The Value Of A Masters Degree

The Value Of A Masters Degree A Masters degree traditionally carries an honorable, intelligent and prestigious clout; however, the value of this clout is a moot point. To some, a Masters degree is a sign of intellectual superiority, but to others it could simply be a framed piece of paper that needs to be dusted regularly. There are many pros and cons to pursuing a Masters degree, and it would be wise for students to make the decision of whether they will pursue one early. As the economy plummets, the interest in graduate programs increases. Mark Taylor, chairman of the religion department at Columbia University, wrote a testimonial published online through The New York Times. Taylor claimed that only 19 percent of students from the 2009 graduating class found jobs immediately out of college. He wrote that many young people in the professional workforce are fired early into their careers. These people, along with the graduating students unable to find jobs, will consider earning a Masters degree. Taylor warned students of the excessive costs of pursuing a sometimes worthless Masters degree. As a lifelong educator, I believe more education is always a good thing, but buyers must beware, wrote Taylor, who is the author of Field Notes From Elsewhere: Reflections on Dying and Living. Far too many students come out of college with substantial debts that plague them for years. He also noted that the situation is different for every student. Some graduate degree programs can be very helpful for certain careers but many are not, wrote Taylor. And, remember, what is most interesting is not always most practical. Be sure you consider your motives and goals carefully. Do not simply assume that another degree after your name is going to open doors. Stephen Joel Trachtenberg, president emeritus and professor of public services at George Washington University, also wrote a testimonial to The New York Times. He wrote that a Masters Degree is an upgrade. If you originally matriculated at a college you are vaguely uneasy about, taking an M.A. at a more elite institution allows you to kick down and kiss up, henceforth letting you tell people you went to school in New Haven, wrote Trachtenberg. And it does, of course, ornament a resume indicating academic sitzfleisch the ability to keep your behind in a chair in a diligent manner. He also argued that a Masters Degree allows one to alter directions in ones career. Trachtenberg wrote that it is absolutely makes sense for a student to pursue a Masters Degree in a bad job market only if the programs cost is not too steep for that particular student. Liz Pulliam Weston, personal finance columnist for MSN Money, agreed with Trachtenberg arguing that Graduate school has traditionally been a great place to wait out recessions while honing your skills for a better job. But sometimes, the payoff doesnt justify the cost. She outlined the benefits of certain degrees. She found that people with associate degrees earned more than those with a high school degree. She noted that a Bachelors degree at an inexpensive college is well worth it, and she discovered that professional degrees in law or medicine lead to a big payoff. She wrote that a Masters degree in business or engineering fields enhances ones income. However, in the liberal arts and social sciences fields do not augment ones income. She also warned that students must be able to pay off their debt from graduate school. Otherwise, you could quite literally spend the rest of your life scraping to pay off your debt, wrote Weston in her testimonial. I hear from too many readers who have six-figure student loan debts and $40,000 incomes. They cant save for retirement or buy a home; some cant even pay the minimums they owe on their debt. She also noted that students should take advantage of federal, student loans and not private loans because federal loans offer more protection. I recommend students borrow no more for their educations, in total, than they expect to make the first year out of school, wrote Weston. Weston is the author of Easy Money, Your Credit Score and Deal with Your Debt. Richard Vedder, director of the Center of College Affordability and Productivity and teaches economics at Ohio University, defended the Masters degree. He noted that young adults with Masters degrees earned about 15 percent more than those with a bachelors diploma. The lifetime earnings gains for the second degree should reach into the low six digits, wrote Vedder in his testimonial to The New York Times. For many, the rate of return on the added college investment therefore should be reasonably high and it beats unemployment or working in a low-skilled, low-wage retail trade job. However, Vedder noted that the earnings will depend on the field of study. He raised the opportunity cost point that a student would face. The student could potentially forego two years in the workforce making money while pursuing a Masters degree. He wrote that attaining a Masters degree could cost a student up to $100,000. Ultimately, there are many reasons why students may choose to pursue a Masters degree. Students should know their Master degrees potential worth, and if they can afford its cost. In 2008, 65.6 percent of undergraduate students gaining a 4-year Bachelors degree accumulated some debt. The average debt for these students was $23,186, according to FinAid.com. 86.3 percent took out federal loans, and the average debt for students with federal loans was $24,651. The average, accumulated debt rose by $1,139 at a 5.6 percent increase since 2004, according to FinAid.com. FinAid also reported that graduate and professional students face larger debt, ranging from $30,000 to $120,000 for a graduate degree. The median debt for a Masters degree is $25,000. A doctoral degrees debt is $52,000 and professional degrees debt is $79,836.

