AP Classes Go Online

AP Classes Go Online Despite strict budget cuts, interest in Advanced Placement (AP) classes at high schools has skyrocketed, and students are now taking AP classes online, according to an article in the Wall Street Journal. Online classes and digital classrooms have been gaining popularity for quite some time. But, digitizing AP programs is a fairly recent trend. The AP program has been booming lately, as students look to get a head start on college classes and credit. Taking an AP class can also improve a students chances of getting into a better college and can cut tuition expenses. About 90% of colleges give high school students college credit for passing AP tests. Some students can actually shave an entire year off college with lots of AP credit, saving a full years worth of tuition and other expenses. AP exam taking has increased 159% since 2000, as a record-breaking 1.99 million students plan to take AP exams next fall. Schools always encourage students to take AP tests and are happy to see more interest, but offering more AP courses is getting very expensive, especially as schools are forced to lay off teachers. Some schools even cover the $87 charge, but that is getting increasingly more difficult with budget cuts and more student interest. So, schools took the AP classes online. Its more ubiquitous, accommodating pretty much any interested student, and its much cheaper. Students simply log on to a program and email, call or instant message teachers with questions. Students can watch lectures, read materials, complete exercises and quizzes and file assignments or exams all online. Students can also collaborate with others to complete online projects. The College Board, which oversees the AP program, said there are no significant differences in test scores between students who take AP classes online and those who take them in traditional settings. However, online AP classes are still too recent to measure significant results. Right now, only 0.5% of AP courses are taken online, but they are becoming more popular. Courses are now available through online schools in 27 states, and 32 states have online, AP programs already set up. Students can also enroll in online AP programs through private companies such as: Advanced Academics, Oklahoma City, which charges $425 for a one-semester AP class. Apex Learning, Seattle; Aventa Learning and its parent company K12 Inc., Herndon, Va.; or the Florida Virtual School, Orlando, Fla., also offer online AP courses.

Online College Grade English Help, A New Service by TutorPace

Online College Grade English Help, A New Service by TutorPace Learning has no end. You can learn and grow or vice-versa. It is not possible for us to know everything that revolves under the sun of the universe. But some things are there that we should know and we should know it deeply and from its inner roots. The more you will have grip over knowledge, the more you will flourish. When we are in school we are unable to know the importance of what knowledge is and how it will help us. So we miss many chances of deriving knowledge and getting help through that. When we grow up and become a bit more matured we can understand the importance of knowledge and how it helps you. It is very important to know bit of everything and something till its roots. College life is something that is fun filled as well as provides you with immense knowledge as well. You yourself only want to learn many things that were unknown to you before. This helps in increasing your knowledge to a great extent. In this hard competitive market it is very important for us to have knowledge so that we can get into the conversation or put our words in the conversation as well. English, as a subject and its division During the college span you have to concentrate on only one subject and that subject will lead you towards your career. It is very important that one should know the subject well. Let us know about English deeper and what are the ways through which you can learn better English.   English is subject that is divided into two parts-one is English language that is the grammatical section and the other is literature section. Literature section can be easily crossed, but the grammatical section is tough and regular practice will make you a genius in it. But not only regular practice, but also good teacher and good guidance are needed side by. Private tutoring is a good way to help you out in the adverse situation of knowing the subject well. But it cannot be considered as the best way as best way is yet to be revealed. That is none other than the online tutoring facility that are found. Yes, you heard it right, it is the e-learning courses that are new in the market but are gaining lot of popularity within very less time period. Some important features revolving e-learning courses Let us get to know about what are the basic help and good features that this new way of learning experience brings to us. It is better to start of with the help of a good teacher and how efficient the teachers can be. There are various teachers involved in these institutes and these institutes bring to us different types of services that encourage us to know a subject better, crack any kind of tough exam with ease and also get over with any of the assignments and project work of ours. The efficient teachers help the students to know the subject well. it provides you with utter knowledge with the subject and also derives you out from all the different kind of problems that one face with the subject. The good institute provides you with good study material as well that helps you in many ways. The things are explained better way and this helps the learning process to be smooth and fast for any student. Solving papers are given that brings you close to success and that also within minimal time period. The teachers have grip over the subject and knows the subject well, thus this helps them to deliver the best teaching experience to their students as well. The weak students can also be befitted under the guidance of such teachers and can flourish well with the subject. The best of such online tutoring is that every single child is handled by individual teacher. When you have individual teacher by your side then you can open up in a lot more ways that it would have happened in any case of any kind of coaching classes. This helps the student to know the subject well and clear all the doubts that arise in their mind related with the subject. It is generally surveyed that there are some institutes who charge much less than any other private tutoring institutes. Parents can easily afford the rates that is been charged for any kind of services. It is not at all a big lump sum amount of money and thus it is within reach. Online tutoring has a big advantage and that is the teachers are available all round the clock. Whenever you want to attend the classes you can easily go for the classes.  With the all time availability of the teachers by your side increases the self confidence within you and you can perform better than before. When you get comfort of your home and is availing the services then it is for sure that you will perform better and increase your grades as well as your knowledge as well. What TutorPace is all about? TutorPace is an e-learning institute that helps you with different kinds of services under the guidance of some of the best teachers being beside you. You can know any subject well, prepare yourself to crack any tough exam, complete your projects and assignments under good guidance and lots more. The charges are also less as compared to many other institutes and this increases the popularity of the institute. It comes under the list of some of the reputed institutes providing you with these kinds of services. So, from now onwards if you want to get help from different types of subjects and crack any tough exam you can come in direct contact with TutorPace. This institute with its world best services will bring in success at your doorstep. Even Online college grade English help is a service that TutorPace delivers you.

