, news and inspiring talksâ€"and turns them into personalized language learning lessons.All kinds of language learning books. This might sound contrary to what was said above, but many people are unreasonably turned off by all textbooks. Textbooks can be an important resource; you just have to make them work for  you.  For popular languages, there are endless options. These can give you vocabulary for everyday circumstances and present grammar in an easy-to-understand way. Some newer books are pretty engaging and provide a lot of variety. Check out the Teach Yo urself  series (easily found on Amazon for many languages) for cheap, well-designed instructional books to use alongside whatever other methods tickle your fancy.SRS flashcards.  These are flashcards that are timed using an algorithm that maximizes the utility of your memory! This means that you can forget about forgetting vocab and grammar items. The great thing about SRS is that it works well with other methods.Shadowing. This is a method promoted by polyglot Alexander Argüelles  in which the student repeats audio in the target language, concentrating on rhythm and accent. The key is to speak each word as close to simultaneous with the audio as possible. For example, you could try shadowing an audiobook or a slowed-down dialogue created for beginners. Heres  a video that explains shadowing in plenty of depth.Babbling.  Babbling is a stage of language development that all babies go through before they say their first words. Even though adults learn differently from babies in some ways (and also have mature musculature to their advantage), I think babbling can work well for adults, too! I like to think of it as the cousin of shadowing. Instead of focusing on following  audio word for word (as is explained in the video linked above), focus on simply  imitating  the sounds you hear. This works well for fast-paced talk radio or moviesâ€"audio in which you cant yet distinguish exact phrases or words. This is great for producing native-like intonation, the music of sentences and phrasing that sometimes gets lost when we think too much about each specific word. Think of it like youre mocking the speakers!Try a lot of methods and see what sticks.  Just because you try a certain textbook or program doesnt mean you have to stick with it forever, and it certainly doesn’t mean you have to only use whatever you started with.If youre a fan of immersion, try cracking open a textbook once in a while. If you love the organization of textbooks or audio courses, try listenin g to native talk radio or using SRS flashcards to shake things up. You never know whatll improve your fluency!Different tools are great for different things.  As someone taking control of their language learning, you have a level of independence that works only to your advantage. You can create your own curriculum (or supplement your classes) and decide on any combination of methods to use.You can also find a course that works for you to guide your learning, like polyglot Olly Richards  Grammar Hero (all about the building blocks) and Conversations (for fast fluency) courses.So keep an open mind, because theres a lot out there. And on the other hand, if something isnt working or bores you, toss it out and try something new!2. Leverage your time to your advantageIf youre taking on a language on top of work, school or family responsibilities, the task can seem pretty daunting at the beginner stage. Time is a commodity hard to come by these days, so how are you supposed to learn a lang uage? Or say youre in a class, but need to learn more outside of the classroomâ€"with a full course load and a job, things can start to seem impossible.But remember that with self-directed learning, you dont need to limit yourself  to traditional classroom time blocks of 30 minutes or an hour. You dont need to imitate  your three-credit college French class!Life is made up of three-minute chunks, not long stretches.Most people just  dont have hours of empty time to fill each and every day. Nevertheless, you probably have some three-minute chunks of time between classes, during breaks at work, early in the morning, during your commute, etc. You can easily take advantage of these momentsâ€"and they add up fast!So, what can you do with three minutes?SRS programs are made for short sprints of repetitions. If you have an SRS program on your phone, you can quickly review some flashcards whenever youre on public transportation or waiting in line. Its short, its quick and it doesnt even dra w attention!Podcasts are another great resource for limited periods of time. Many podcasts aimed at language learners, like the LanguagePod101 series, are quite short in length, and great for a moment of free time. Many podcasts aimed at native speakersâ€"like news and culture podcastsâ€"are also in the three-to-five-minute range. You can find these by searching for news in your target language on iTunes. You can also find interesting podcasts by switching your iTunes country to the one in which your language is spoken. All of the suggestions will now be in your target language! (While you cant buy anything outside of your actual region, you can still download the free podcasts.)Are you used to curling up with a good book for an hour or two? Well, it may seem counter-intuitive, but books also work great for short sprints. It takes some getting used to, but fitting in a page or two whenever you have a chance really does count towards larger reading goals. You can find books in your t arget language through Amazon third-party sellers, Multilingual Books  (a site that specializes in selling books in a number of languages) and Project Gutenberg.The same methods can be applied to TV episodes and moviesâ€"if you can download them onto your phone or tablet, theyre available all the time for some quick language practice. Waiting for a spare hour or two is too restrictiveâ€"imagining a movie or TV episode as something that can be broken up into smaller bits is freeing.Everyone is busy, but its what you choose to do with your small amounts of free time that really