Learn To Play Rock Style Drums

Learn To Play Rock Style Drums Want To Learn Rock N Roll Drums? ChaptersThe Configuration Of Rock N Roll DrumsThe Importance Of Having A Bass Drum When It Comes To Rock N Roll DrumsChoosing A Drum HeadChoosing Your Rock N Roll DrumsSo you’ve decided that you’d like to learn how to drum â€" congratulations! One of the first things that you might decide on as a new drummer is the kind of music that you’d like to play and what drum kit you’d like to use.Whether you’re into drumming along to jazz, fusion drumming, rock n roll drumming, or drumming without access to a standard drum kit, there really is no wrong answer when it comes to what you play.However, you might have decided that rock n roll drumming is for you, or maybe you’ve found a group of friends who would like to form a group, and have you as their drummer?This article outlines some of the basics of rock n roll drumming, and some of the things to look out for when buying a rock n roll drum kit.If you want to play in a rock n roll band, a rock n roll drum kit can be great to hav e. (Image Source: CC0 1.0, Free-Photos, Pixabay)A 12-inch alto tom;A 13-inch medium tom;A 16-inch floor tom; andA 14-inch snare drum.The alto and medium toms are suspended, while the floor tom stands on the floor.Additionally, it’s not uncommon to find a hi-hat, a ride cymbal, and a crash cymbal when it comes to rock, punk, or blues music.What’s more, every drummer is free to change up the configuration of their drum set. For example, you could add extra cymbals, or make use of a snare drum.The best way to find a configuration that works for you is to try out a few different set-ups, some common and some perhaps less-used, and see which result you like the most!If you want to play rock style drums you need to decide what kind of drums you'd like to have, just as you'd have to choose which type of guitar you'd like to play if you want to take up the guitar. (Image Source: CC0 1.0, herryway, Pixabay)The Importance Of Having A Bass Drum When It Comes To Rock N Roll DrumsThere’s n o question that the bass drum has a huge role to play when it comes to drumming in a rock n roll style. Incredibly, you can find bass drums at enormous sizes, such as the 26-inch bass drum that John Bonham, the drummer in Led Zeppelin, used to play.So if you’re looking at learning how to play rock n roll drums, it’s highly recommended that you make sure that you’re comfortable using and playing on a bass drum and focus your efforts on playing it well. This can even be one of the first things that you start learning to do.The reason why it’s worthwhile getting to know how to play the bass drum is that, in order to create a rock n roll sound, it’s not enough to simply hit the skin on a bass drum.For an improved sound, try to position your foot in the centre of the pedal, and make use of one of the two common ways to hit the bass drum pedal, which are as follows:The flat foot technique: This position isn’t too tiring as it’s the ankle that’s doing the work;The heel up t echnique: For a more rock n roll sound, this technique relies on your upper thigh and knees to drive the pedal, which should give a punchier sound.Another tip to help you keep control when using the above techniques is to try to keep your foot on the pedal when drumming (i.e. don’t take your foot off it!)If you’re looking for other ways to try and recreate a rock n roll sound when drumming, then a good idea is to try and recreate the way in which your favourite rock n roll drummers played. This should also give you some extra motivation and inspiration when it comes to improving your own play style and technique.So whether you’re a fan of Travis Barker, Phil Collins, Dave Grohl, Keith Moon, or another drummer entirely, don’t be afraid to do some research and see whether you would fancy trying to emulate their drumming styles and kits.Choosing A Drum HeadA drummer has a number of different roles to play, particularly when playing within an orchestra or as part of a group. For instance, a drummer can:Provide tempo;Play a catchy beat; andMake you dance!Of course, these are just a few things that a drummer can provide within a group.However, for a drummer to be successful at what they do, it’s also important that they have a drum head that is well-suited when it comes to that drummer’s style and the style of music that they like to play.As a result, the type of drum head that you choose to use is arguably just as important as choosing which rock n roll drum kit you’d like to play on.In essence, a drum includes a batter head, which is what a drummer actually hits, and a resonant head. The resonant head reacts when the batter head is struck and has an influence on the richness of the sound being produced.If you’re looking to play rock n roll style drums, then it may be worthwhile opting for a double-ply batter head. This is because they tend to offer a more powerful sound, a better attack, and can last longer than single-ply heads.When it comes to ch anging the heads, try to aim to change the batter head at least once a year. Essentially, you don’t want to get to a point where the head breaks and then you’re forced to change it â€" you should change it before it breaks.Equally, try not to neglect your resonant head too much, as they can sometimes be forgotten about. If you can aim to change the resonant head every two years, then so much the better.Of course, the more that you play, the more often you’ll likely have to replace the heads on your drums. Often, the snare drum is the most used, and so it may also end up being the drum head that you need to replace most often.When changing the drum head of a tom-tom, you might also consider whether it’s worthwhile changing over all the heads on all your toms, as this may help to maintain a consistent sound. Of course, this decision is ultimately up to you, and whether your budget would allow you to change all the heads at once.Choosing what rock n roll drum set you'd like to buy is an important decision. (Image Source: CC0 1.0, jeanvdmeulen, Pixabay)Choosing Your Rock N Roll DrumsWhen it comes to picking which rock and roll drums you’d like to play, it can feel as though the choice is endless.For instance, there are plenty of factors to take into consideration, such as:Your budget;How much space you have for a drum set;What elements you’d like to see in your rock n roll drum kit;Whether you’d like to buy each element separately; orWhether you’d prefer to buy a ready-made kit.As a result, one of the best things you can do when looking to buy a new drum kit is to do your research. Ask around and see which rock n roll drum kits have gotten good reviews, and which kits specialists would recommend you buy.Also, take into consideration your ability level. If you are a relatively new drummer or a complete beginner, don’t feel pressured to buy an expensive, top of the range drum set when more entry-level drums will suffice. Equally, if you get the cha nce to try out the drums before you buy them, then so much the better.Ultimately, the drum kit you choose should be one that will help you to play and get better at the drums and become a better musician. It also shouldn't put too much pressure on your budget and should be a set that you’re comfortable playing with, whether you're following a beat or playing your own drum solo.