How to Be a Confident, Motivating Leader - Introvert Whisperer

Introvert Whisperer / How to Be a Confident, Motivating Leader - Introvert Whisperer How to Be a Confident, Motivating Leader Sarah Landrum March 22, 2018 Leadership No responses Go to top It may seem as though a leader has to have a booming voice and electric presence to achieve their goals. But it turns out, introverts make great leaders too â€" guiding others to succeed takes more than just an outgoing personality, after all. Introverts do splendidly in these types of positions because other facets of their personality are more vital in leading and inspiring others. If you identify as more reserved, here are six ways to be even more motivating in your position: 1. Put Others First So many bosses get caught up in the numbers and benchmarks set by their higher-ups that they forget what’s in front of them: a team of people who drive each project and, ultimately, the company’s success. As such, it’s easy to forget their needs and feelings about expectations, pushing harder and harder toward a target that’s difficult to reach. As a motivating leader, it’s crucial to put your team members first. Sure, you have deadlines to meet, but you can do so with their needs in mind. You have the inherent ability to let your team take the spotlight, so you know just how they’re feeling, what they’re doing and how much longer they need to succeed. 2. Lead by Example   There seems to be an idea that a manager has to be on the offensive at all times, barking out orders and assigning can’t-miss deadlines to employees. As an introvert, this screaming style of leadership doesn’t suit you â€"  and you’re better for it. Rather than building an unapproachable, means-business persona, you can lead your team by simply showing them the way to success. Your calm, hard-working and independent example will show staffers how to work hard â€"  and they will because they’ll prefer your gentler style of leadership. Plus, they’ll get more done in a more introverted workplace â€" high-stress offices tend to get less done. 3. Work Well Independently   To be an effective leader, you will certainly have to collaborate with your team, as well as with your higher-ups. But, as an introvert, you excel at productively working solo too. This ability will help you as a leader because you’ll get your hands dirty rather than regularly delegating tasks and overseeing their completion. Staffers will certainly appreciate the fact that you’re working alongside them, but they’ll also mirror your ability to be productive all on your own. By working well yourself and not micromanaging, you’ll be setting a great example and giving your employees the autonomy they need to be productive themselves. 4. Listen to Your Team   A great leader doesn’t always have to be the one at the forefront of discussion. Instead â€"  and this is a much more significant sign of leadership â€"  they can sit and listen intently to what those around them have to say. This skill can certainly be honed over time, but as an introvert, you’re already happy to sit back and let others take the mic. Your employees will be appreciative of your power listening skills too. Knowing that you’re truly taking in, recording and eventually responding to what they say will help them realize you’re accessible and caring. And with that, they’ll feel motivated to work hard for a leader they can approach and respect, who takes their thoughts and opinions seriously. 5. Be as Transparent as Possible   Extroverts love to talk, but that sometimes gets them into trouble. They might dance around answering a question or end up contradicting themselves because they say too much. You’re nothing like that, though. Instead, you’re a person of little words, which lends you to a very transparent leadership style. You’ll use your words wisely and clearly, spelling out the goals and to-dos for everyone. You’ll help the team prioritize and provide quick, effective feedback. All of this comes to you naturally, and it’ll help you motivate your team because they know exactly what you want â€"  you don’t mince words. 6. Radiate Positivity   Rallying the troops might not be one of your strong suits, but you can still be an optimistic, motivational figure. All you have to do is make a conscious effort to create a positive presence. Start by taking note of your current state of mind. Are you happy? Tense? Tired? Then, think about how you can change your tone, body language and energy so that you can alter your vibe and prevent those around you from picking up on those feelings. Instead, they’ll soak up your positivity â€"  and it will improve their outlook on the day too. Leading Your Own Way   You’re a leader. It doesn’t matter whether you’re outgoing or reserved â€" you’re in charge of motivating your team to succeed on tasks both large and small. And now, you know how to lead the right way. Go to top Personal Branding starts with how well you speak about YOU.  I want to help you accelerate your career by connecting you with your Free Instant Access to my eBook â€" The Definitive Guide to Creating and Using an Elevator Speech.  In this guide, I give you simple to follow instructions for creating a “wardrobe” of ways to talk about you â€" to leave a lasting impression. Get your copy now! Brought to you by Dorothy Tannahill-Moran â€" dedicated to unleashing your professional potential. Introvert Whisperer