matters.3. Treat yourself like a kid again!I think its unfortunate that at some point after elementary school, teachers and textbooks stop using colors and pictures to teach people. They stop trying to engage adults and excite them visually or with humor.Remember when you lamented the lack of pictures in a book when you were a kid? Thats the kind of attitude you need with language learning. But you might have t o create visual excitement yourself. Think of language learning as an excuse to revert back to childhood. You get to experience the whole world a second (or third, or fourth…) time over!Pretty good deal, isnt it?But what exactly should you do?For a start, use the three Cs.The three Cs for language learning are color, cartoons  and comics.ColorBringing color into your language learning life will give you relief from your drier textbooks, and the language will seem way less scary and intimidating. Remember how your elementary school classrooms lookedâ€"bulletin boards covered in construction paper decorations, walls plastered with drawings, alphabet across the chalkboard, maps on every bare surface? You cant help but get a jolt of energy from it, can you?So how can you implement this? Get yourself to the store and buy some big boxes of crayons. Get some  markers and construction paper while youre at it, too. Make posters captioned with target language text from a favorite TV show or book. Practice your writing and then draw a picture to go along with it.If youre learning a language that uses a different writing system, make posters with all of the characters you plan to learn that month.If a specific character is giving you trouble, draw a picture to go with it. Youll have a blast and feel like a kid again!CartoonsI know, I know. Youre a very intelligent and cultured person. You got into your target language for poetry, for film, for high literature! Thats great and all, but have you thought about what cartoons can do to get you to that point?Esoteric media like literature and arthouse films are wonderful, but theyre hard to understand for beginners and intermediate learners.Linguist Stephen Krashen  advocates using  comprehensible input to efficiently learn a language, and cartoons are darn comprehensible!Cartoons are full of plenty of visual humor that you can grasp even when you dont understand a lick of your target language. They use a smaller vocabulary s ince theyre aimed at children. As an added plus, Ive found that the voice-overs used for cartoons tend to provide much clearer speech than your run-of-the-mill TV show or movie.If you dont know where to start looking for cartoons in your target language, I would suggest trying to find dubbed versions of shows you liked as a kid. Search for the TV show in English (or other language) on Wikipedia, and then switch the site language to your target languageâ€"this is an easy way to find changes in the title when it was dubbed.Then, you can search that title on YouTube or a video-sharing website in your target language. If you want to own the cartoons, you can try Amazon third-party sellers, or buying through the regional Amazon website of the country in question. (Just make sure that you have the right equipment to play them!)Another idea is to find network websites of certain shows. Nickelodeon, for instance, has regional networks (Dutch Nickelodeon  and  German Nickelodeon, for example ) in a number of different countries, each with its own website. Many are region-locked, but if you can find a way around that, these websites often have a good number of complete episodes.If you dont have a specific cartoon in mind, I personally like to search [target language] cartoon (in English) on YouTube and see what the wellspring of the Internet will give me.As an additional idea, raw beginners can try cartoons meant for very small kids, ages 3-6 (preschool age) or so. These tend to be five to ten minutes in length and meant to be educational for native speakers of your language. This is great for the adult learner, because the characters point out certain objects and repeat things over and over.A great example is Pocoyo (or Pocoyó),  a Spanish kids show that has been dubbed in a number of languages. These kinds of shows are harder to find, but many English-language shows have been dubbed, so if youre familiar with those, you might be able to find them in your target langua ge. Just use the same techniques as above to hunt stuff down.To get more leads on cartoons for toddlers and young  kids, I would also suggest checking out forums that discuss your target languageâ€"this is especially helpful if you don’t live in the country. Surely someone does, and can tell you whats on TV. After that, again, check out YouTube, Amazon and TV network websites.Once you find some favorites, you can try applying some of the creative techniques above to get the most out of this great resource (shadowing the voices to your hearts content, doodling pictures of the characters to keep you entertained or writing out the titles of the show in crayon).ComicsThe rationale for using comics is similar to that of cartoonsâ€"comics have comprehensible input with plenty of context for you to easily pick up vocabulary and expressions. Still, many people avoid comics and head straight for novels and classics, even when their level isnt high enough just yet. The resulting  lagging mo tivation and frustration is something thats easy to remedy.Comics have visual humor aplenty, and the text is broken into smaller pieces. This gets you reading more from the startâ€"comics arent as intimidating as straight literature.As for finding comics, use the same techniques as above to see if your favorite childhood comics have been translated. Use the Wikipedia technique to find titles of translated comics, then search for those on Amazonâ€"with luck, third-party sellers will have what youre looking for.Multilingual Books, again,  is a good resource.If you already collect vintage comics, MyComicShop.com  has a variety of older comic books in a number of different languages. You can also search for fan-made translations of favorite comics