A Level English For Adults

A Level English For Adults It's Never too Late to Learn English as a Mature Student ChaptersA Level English Courses For AdultsHow To Enrol On English A Level Courses For AdultsThe Benefits of An English A Level For AdultsTraditionally, in the UK, A Levels are taken by seventeen-year-olds who do not yet know where life will take them. But what if fully-fledged grown-ups look back upon their exams with regret, or wish they had made better subject choices to support their now dream career â€" is there still a chance for them to go back and do their A Levels over again?Thankfully, there are many options available to adults wishing to study towards an A Level qualification, no matter their age or circumstances.So, whether you decide to return to a nostalgic classroom setting or if it suits you better to study from home alongside other commitments, improving your skills (or learning new ones for that matter) couldn’t be easier.In this article, we will clarify the options available to you, how you can apply and, finally, explain how the qualification can benefit your car eer prospects. and Edexcel.Upon enrolment, your English tutor will most likely meet with you and give you a start date then expect you to attend classes for around 2.5 hours a week, whilst undertaking further independent study in your own time. Many colleges offer case studies and other useful information about their courses, like how you can apply, on their websites.Did you know you can also study A Level English past papers?Although with a course like the above, you will not be learning from a tutor all day every day as you would at school, remember that a typical A Level student’s day is additionally made up of other subject classes and free periods. As such, you are not missing a huge amount of teacher/pupil time and, besides, you have the maturity to understand that you need to work independently and to develop as an individual on the course.Part-time study is particularly useful for those in work or those with families as they can attend group study sessions in the evenings and arrange 121s with their tutor at a time that is convenient for them both. Even better, if you have a home student status, the tuition and qualification are often free.Please note that full-time courses are equally available, and you can apply for student loans to cover the cost of these (however you will be expected to pay up front for textbooks).You can get an idea of English Language A Level course content here!Online CoursesIf you decide to go down the route of studying predominantly online, some establishments can offer you accredited fast track A Level courses, awarded by Edexcel.The online courses offered by such colleges are available for students to sign up to all year round and offer a flexible course length, with an approximation of 700 hours of study and 1 year of tutor support by email (or along those lines) included.The fee for such a course is normally between £400- £450 yet this price does not include the cost of assessments, which are payable to the student’s chosen examination centre. Some establishments may additionally offer students a pay as you study plan to help ease the financial commitments involved in going back to education.When signing up to a course run online, you can sometimes choose whether you prefer to use online materials for your studies or printed resources.Those offering English courses are said to cover the brand new specifications introduced in September 2015, so you can be sure that you are learning roughly the same content as those in schools and colleges currently are. Also included within the price of your course is assessment feedback and marking, so that you can keep track of your progress throughout the duration of the course.Independent StudyIt is possible for adults to enter exams as private students. To do so, you must find a school or college who is able to take you for exams and give information to the examinations officer. This will include your name and contact details, which units or awards you wish to enter for and your Unique Candidate Identifier (UCI), among other things.Although, as a private student, it is up to you to carry out independent study or find private tuition, the school which has accepted you has a responsibility to forward details of your entry to the exam board, keep you informed of exam timetables, tell you where exams will take place, define coursework deadlines, dispatch your completed coursework to the examiner and indicate where you collect your results from and when.Although independent study can save you in course fees, it is still recommended that you hire a tutor to guide you through the course and teach you vital exam techniques in order to help you achieve a high grade. This may result you in spending the same amount of money, if not more, on the road to completing your A Level.Be sure to weigh up your options in terms of suitability and financial implications before making any concrete decisions.How To Enrol On English A Level Courses For AdultsSi gning UpAs aforementioned, adult students can either enrol for a course with a specified start date or alternatively sign up to a flexible course 365 days a year. When you register your interest, you may be required to submit your existing qualifications, to check that you qualify for the course.Consult your chosen place of study’s website or admissions team for more information on getting started on the course.Grants, Loans And BursariesThere is a vast range of grants and bursaries on offer by the government to support adult learners and, in some cases, you may not be required to pay these back. In addition, if you are a parent, you may be entitled to help with childcare costs whilst you are enrolled on a course of study.You may be entitled to help with childcare costs when you begin a course. Photo credit: BC NDP via Visualhunt.comCity Guilds, for example, offers a course-specific grant to people studying for one of their qualifications while there are also loans available for adults seeking professional and career developing courses.You can find further details about the types of grants, loans and bursaries on offer by consulting www.gov.uk or by applying directly to the organisation that is giving them out.Get English GCSE help from a tutor.The Benefits of An English A Level For AdultsImproving Prospects For PromotionA good English A Level result is essential for those looking to further their studies in the subject, for instance if enrolling on a degree course linked to English. It may be that you wish to specialise in a certain field for work purposes but need a higher A Level grade in order to be accepted on your chosen further education course.Alternatively, you may be applying for jobs and finding that your core subject grades are letting you down or hindering your ability to secure those big promotions. Whether you want to re-sit your A Level English exam, or simply enhance your qualifications with an additional level of study, a good grade in Eng lish will do wonders for your CV.Benefits For Near-Retirement or Retirement-Aged StudentsWith the retirement age on the up, retraining and reskilling is becoming necessary for 60-something-year-olds to be able to compete with younger talent entering the workplace. In addition, as workplaces grow to become more modern, up to date skills and qualifications enable older generations to stay on top of their industry and keep their brain active.Did you know that English is considered a core skill in today's business world?Studying helps to keep the brain active. Photo via Visual HuntQuite often, the older the student, the more appreciative they are of the opportunity to study. Being part of a study group, or simply knowing that they are working towards a goal, can reduce the sense of loneliness felt by some older people, some of which may have lost partners or be finding it harder to get out and about. Becoming a student allows them to be more sociable and to have the chance to chat to ot hers about something they are passionate about.Personal GainFurthermore, many adults choose to re-sit their secondary education exams for their own personal achievement or gratitude. You may be unhappy with how you scored when you were back at school, or you might just want to go back to learning something fun like in the good old days.Many assume that learning is just for young students, but the reality is that any individual can have aspirations, no matter their age.Find an  English tutor on Superprof.English tutor LondonGCSE English tutor in ManchesterTutors in GlasgowTuition in Leeds