Help! What to Do if You Get Nervous When Speaking Spanish

Help! What to Do if You Get Nervous When Speaking Spanish Suzy S. Do you get nervous when you have to speak Spanish, even if youve taken months or years of classes or lessons? Youre not alone. Read on as Spanish tutor Emmanuel N.  shares his tips for battling your nerves and becoming more confident When it comes to speaking a language, there are two ways of being good at it â€" the more scholastic way (reading, writing, and speaking all by the book) and the more layman’s way (mostly conversation-centered, using the common vernacular of a region or country). In other words, you can be good at Spanish by knowing how to do everything by the book, or you can be good at Spanish by knowing how to have real person-to-person conversations. Most people who learn Spanish as a second language tend to be the former. Natural Spanish speakers tend to be the latter. This tends to be the pattern because people who learn Spanish as their second language tend to learn only by the book, while natural Spanish speakers learn by the book, as well, but mainly by speaking it with everyone they know. This is why I believe that people who are learning Spanish as their second language tend to be very good at it scholastically, but very subpar when it comes to natural, flowing conversations. Speaking Spanish: Where to Start When You’re Nervous I’m pretty certain you don’t want to dive right in and start speaking Spanish to people who are fluent, and that’s understandable. However, I do believe that when you push your limits, you learn more. Instead of speaking purely in Spanish, or with people who will speak only in  Spanish, I recommend speaking Spanglish â€" a mixture of Spanish and English where you use English words when you don’t know how to say something in Spanish. Aside from that, heres what I recommend you do: Have full-blown conversations in Spanglish with anyone you know who speaks a moderate amount of the language. Its better if they know more than you. Try your best to speak only in Spanish with a friend or family member for a whole hour. Even if you have to translate for them, it’s alright. The important thing here is to force yourself to speak only Spanish. Translate all the television shows you usually watch to Spanish, and try your best to understand what theyre saying without English subtitles on. Speak to yourself at the end of the day (every day), and speak in Spanish as you say what you did all day. Try your best to speak only in Spanish, and look up translations only when you can’t think of the word or phrase. Tips for Overcoming Your Shyness Believe me, when it comes to being shy about your Spanish speaking, I know what it feels like. You’re extremely shy because you don’t have the accent or can’t really roll your Rs. You’re shy because the other person has to speak slowly for you to catch up. Or, you’re shy because you struggle to remember Spanish words on the spot and stand there embarrassed. Whatever it may be, I’ve been there and know the pain of being a shy Spanish speaker. However, the best way to get over your shyness is to practice. When it comes to your accent, the best way to improve is to listen to other people who are fluent in Spanish. Try your best to imitate the sound they make. I recommend watching television shows in Spanish or translating your favorite shows into Spanish. Listening to Spanish songs is also helpful. I, myself, don’t have the Latino accent, but I have learned to speak Spanish effectively even though I have an absent accent. Without the accent, Spanish speakers can still understand you. It’s better to have no accent than to have the butchered accent (where you pronounce every Spanish word incorrectly). Why You Should Work With a Spanish Tutor Although you might be very anxious or nervous about having a Spanish tutor, it can be extremely useful for you. As a tutor, I strongly believe in having casual, laid-back conversations in Spanish or Spanglish for practice â€" it helps you get comfortable, and it eases your nerves so when I do challenge your knowledge of Spanish, you arent as timid. My lessons vary student to student because I know everyone is different and everyone learns differently. The main focus for shy or nervous students is to give them the confidence they need to speak Spanish proudly with anyone. Homework I do believe in giving homework to my students, but before you roll your eyes, my assignments are never that hard to complete. The following is normally what I would assign my shy speakers: Record yourself having a conversation with yourself in only Spanish. Record yourself reading for a few minutes from a Spanish article/book/website. Record yourself talking about your hobbies in English, and then translate it into Spanish. These take no more than 10 minutes and can be pretty fun. Ready to improve your Spanish-speaking skills? Find a  Spanish language tutor  in your area! Emmanuel N. teaches Spanish online. A California State University, Fullerton graduate and native Spanish speaker, he also teaches essay writing, study skills, and singing. Learn more about Emmanuel 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 Photo by Ed Yourdon