online.Comics have an even more convenient medium, howeverâ€"webcomics! Webcomics can be short form (think newspaper comic strips) or long form (think graphic novels, superheroes and manga), but I find short form to be especially helpful in le arning a language.Heres a (Japanese-language) example  of a webcomic  about a Japanese woman living in Nanjing, China.Webcomics are  addictive and fun to read, and you get exposed to a sense of the humor in your target language. To dig these up, I recommend Googling in your target language best webcomics (webcomics might remain the same word depending on what your language is). You can add a nationality if you want to get more specific.Once youre reading comics regularly, try entering some short sentences into your SRS (with English definitions on the back of the cards!) so that you dont forget all the new words youre learning.If youre working with a new writing system, copy out the sentences in colorful marker and crayon to practice your penmanship.There you goâ€"three ways to get creative with your language learning.A lot of creativity just has to do with a simple change in mindset.Take control of all of the different ways to learn out there, and get experimenting!

Thursday, March 5, 2020

How To Choose The Best Math Tutoring Center

How To Choose The Best Math Tutoring CenterIf you want to learn and master the concept of calculus and other math subjects in school, a high quality math tutoring center in Philadelphia is the perfect place for you. These centers are run by math teachers and offer personalized tutoring as well as programs for young students. They will guide you step by step and improve your learning ability.If you are unsure which center is right for you, one of the best places to start is by reviewing the criteria required for applying for the Depaul Math Tutoring Center. The standards that these centers need to meet are very high and they are a source of pride for parents and teachers. You will be able to learn and improve your understanding of math and prepare for a bright future.The center provides on-site tutoring for both young and adult students. The teachers are well trained and have years of experience in the field. Their program plans and curriculum are based on the subject and the needs of the students, so you can rest assured that you will get personalized attention and get the help you need.Many of the centers offer a variety of programs for students of all age groups. Whether you are an elementary student or a high school graduate, these centers offer a wide variety of activities to cater to your interests. This will ensure that you find something to suit your tastes and interests.Another advantage of the great centers is that they are completely confidential. Even if you feel uncomfortable discussing your personal life with a teacher, the staff won't even know. They are open about their programs and tuition fees, so you don't have to worry about being caught with your head in the sand.In addition to using the center at the local community college, you may also choose to enroll in a center online. There are several websites out there that offer valuable math and science tips and information that are perfect for those who are looking to get better at math. If you'r e still curious about the best option, start by looking up the criteria for the centers that you want to apply for and see what they offer.It is always helpful to have solid math skills in life. A math tutoring center in Philadelphia is the ideal place to get the learning experience you want.

The Ideal Time For Online Tutoring

The Ideal Time For Online TutoringTutor programming language has been put to use for about 10 years now. The educational group, The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation has been able to gain the support of various companies who offer support services, as they are a requirement to start off a business. However, to enroll students at school, they need to go in for tutoring, which is often done by computer programs such as these. But it will be required that you are able to find one, since most of the online tutoring firms do not have enough personnel to run a good system.As time goes by, various new developments are being made in the area of software, and tutor programming language is one of the recent developments. This new concept has the function of taking charge of the responsibility of the teachers in educating their students. With this approach, the whole process of teaching is geared to go towards flexibility of time and service in order to make the process easy for the student.Tut oring could be offered for a fee or on a salary basis. A lot of students prefer to go for the first option, but the other option is also being offered in the case of those students who cannot afford to pay fees for this. But this is not really necessary for those who require some sort of assistance in order to help them with their course work.These software packages are basically developed to help the tutor as well as the students. That is why it is important to be able to use it effectively for the sake of both. If you can get some experience of using such programs, you can get use of it. This way, you can be sure that you are going to get all the services that the program has to offer.But remember, you will have to learn how to use it for yourself, since most of the tutor programs are just simple training courses, which helps you to comprehend the inner workings of the program. There are alot of tutorials, which can help you get started on using it.In fact, it is also recommended to get some form of assistance to ensure that you are not doing anything wrong. This would make it easier for you to learn and make use of the software program effectively.Online tutoring is often just not that easy. You may have to take the assistance of someone who is comfortable with the subject matter and who is very much knowledgeable in terms of how to use the software program. Just make sure that you go for the one who is really trustworthy, and who has all the necessary qualifications.