How to Master the Viennese Waltz

How to Master the Viennese Waltz How Can You Learn the Waltz as a Couple? ChaptersWhat Is Waltz?Choosing the Style of Waltz You Want to LearnGetting Couples’ Waltz Lessons in a Dance SchoolWaltz Lessons with a Private Tutor“Dancing is creating a sculpture that is visible only for a moment.” - Erol OzanJust in case you needed a reason to start learning the waltz, according to a study by the Albert Einstein School of Medicine in New York, dancing can reduce senility by 76%. Additionally, there are both physical and mental benefits  to dancing. Even a seemingly relaxed style like the waltz will burn calories and help improve your posture.In this article, we’ll be looking at everything you need to know about waltz lessons in dance schools, academies, or studios, private waltz tutorials, etc. We'll also be having a look at the origins of the style, how it developed, and the variations you can study nowadays. SeamDance Teacher 4.96 (24) £25/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors JamieDance Teacher 5.00 (6) £50/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tuto rs ErickaDance Teacher 5.00 (1) £25/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors SamuelDance Teacher 5.00 (4) £100/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors FlavioDance Teacher 5.00 (7) £25/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors HakimDance Teacher 5.00 (5) £50/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors HannaDance Teacher 5.00 (4) £30/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors ClareDance Teacher £30/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutorsWhat Is Waltz?Waltz is one of the oldest couples’ dances around. Before learning how to do it and making your way onto the dance floor, you should learn more about its fascinating history.The Waltz was popularised in Austria and is thought to originally be a Viennese dance. It became popular in the 1780s before making its way to Western Europe. The word “waltz” comes from the German walzer which means “to turn in a circle”. If you've seen people doing the Waltz before, you'll understand why that’s pretty much the perfect name for it. Austria, and more importantly Vienna, is home to the waltz. (Source: jarmoluk)The origins of the waltz are a bit fuzzy. However, it's widely accepted that it originated somewhere between Germany and Austria.Of course, like most dances, the waltz must surely be derived from another dance.  Waltz appeared during a time when court dances were very popular. In terms of dancing, the waltz was somewhat of a revolution as people usually danced side by side rather than face to face.At the time, people danced the minuet, especially in courts like those at the Palace of Versailles.  This new dance in a “closed couple” digusted many. People thought dancing with a partner in this way was an obscene and shameful practice.  The French Revolution changed all that, though.A lot of court dances were forgotten as waltz took over and it started being taught as a dance in its own right. Waltz music was very popular amongst composers who would create “waltzes”.Nowadays the waltz is seen as an ol der form of a ballroom dance and isn’t very popular amongst the younger generation. However, almost everyone has heard of it or done a few steps just for fun.Find out what people are dancing these days in this complete guide to couples dancing!  Choosing the Style of Waltz You Want to LearnVarious styles of waltz developed in different places around the world over time. To choose the right dance classes london (or elsewhere), you should know more about the different styles of waltz.Viennese WaltzI could tell you that Viennese Waltz is danced over musical phrases made up of 8 measures and that the average tempo is around 150 beats per minute but, unless you study music, you probably won't be interested.  The important thing to remember that it isn’t very fast and there are several types of Viennese waltzes (both International and American). Partners dance closely together and can also separate.Viennese Waltz, in general, is usually danced while turning to the right. However, coup les sometimes turn to the left so that they don’t get dizzy.  Viennese Waltz was popular with composers such as  Johann Strauss II and Offenbach.Johann Strauss created a lot of the music that you'll waltz along to. (Source: MeineMaennerwelt)Slow Waltz or English WaltzThe English Waltz is an evolution of the Viennese Waltz which appeared at around the same time as the latter.  Unlike its Austrian counterpart, the Slow Waltz uses a duple meter where the second beat is a pause.Valse MusetteGet out your accordions and berets! This type of waltz was popular in French courts.  