Reading The Saturday Newspaper With Help From Ted Danson

Reading The Saturday Newspaper With Help From Ted Danson Is there anything more enjoyable than reading the newspaper on a Saturday morning over a leisurely breakfast? Well actually there is â€" reading that newspaper in English and finding that you understand it.Let’s read the staple of the Saturday newspaper, the interview, and then answer the questions that follow it.Ted Danson: My greatest fear? Too hard to choose. I have so many. Photograph: John M Heller/GettyInterview with Ted Danson by Rosanna Greenstreet (The Guardian, April 17, 2010)Ted Danson, 62, was born in San Diego. He went to Stanford University and then moved to Los Angeles to study acting. In 1982, he was cast as barman Sam Malone in the TV series Cheers and in its 12-year run he received 11 Emmy nominations and won twice; he also won two Golden Globes. His films include Three Men And A Baby and Saving Private Ryan. Currently in the legal drama Damages, he lives in California with his third wife, actor Mary Steenburgen.When were you happiest? I am a bit of a Pollyanna †" I spend most of my day happy.What is your greatest fear? Too hard to choose. I have so many.What is your earliest memory? I was three. My father in jest said that hed tell the doctor to give me a shot if I didnt behave. Good heavens, I have a mental picture of the living room and the doctor approaching the door. I was terrified.Which living person do you most admire, and why? My wife, who has created our life and our happiness with me.What is the trait you most deplore in yourself? Lack of consistency.What is the trait you most deplore in others? Cynicism.What was your most embarrassing moment? My day goes from one embarrassing moment to the next.Property aside, whats the most expensive thing youve bought? My childrens education.What would your super power be? Flying.What makes you unhappy? When my knee hurts â€" its an old basketball injury.If you could bring something extinct back to life, what would you choose? My parents.What is your most unappealing habit? Forgetting peoples names.What is the worst thing anyones said to you? You have something in your nose.What do you owe your parents? Everything.What does love feel like? Like laughter.Which words or phrases do you most overuse? Heaven.What is the worst job youve  done? My first time on film, about 1973. It  was a commercial that took 45  takes.What has been your biggest disappointment? That I could not play college basketball due to lack of talent.If you could go back in time, where would you go? 1960s London.How do you relax? I nap.What is the closest youve come to  death? Falling out of a tree aged seven and  landing between a boulder and a metal stake.What single thing would improve the quality of your life? A couple of ibuprofen.What do you consider your greatest achievement? My family.What keeps you awake at night? Nothing.How would you like to be remembered? Fondly.What is the most important lesson life has taught you? That we create our own reality.QuestionsHow would you d efine Ted Danson’s personality after reading his answers?How would you consider his outlook on life?How does he appear to react in the face of life’s embarrassing situations?Danson says the trait he most deplores in others is cynicism. How would you define this word?What’s your opinion on his idea of an important life lesson?What words or phrases do you most overuse?Did you find this blog interesting? Please share it on Facebook and Twitter.