Learn French Online with Web-based Applications

Learn French Online with Web-based Applications How Can You Learn French Online? ChaptersBest French Learning WebsitesPodcasts to Help You Learn FrenchBest French Learning Apps for IPhone or IPadBest Online TranslatorsWhere to Find a French Teacher for Lessons OnlineToday, people put more value into amassing experiences than possessions.Thus if follows that more and more minds, eager for extraordinary encounters, see language learning as a pathway to broaden their intellectual and cultural horizons, and select French as their language of choice.And for good reason!France is spoken on five of the world's seven continentsIt is the official language for 29 countries, and a further 8 territoriesIt is also considered the official language of international diplomacyFrench is considered a gateway to learning other romance languagesBesides those enticing rationales, you might consider the fact that French is the second-most taught language in our schools behind Spanish; more students are sitting French A Levels than German or Italian exams.We'll disregard the fact that t here has been a drop, of late, in the number of French A levels being sat, and focus on the keen students who see the value in being bilingual.Speaking of bilingualism...Oh, the benefits one can derive from the ability to communicate in another language!From a possible bump in salary to staving off dementia, flexing your learning muscles in that manner yields amazing advantages!Are you suitably impressed? Are you enthused at the thought of adventure, even if the experience is literally all in your mind?Should we get on with providing tools for you to learn French with?semester in a French school.Today's world rejects such class distinctions, at least as far as education goes. These days, anyone can study French, go abroad, even matriculate at a fine university in Paris or Grenoble.Or, you could just stay on our lovely island and make use of the best websites to learn French.Bonjour de France is a one-stop site to help Britons learn French.Their welcome page is structured according t o the Common European Framework of Reference for Language, or CEFRL.That entails a breakdown into degrees of language proficiency, with A1 denoting beginners and C2 indicating fluency at native speaker level.The first challenge on the Bonjour page is for you to declare your level of French: are you an intermediate speaker of French â€" level A2, or can you manage most daily tasks, such as shopping, by yourself?That ability would class you as B1, according to the CEFRL breakdown.Once you have chosen your level of ability, you will be met with a series of learning tasks designed to lead you on a gentle but steady progression toward being fluent in French.Besides the lessons boxed in on the centre of the page, you will find a further list that addresses specifics of language learning: vocabulary, verb conjugation, grammar, and even idiomatic expressions.Pas besoin d'avoir la puce a l'oreille â€" no need for doubt with this French learning website!Should you place more emphasis on your child(ren) learning French, you may direct yourself to Hello World, a language learning site designed specifically for young students.In bite-sized portions, your petit étudiant may enjoy songs and games, learn from structured lessons, make use of built-in flashcards and even complete worksheets.The traditional children's song, Alouette, features on this page, in which the plucking of a hapless lark is described in exquisite detail, sung to the accompanying words: truly a must-see!Would you cheerfully pluck a lark while singing a traditional French song? Source: Pixabay Credit: Demitri VetsikasPodcasts to Help You Learn FrenchIn the Time of Yore, it may have been thought that the effective learning, true learning, as it were, could only be done in a quiet environment, seated at a desk, repeating after Teacher, and observing good posture all the while.The Boomer generation may well remember memorising long passages to recite in front of the whole class and rote repetition of French grammar rules.Obviously, that method of absorbing knowledge has some merit: after all, Boomers are not, on the whole, illiterate and dysfunctional when it comes to comprehension. Furthermore, it is still practiced in some parts of the world.Such a teaching style does not represent the current trend in education.Now, there are teaching tools for every learning style, and gauging one's study progress has little to do with standardised tests.Besides, people these days are entirely too busy to devote a substantial portion of their day to sitting still and learning anything, let alone a second language.So how does learning happen, for these ultra-busy neo-scholars?On the go! You will find people in the tube or on the train, ear buds plugged in, listening intently. Or stuck in traffic, where those precious minutes are spent perhaps learning new words rather than fuming at road congestion.Of course, we don't presume to know exactly what everyone is listening to, but according to a recent s urvey of the Apple store, educational downloads come in third, after gaming and business applications.Where are people finding these language learning materials, then?Here are some of the best French podcasts available to listen to.Podcast Français Facile is especially targeted to the beginner French learner.Clicking on the débutant tab reveals a treasure trove of short lessons for the absolute beginner, ready for download in MP3 format that will take you from the French alphabet through introductions and how to formulate a question.With each installment, you can download and print the accompanying worksheet; to make notes on, or for future reference.Going further on the home page, you may pick your CEFRL level for instruction more