Valse Musette has couples turning in smaller spaces. It’s also performed at a higher tempo than classical waltz.  This type of waltz is similar to the Java waltz variation, which appeared around the same time in France.Getting Couples’ Waltz Lessons in a Dance SchoolThere are several ways to learn how to dance the waltz as a couple and the most common is from a dance school.In your very first dance lesson, you r dance teacher will probably show you the basics of the dance. In fact, you might even learn a bit of waltz choreography to get you started with a bit of footwork for other dance styles, too.The most important thing is to learn the main steps before focusing on where you should be or positioning your body.  The best way is to learn basic steps. Just like learning to play the piano, you need to start off slowly to make sure that it all goes in.When you waltz, you get to dress up really nicely. (Source: stokpic)That’s how a tutor is often essential in helping you avoid picking up any bad habits.  One it becomes second nature, you’ll be able to do each step more quickly.You’ll learn how to position your body: your arms should be away from your body and help at chest height. The dancers’ chests mustn’t come into contact, only the right side of the pelvis should make contact.The woman’s right-hand needs to be in the man’s left so that he can place his right hand under the woman’s scapula. They then need to practise turning.The problem with classes in dance schools is that they’re often group classes. Several couples will, therefore, need to share the room. You don’t want to step on any toes.The schedule needs to work for both partners.  Whether it’s a dance course, weekly classes, evening classes, intensive classes, classes for beginners, etc., you should get in touch with dance school to see what they’re offering.You can also learn about other styles of dance (pasodoble, Argentine tango, rumba, Bachata, Salsa, Kizomba, mambo, tap, African dance, cha cha, Puertorican salsa, Oriental dance, swing, ballet, etc.).  You can learn to dance for your wedding day, an end-of-year show, etc.Waltz Lessons with a Private TutorNot everyone lives in a big city. If you live in the country, it can be difficult finding a dance school.  Furthermore, teaching waltz isn’t as common as it once was in the past. It’s easier to find classes for jazz, salsa, fl amenco, Zumba, breakdancing, contemporary, hip hop, etc.To fill this void, a number of dancers have decided to offer private tutorials. Today, this type of learning is very common.  Learning the waltz with a private tutor is a great way to personalise your lessons.Learning with a tutor is a great way to learn how to dance as a couple!Your waltz tutor will start with an appraisal of your skills in order to work out your level (absolute beginner, beginner, intermediate, expert).  They’ll then ask what type of waltz you’re interested in.If you want to get good at the waltz, you'll need to practise and perform regularly. (Source: pixelia)This is why it’s important to look at a tutor’s profile before you get started with them. Some prefer classical waltz styles whereas others prefer more modern styles.Many tutors on Superprof offer the first hour of tutoring for free so that you can see what they teach and whether you get along with them.By choosing a private tutor, you can choos e which hours work for you. This is especially useful when learning as a couple and there are two schedules to work around.  The only disadvantage of learning with a private tutor is that you can’t benefit from changing partners. To find other dancers, you should go to special evenings or soirées.To find your perfect private tutor, you should look for bulletin boards in local businesses or online. You can often find posters for tutors on the former.If a waltz dance isn't for you, don't forget that you can also get private tutors who specialise in ballroom dance, the foxtrot, polka, Latin, samba, etc. You're spoilt for choice when looking for a dance instructor!How would you like to learn how to dance the Tango?  There are also tutors offering a mix of different styles in case you're struggling to choose just one. Of course, these styles are usually related. You probably won't learn ballet alongside the tango but you could study a number of different styles in a Latin dance class, for example.If you've just got engaged, don't forget you can also get private tutors to help you and your partner get ready for the first dance at your wedding. Don't worry if you've never danced before, you just have to learn a few steps. Of course, if you have greater ambitions and are thinking about doing a specially choreographed routine, they can also help you with that!