English Phrasal Verbs Make Out

English Phrasal Verbs Make Out This weeks English phrasal verb combines the possible meanings of intense kissing, getting positive results from a situation or transaction, to leave a situation, and being able to see something. Yep, for some reason we decided to endow the phrasal verb make out can have all three of these meaning. Dont you love English?As far as kissing, to make out means a bit more than just a little kiss on the cheek, or the lips for that matter.You may hear English speakers say (especially in spoken English) that someone made out well from a situation, or made out like a bandit. Some examples of using make out in this sense:My cousin invested in technology stocks in the 1990s and made out like a bandit.How did you make out at the casino last night?Another meaning is to exit a situation or place. This is the only one that can be split, and always has the word it between make and out. Examples:Technically, theyre not making out.The lost hiker thought hed never make it out of the jungle.The man bare ly made it out of the accident allowed.The final possibility is to be able to see something. You can say, for instance:It was so dark out, I couldnt make out a thing.Ok, so thats make out. As you can see, its once again all about context, and knowing your context is all about practice. Contact us for a class if you need some!

The 65 First Phrases and Words to Learn in a New Language

The 65 First Phrases and Words to Learn in a New Language The 65 First Words and Phrases to Learn in a New Language You make many choices every day.What will you do today?What toppings will you put on your frozen yogurt?What size coffee will you order?But one decision might have even more impact than how much caffeine you want to intake: What words should you learn first?When learning a new language, it can be difficult to prioritize vocabulary. There are plenty of vocabulary lists for the  most common languages, but where do you even start?Well, learning the alphabet  is a good jumping off point, but where you go from there can be a little more complicated.That is why we are here to help. These 65 common words and phrases can provide you with the vocabulary you need to hold basic conversations and communicate important information. Whatever your target language, you will want to start studying these words and phrases today! Why Is It Important to Learn These Phrases First When Learning a New Language?What makes these 65 words and phrases to special? This vocabulary provides a jumping point for communication. Learning this vocabulary willEnsure you are able to communicate when traveling. You dont need to be fluent in a new language for travel, but learning key phrases can provide you with the skills you need to ask important questions and share basic information on your travels.In addition, if you happen to travel to a country that speaks a similar language, you might still be able to use this information to communicateâ€"that is because there are  mutually-intelligible languages, which are languages that are similar enough to each other that speakers of one language can understand the other language.Allow you to communicate in common situations even if you arent that far along in your studies. Learning key words and phrases early enables you to use the language sooner, thereby helping you communicate more clearly and motivating you to keep studying.Help you  build on your new vocabulary.  Many of these words and phrases are very common, so they an act as a foundation for the rest of your learning. As you get more and more proficient, you can add to it with more phrases like slang in different languages.Assist in learning verb conjugations and grammar rules. Whenever you encounter a similar sentence, you can use the phrases youve learned to help you construct it.See how important it is to learn key phrases and words like the ones on our list?How to Learn Your First 65 Words and PhrasesThere are many different ways to learn your first words and phrases. You will need to find which way works best for you,  but there are some particularly useful ways.Make your own vocabulary lists or foreign language notebooks  to keep track of your favorite words and phrases. Only include the phrases you think you will want to use. This way, you have your very own, customized guide to help you learn.Group your vocabulary into small chunks.  Staring down a long vocabulary lists is daunting, but if you break it into small chunks, learning vocabulary is much less intimida ting. Plus, grouping vocabulary sets thematically will also help you link related words in your mind.Check pronunciations online. Listening to words and phrases can help you pronounce them better, so use Forvo and Google Translate to hear what each word/phrase sounds like. Forvo offers free, user-submitted pronunciations of common words and phrases while Google Translate offers translations and pronunciations. It also allows you to hear the word more slowly when you click a second time.Use FluentU. FluentU takes real-world videosâ€"like movie trailers, music videos, news and inspiring talksâ€"and turns them into personalized language lessons. You can either use FluentUs videos and pre-made lists to learn basic words and phrases, or, with a Plus plan, you can make your own basic multimedia flashcard sets and let the program put together customized quizzes for you.With these learning methods you will soon be on your way to communicating in your target language. And the best place to b egin is right here, with this list of 65 important words and phrases to learn in a new language!The 65 First Words and Phrases to Learn in a New LanguagePolite VocabularyIt is impossible to understate the value of being polite. Especially if you dont speak a language very well, knowing a few polite words and phrases can help clarify that you have good intentions.Please Not only is please a valuable word to tack on to any request, you can also use it alone to indicate that you want something. For instance, if you see something in a store or at a restaurant that you want, pointing at it and saying please will generally communicate your intentions.Thank you Expressing gratitude is appropriate whenever someone helps you out. It shows show them that you know they did you a favor and you appreciate it.Youre welcome While you might not need to use it as often as other polite words, if someone thanks you, it is always nice to respond in kind.Im sorry/Excuse me Im sorry is usually appropriat e if youve messed up or want to express remorse. In some languages, it can also be used to express that you didnt hear/understand.  