in keeping with what you have already learned.NOTE: the French language proficiency system is called DELF, but its structure mirrors the setup of the more inclusive European framework discussed above.On these more targeted pages, you will find topics th at address grammatical aspects of the French language, such as the use of subjunctive mood and how to use the prenominal form correctly.One note of caution on using this site: all of the text is in French. If you are just starting out in your language learning efforts, you may be put off by that language barrier... but we urge you to push past that discomfort, because the learning is about to get so good, here!FrenchPod101 has compiled an impressive array of broadcast segments, again grouped according to CEFRL levels.Upon registering with their site â€" it is free!, you will be asked to select your level.Once that assertion is made, the range of topics presented will reflect your declared ability while subtly, innocuously building on to the French language skills you have already mastered.As the creators of this site understand that not everyone learns the same way, there is no prescribed method of progression.You can choose to start with Lesson 1, following through until completion of that study unit, or you can randomise your podcast selection, while still remaining within your intermediate level.Spaced repetition is a learning technique that involves increasing the intervals between learning and review.This method features prominently in the Pimsleur language learning philosophy, among others.FrenchPod101 makes use of this ideology throughout their French video lessons, along with other vocabulary building tools.Additionally, you will be furnished a digital phrasebook in which to record all of your notes, as well as all of the words and phrases you will learn on your way to advanced French level.Perhaps the best part of this site is the community forum. There, you can talk with language learners about tricky grammar points such as gender and irregular verbs, and discuss the finer points of language with study buddies.They might even advance your French pronunciation!As a bonus, they offer apps for your mobile devices, so you can keep the learning fun going even as you are on the move!Discover the wealth of apps designed specifically for your IPhone or IPad Source: Pixabay Credit: PIX1861And some that offer a teaser... limited free usage, with the promise of more meaty content, should you subscribe or hand over some cash.Does the idiom you get what you pay for apply to learning French?Can a quality, satisfactory learning experience come about only if your wallet is lightened?We've found evidence to the contrary.After scouring the 'Net and tirelessly trying app after app, we offer these few up, with no particular preference or endorsement.Please note that each of these downloads are possible for either IPad or IPhone; you only need select which device to download them to.So what are the best apps for learning French?Memrise Language LearningOne of the coolest features of this app is object recognition: you snap a pic of anything you want, and the software will furnish a subtitle of its name, in French.You can then save the labeled pic f or future reference, perhaps even building a photographic French dictionary of life on your street!Whew! In all of the excitement of presenting a truly great French learning tool, we got a little ahead of ourselves, detailing that feature! Let us back up now...What do you really get by downloading this app?Naturally, you will be invited to create an account, but it is free, and so are a lot of the learning tools.From there, you might scroll through the posted topics. The top of the page consists of numbered lessons, ranging from introductions, all the way through the incomparable French slang and, of course, the idiom.About a third of the way down the   page, things start getting beguiling...You might be interested in GCSE French vocabulary, for instance or, if you are just starting out, perhaps the 100 Most Spoken French Words might appeal.You get to skip around, discover your own learning preferences and, above all, take it with you as you go!There is a lot of fun to be had in lea rning French this way, and that is good because learning is done most effectively if it is enjoyed.Another site that favours fun with fundamentals is MindSnacks.These apps are famous for their alternative presentation of French learning materials, from quizzes to games; even their audio is clear as a bell!If you need to build you vocabulary, perfect your spelling or learn new phrases, you can do so in an active and challenging way that will be sure to bring a smile to your face!Do you enjoy gaming?If so, you are most likely familiar with the game format that calls for successful completion of a quest before the next level can be unlocked.So too do MindSnacks games operate. The only downside we could find is that you cannot customize your gaming experience.For example: if you wish to review aspects of a past lesson you are no longer quite so confident about, you cannot incorporate that material into later lesson challenges.Here again we revisit the spaced repetition ideology, and how beneficial it is to language learning!Did you want to learn more about IPad/IPhone apps to learn French with?There are many ways to secure accurate translation online Source: Pixabay Credit: FalarcompauloBest Online TranslatorsIn the course of your language learning, surely you will run upon instances when, occasionally, a word escapes you.If that is the case, it is no cause for anxiety as far as your language abilities are concerned; it happens with startling frequently, especially at the outset of your journey, and if you are not in an immersion environment.Rather than make a mad dash for your textbooks, vocabulary