How To Best Study For A Test

How To Best Study For A Test The human brain acquires, retains and retrieves information in a very complex manner. Knowing exactly how is the key to studying more efficiently and more effectively. Every nuance of learning and memory has been studied including diet, time of day, length, atmosphere and the results are both valuable and fascinating. Many teachers tell their students to re-read textbooks and class notes as many times as possible; however, testing yourself repeatedly on the information your studying is significantly more effective, according to an article in the Wall Street Journal. Testing or quizzing yourself before a big test exercises your brain in retrieving and applying the knowledge from memory. Its just like practicing anything else. The more you practice, the better you get. Taking a pretest allows your brain to practice retrieving information from memory, which is exactly what students do on tests, and eventually, you will become more proficient at this. This type of studying can be especially beneficial for the SAT/ACT. There are many SAT practice testsandACT practice testsavailable for students to use.The article cited one student, Keenan Harrell, who studied for the SAT by repeatedly taking practice tests to the point of aggravation. Harrell raised his SAT score to 1800, a 50% increase from his PSAT score of 1200 all by taking practice tests. Harrell said that taking the practice tests also helped with pacing his time on the SAT. Many students study information in parts, memorizing little bits and pieces; however, it is more effective to explain the entire process out loud. If youre studying for the digestive system, its better to practice explaining out loud how all the parts work rather than studying a list of its parts, according to Jeffry Karpicke, an assistant professor of psychological sciences at Purdue University. This allows the brain to focus on the entire process, naturally and quickly, making connections between information which is similar to what students will do on essay or short answer tests. Sleep and diet can also play an important role in test performance. Research shows that students should review the toughest test material right before going to bed the night before a test. This gives your brain a chance to soak in the information, making it easier to recall on the next days test. Many students wake up early to study; however, this approach can actually inhibit your memory. It interferes with your natural sleep pattern and your rapid-eye-movement sleep that boosts memory and recall. Its pretty common for students of all ages to pull all-nighters where they literally dont sleep at all before a test. However, this habit has a very strong correlation with lower test grades. Many students simply cant think without sleep. Students should maintain their usual habits and sleep patterns. This aids memory and recall the best. High-carb, high-fiber, slow-digesting foods like oatmeal can also improve memory. Your diet for the previous week can affect how well you can remember on test day. Other techniques such as studying without music or the TV on, familiarizing yourself with the test room and reducing stress by thinking about the test in a separate manner can help students improve memory and ultimately test scores.