lists or flashcards, you may simply type the word you want into an online translator and, selecting French as the language to translate into, come up with le mot juste â€" the very word you were struggling to remember.Such instances are considered forehead smacking moments, in case you were wondering.Unfortunately, you may end up smacking your forehead for a completely different reason, should you attempt to process a French idiom through Google, Microsoft Translate or Babylon.One might say that such utilities are useful for a quick, inofficial translation of a word or phrase, but might betray you in any more official capacity.Let us illustrate our point with a simple phrase thousands of English tourists certainly have used when roaming the streets of Paris or Lille for the first time: Can you speak English?Google and Babylon give us the formal pouvez-vous, Bing yields the decidedly informal parles-tu.And therein lies the problem.The English language is replete with double meaning words, words that serve more than one function, and a single pronoun â€" you, to denote one person or several.And there is no distinction between formal and informal speech in our native language.Another aspect of the French language that causes grief when using these international language translators is accents.Should you type a French text that is missing its diacrit ical marks into such utilities, you are likely to be treated to a completely different meaning than what you were looking for.What makes using these easy translators particularly difficult is that the French language has many words spelled the same, save for a cunningly placed accent, such as du â€" some, and dû, meaning anything from a debt to owing to.If anything could confound a beginner language learner into giving up, it would be bad instruction or information.For this reason, we would encourage you to take your English French translation needs elsewhere...French-English DictionariesDepending on the one you select, you may find these online tools extremely helpful in translating even French phrases.Reverso French English dictionary can translate business phrases and French idioms, as well as individual words.What we love about this lexicon is that it proposes synonyms, antonyms, and provides sample sentences for any word you investigate.Furthermore, it delves into grammatical gender, disclosing whether a word is masculine or feminine, and in some cases, will even help with the verb and adjective agreement!You could get an incidental education in French language as well as culture with Reverso.What if you have just discovered you have relatives in France or Belgium, and would like to trace your ancestry?You would certainly need a more far-reaching translator. Perhaps a human would do the job better?WorldLingo promotes a free document translation service, as well as website translation.You simply need upload your document on their site, via the link provided, specify your target language â€" French, of course!, and you will get your results back, generally within one day.We note that their free document translation service is limited to no more than 500 words. For more professional translation or longer texts, you would have to pay a fee.You may wonder about the security aspect of submitting sensitive documents online, and rightly so!Day Translations provi des an extra level of security for anything you need to have translated: legal or medical documents, or anything as innocuous as a property title.There will be a fee for this human translation, and this service will render you a quote within 10 minutes of your submitting the job for bid.What sold us on this particular service is that they provide a secure environment for your most personal affairs.You can submit your papers via their secure website, by fax or by courier â€" they have offices all over the world!Maybe it would just be better to find a French teacher to learn online...Learning French online permits you to take your studies anywhere! Source: Pixabay Credit: RawpixelsWhere to Find a French Teacher for Lessons OnlineAs stated before, the awareness of time precludes enroling in traditional French courses for some people.However, there is still opportunity to learn the language of Molière in what spare time you have at home!Online resources, specifically language learning programmes, abound! The only trick to them is finding the French course London that works best for you.Here are a few suggestions to help you learn French online:Rocket FrenchThis is an acclaimed language programme that places no obligation or commitment on you; in fact, you can try it out for free before subscribing.What do you get with a subscription to Rocket French?Lessons in language and cultureInteractive audio lessons with built-in pronunciation practiceready-made flashcardsSpaced repetition toolsA mobile app, for review on the goAccess to forums, where you can chat with other students and French teachersProgress trackingForeign language students all aver that this programme, that takes only minutes a day to acquire knowledge, is the best way to learn French.Some may baulk at the price, but considering the benefits of this lifelong learning tool, wouldn't the investment be worth it?Learning French online, as opposed to buying a software package such as Rosetta Stone, gives yo u the advantage of working with the most up-to-date materials, membership in a community of learners, and digital tools to aid in your learning experience.While there is nothing wrong with CD learning programmes, we might point out that they promote isolated learning and provide no feedback on your progress.Thus it is recommended that finding a suitable online programme to learn French from would most mimic the classroom environment.We'll close this down now, so that you can get right to it!