The Ultimate Guide To Accepting A Job Offer - Introvert Whisperer

Introvert Whisperer / The Ultimate Guide To Accepting A Job Offer - Introvert Whisperer The Ultimate Guide To Accepting A Job Offer Searching for a new job can be one of the most stressful episodes of your life. Whether you’re just out of school, coming from a company that recently downsized or are desperate to find something better, the process can consume you physically, emotionally, socially and financially. Receiving an offer of a new position can feel as though a tremendous weight has been lifted off your shoulders. However, you shouldn’t look at that moment as the final step in your journey. It can be difficult for introverted people, in particular, to go through this process â€" and the need to be more outgoing and aggressive may be necessary. If you leap at the first offer to come your way, you may regret it later. It’s a good idea to take a step back and evaluate it to make sure it’s right for you. For example, you should take the time to examine the benefits you may be eligible to receive. Certain employers may be willing to consider offering you perks such as flexible hours if you inquire. If you haven’t already, now is a good time to look into the company and see if you would be a good fit for the organizational culture or your potential superior’s management style. Depending on how satisfied you are with what is being offered, you may want to consider negotiating for more pay or better benefits. If you do so, however, you must be prepared to walk away from the deal or be ready to settle. Don’t let the stress of job-hunting force you into settling for less than you deserve. For more advice you can use to accept a new job successfully, see the accompanying guide. The Ultimate Guide To Accepting A Job Offer from Advanced Resources   Author Bio: Sara Drake is Director of Marketing for Advanced Resources, a talent solutions organization headquartered in Chicago. Drake, who has 15 years of experience in the industry, focuses on talent solutions through staffing, consulting and workforce solutions. Go to top Do you know what your next career step is?   Many people don’t. I want to help you accelerate your career by connecting you with your Free Instant Access to my eBook on how to construct your Career SMART Goals â€" that will help you put together your actions and keep you accountable. Get your copy now and start your action plan today! Brought to you by Dorothy Tannahill-Moran â€" dedicated to unleashing your professional potential. Introvert Whisperer

Get To (with Right, Back Combinations) - Phrasal Verb of the Day

Get To (with Right, Back Combinations) - Phrasal Verb of the Day Todays phrasal verb of the day is: Get To (with combinations on Right, Back,   To)Infinitive form: Get ToPresent Tense: Get To/ Gets Toing form: Getting ToPast tense: Got ToParticiple: Got ToThe phrasal verb Get To, when joined with Right, Back,  To, will create another meaning based on the combination. Many idiomatic expressions can be formed, so, emphasis is being placed on the two-word English phrasal verb Get To and Get Back To in this topic. Keep in mind that the word back can sometimes be used an adverb that modifies a phrasal verb , while other times, it is part of a phrasal verb itself. The former part will detail its usage as a two-word phrasal verb, while the latter part of the blog will describe its usage and how its meaning changes when used in combination with the words mentioned:When you arrive at a place or reach a certain level1. Please send my regards to Annie when you get to school.2. I need to get to work before 8 A.M. I cant afford to be later anymore.When you start doing something you want or need to do1. I dont have time to get to it now, Im way too busy!2. Tell the writer to get to his writing soon, the deadline is fast approaching.When permitted to do something1.  Now that Bill received his drivers license, he can get to drive anywhere.2. Since 007 has the license to kill, he can get to kill any criminal he encounters.When something or someone is affecting you in such a way that it bothers or annoys you1. When youre in sales, you shouldnt let pessimism get to you.2. You shouldnt let Jims words get to you, hes just being childish.[Get Back To]This three-word phrasal verb means to talk to someone again  at a later time1. That is a tough question. Let me talk to my teacher first, and Ill get back to you as soon as I have the answer, okay?2. Let me get back to you after Ive done my homework regarding the topic.[Get To] CombinationThe two-word English phrasal verb usually denotes arrive , but notice how the meaning changes when we put in the combination1. Jerry got to Los Angeles yesterday. [ Meaning: Jerry arrived in Los Angeles]2. Jerry got back to Los Angeles. [Meaning: Jerry returned to Los Angeles]3. Jerry got up to Los Angeles. [Meaning: Jerry arrived in Los Angeles from the South. This means any area in the map south of Los Angeles]4. Jerry got down to Los Angeles. [Meaning: Jerry arrived in Los Angeles from the North.  This means any area in the map north of Los Angeles]5. Jerry got over to Los Angeles. [Meaning: Jerry arrived in Los Angeles from either side, East or West]6. Jerry got out to Los Angeles. [Meaning: Jerry arrived in Los Angeles from the east or from a larger city]Adding the word Back to the verb combination means to return/resume into doing something after an interruption. Take note that only the first two meanings (arrive;start doing something) of the phrasal verb Get To described above is applicable for this combination.1. Let me get back to my homework, I cant be distracted anymore. [Meani ng: There has been an interruption/distraction for some time which prevented me from doing my homework, but now I realize that I need to get my homework done, so I resume to doing it ]Adding the word Right to the verb combination modifies the verb indicating that it is done immediately, quickly, or right away. This combination works with  Get back to, Get up to, Get Down to, Get Over to, Get Out to which are all derived from the same phrasal verb Get to.1. Jerry got right back to Los Angeles when he heard the news about his brother. [Meaning: Jerry quickly returned to Los Angeles. The news he heard about his brother must be really urgent]iframe width=560 height=315 src=//www.youtube.com/embed/DEXXLezNjWM?rel=0 frameborder=0 allowfullscreen/iframeExercises: Write your answers in comments and we will correct them.Fill in the gaps from the video above:The hells going on down there? Lets ___ ___ __ work!What or who had caused the interruption in the teams football practice?How will th e statement change meanings if the word Back is removed and will it be appropriate to do so? Why or why not?Complete the sentences below with the correct form of Get To and its applicable combination:1.  Wait until youve finished eating breakfast, so you can ___ __ to eat all the desserts you want.2.  You keep on chatting with that friend of yours, when you should be _____ ____ ___  __work.3. I guess I have to sleep early because I cant seem to___ __ school on time.4. Diana is _____ ___ work early this morning, so she can reach the deadline.5. Jen ____ ____ ___ to the mall when she realized she left her bag in one of the shops there.Change the example sentences above to negative sentences (or positive, if the sentence is already negative). Then change them to questions.

Are You Making These 5 Common English Mistakes

Are You Making These 5 Common English Mistakes If you are taking classes with LOI, your English level is probably improving quickly.  Hopefully you are feeling more comfortable and fluent each day.  Sometimes, though, it can be hard to break the habits of our native language, and we make errors like the ones we’ll discuss today.  We’re going to take a look at several common mistakes make by English learners.  If you realize you have said these things, take a minute to learn how to correct it and practice.  By the time you finish reading this post you’ll be able to impress your friends or colleagues with your skills.have so many money.”  â€œI have a few money.”  â€œThere were so much people.”Many students have trouble using countable and uncountable nouns appropriately.  Let’s review: Countable nouns: can count (people, bottles, phones, bags)Determiners: a/an, some, (number), these, fewer, a few, manyUncountable nouns: cannot count (milk, bread, money, sand, coffee, wine)Determiners: some, this, less, so much, a little bit of, a lot of, 5 pieces/glasses/cups ofLet’s practice:Write your answers in the comments section below.a.)  There were (so much/so many) people at the party.b.)  I have (a lot of/many) money.c.)  She ate (5 of/5 pieces of) bread.d.)  He has (less/few) milk.e.)  My mom has (some/an) iPhone.If youd like to keep learning about this topic, click here for a review of countable and uncountable nouns.2.  â€œI like to see movies.”  â€œMy trip was very funny.”There are some words that are often mixed up.  Let’s review:Fun; enjoyable (My vacation was fun.)Funny; humorous  (The comedian is funny.)Bored; someone is not interested in a person/event (The students are bored.)Boring; use to describe something that makes us bored (The class is boring.)**Look at; a passive, continuous action we choose to do (I’m looking at the flowers.)See; passive,  we do it without thinking when our eyes are open (I see a bus over there.)Watch; continuous, voluntary, active (I watche d TV for an hour last night).**Click here for a deeper review of bored vs. boring!Let’s practice!  Can you make a sentence with each of the words listed above?  Write them in the comments section.3.  â€œMy dog it is big.”  â€œIs fun to read.”Repeating or omitting the subject is very common, especially for Spanish or Portuguese speakers.  Read more about this in Paul’s post here!Lets review:In English, the subject is separate from the verb.  The most basic sentence structure is:Subject + Verb + Object/AdjectiveMy dog is big.Lets practice:Correct the mistakes in the following sentences.  As usual, share your answers in the comments!a.)  Is fun to read.b.)  Is so bored my company.  (2 mistakes!)c.)  She is so nice Marcela.4.  My birthday is on AprilI have heard people say this one a lot, so dont worry if you have too!  Prepositions are very difficult for English learners.Lets review:If we want to say the DATE of our birthday, we use ON.  For example, my  birthday is ON November 15th.If we want to say the MONTH of our birthday, we use IN.  For example, my birthday is IN November.So, for dates and days we use ON, and for months we use IN.Lets practice:What you will be doing ON Sunday?  What do you usually do IN  November?  What are you favorite activities to do OVER the winter?5.  My sister has your party this weekendThis is another mistake I often hear from Spanish speakers.  This is because the pronouns your and his/her are both su in Spanish.Lets review possessive pronouns:I = my  (I have my)you = your  (You have your)he = his  (He has his)she = her  (She has her)it = its  (It has its)we = our  (We have our)Lets practice:a.)  You look funny.  ____ hair is messy.b.)  Tom rides ___ bike in the rain.c.)  Susan hurt ___ leg.Great job!  If youd like to learn more, check out these two posts about  common mistakes  and  10 ways to sound more fluent.  Of course the best way to learn is through practice with a native speaker, so boo k a class with an LOI instructor today!