Summer Bummer 6 Warm-Weather Dangers for Singers

Summer Bummer 6 Warm-Weather Dangers for Singers Suzy S. Are you paying attention to your vocal health? The summer season presents some unique challenges when it comes to caring for your voice. Learn a few summer tips for singers in this guest  post by vocal  teacher Elaina R Summer is in full-swing! The season of green grass, hot sun, pool parties, and BBQs is my favorite time of year. But as a singer, I also have to watch out for the special hazards that warmer weather brings. While winter is definitely a singer’s roughest season (zero humidity and the flu are no fun), summer holds some unexpected dangers for your vocal cords. Check out my summer tips for singers below, and have a fantastic and vocally healthy summer! 1. Dehydration Hotter weather often means sweat and more time outside, so you have to be extra careful to stay hydrated. Vocal cords are made out of the same soft, moist stuff as the inside of your cheek, and when they don’t get enough water, they become more brittle and susceptible to damage. So be sure to drink plenty of water, not just for your vocal cords, but for your whole body! 2. Allergies Unfortunately, all of the living things that make summer so gorgeous flowers, trees, grass    can also cause allergies. Allergy  symptoms can include  coughing, sneezing, congestion, and a bunch of other problems that inhibit breathing and irritate the throat. One of these issues, post-nasal drip, is particularly damaging to singers because it involves mucus dripping from the sinuses onto the vocal cords, irritating and inflaming them. Many singers (myself included) use OTC medications, nasal sprays, and neti pots to deal with these problems. 3. Amusement Parks Amusement parks can be lots of fun, but they also encourage lots of vocal abuse:  loud talking, yelling, and, of course, SCREAMING on the roller coasters and other rides. Screaming involves slamming your vocal cords together rapidly, and as you might imagine, it isn’t good for you. If you’ve ever found yourself hoarse after visiting an amusement park, you know exactly what I mean. Luckily, I have a sneaky trick that can completely eliminate vocal damage at amusement parks. When I ride roller coasters and other rides, I open my mouth    but I don’t actually make any noise. No one notices, I have just as much fun, and my voice feels great at the end of the day! 4. Smoke I love BBQs and bonfires, but smoke can cause coughing, wheezing, and mucus buildup. Avoiding this one is easy just sit downwind of bonfires, and be careful not to inhale too much smoke while BBQing. You can also volunteer to cut up the watermelon and leave the BBQ to someone else. 5. Concerts Summer brings a wave of outdoor concerts and music festivals. While these events can be a blast, they often involve singing along (usually loudly and with bad technique) as well as yelling and screaming. I bet you can guess my antidote for this one! Just like at amusement parks, I don’t actually make much noise at concerts. I mouth all the words and I look like I’m cheering along with everyone else, but I don’t actually use my voice. I have a great time AND my voice feels great the next day. 6. Air Conditioning While summer air in many climates is nice and moist, air conditioning changes all that. Air conditioning removes moisture from the air, resulting in dry, wintery conditions. This can irritate the respiratory system and cause coughing just like winter air. Air conditioning and fans can also circulate dust, aggravating allergies. To combat this, try not to crank up the air conditioning too much at home. If you spend a lot of time in a highly air-conditioned environment (like an office), you can protect yourself by staying hydrated and using cough drops or a personal humidifier if your throat feels dry. By working these tips for singers into your day, you can enjoy summer to the fullest without harming your vocal cords. Your body and your voice teacher will both thank you. Now get out there and enjoy the weather! Learn more about this topic: 7 Strange (But Effective) Ways to Keep Your Voice Healthy 4 Effective Vocal Warm-Ups to Try When Youre Sick The 2 Most Important Things Singers Always Forget to Do Photo by  Roger Blackwell Post Author:  Elaina R. Elaina R. teaches opera voice and singing in Ypsilanti, MI, as well as through online lessons. She received her Master of Music from  the University of Michigan, and she has a B.M. from the University of Southern California. Learn more about Elaina here! Interested in Private Lessons? Search thousands of teachers for local and live, online lessons. Sign up for convenient, affordable private lessons today! Search for Your Teacher