Excuse me can be used if you want to get someones attention, or get through a crowd. In many languages, the two phrases can be used interchangeably.  Since the usage of Im sorry and excuse me varies between languages, you will want to investigate which one is more useful in your target language.Yes/No These might seem obvious but you will use them often, so they are important to be familiar with.Greetings Getting to Know YouKnowing basic greetings and getting-to-know-you conversations in your target language is a setup for a friendly interaction.Hello You can never go wrong with hello. Depending on the level of formality of the interaction, you could also consider using hi.What is your name? When the person introduces himself/herself, try to repeat the name. Not only will this give them an opportunity to correct your pronunciation, it will also help yo u remember the name.I am/My name is In some languages you introduce yourself with I am while in others you say my name is or even I call myself instead.  Because there is so much variation, it is helpful to pay careful attention to what is most common in your target language. Although learning I am could never hurt. After all, depending on the language, you might also use it to indicate characteristics or feelings, like I am an American or I am happy.Nice to meet you When someone introduces himself/herself, it is polite to express joy at meeting them. Nice to meet you or its a pleasure are common, but this may vary across languages.How are you? In some places, how are you? is a generic greeting. In other places, it is a polite way to show interest in someones well being. Regardless, it is a polite question to ask.Im well If how are you? is a generic greeting in many languages, the best way to respond is by saying Im well or Im fine, even if you are not. This also avoids awkward foll owup questions if you do not speak much of the language.Where are you from? If you want to learn more about a person, this is a good option to start out with. Additionally, if you are traveling abroad, you might hear this question a lot.I am from At some point you might want to clarify where you are from. Just remember that place names are also likely to be different in your target language, so you will want to also learn the right name to for your home country.What is your profession? If your conversation is going well, you might consider asking what is your profession? or what do you do for a living? If you are going to ask this, though, be sure you also know the words for common professions, or you might end up a little lost.Goodbye Simply walking away from a conversation might seem rude. Knowing the word for Goodbye will help. Most languages also have less formal words for goodbye, like bye or bye bye that you can use with friends.Getting InformationYou cant plan for everything ahead of time, so sometimes you need to ask questions to get information. Here are some common questions you are likely to use.Where is? If you are traveling abroad, at some point you are likely to need directions. Where is is a good question to solicit this information. Just pair it with common place names (which we will discuss later).How do I get to? Where is could lead to a description of the location rather than directions. Use the more direct how do I get to? to yield more specific directions.How far is? This is an easy question to forget, but knowing the distance from one place to another is an important way to determine what mode of transportation you will use. After all, chances are you dont want to spend a full day walking to a tourist site when a bus could take you there in an hour.Can you show me on a map? If you do not know enough of the language to follow directions, can you show me on a map? is an easy way to avoid using much language. Plus, this will allow you to bet ter visualize your route.Could you write that down? Asking people to write information down allows you to see the printed words, which can be easier to understand than spoken language. If you do not recognize the words, you can later look them up in a dictionary without an awkward pause in conversation.How much does it cost? Whether you are shopping, booking a room or eating out, this will ensure you do not overspend. You might also pair this with could you write that down? to make your expenses even clearer.What is this? You can use what is this? to learn more about things like food or clothing that you are unfamiliar with, or you could use it to learn new words in your target language.What time is it? If your phone battery dies or the timezone change has you reeling, being able to ask the time can help you avoid missing flights, trains and buses.Do you have? If you are shopping or want a particular dish at a restaurant, this will help you ask for it by name.Do you have anything ch eaper? Not only is this a good way to find out if there is anything more affordable, you might also use this question to try to negotiate a better price.Do you like? Do you like? can be used for getting-to-know-you activities, but it is also an easy way to find out if something is worth doing. For instance, if you ask a local if they like a particular restaurant and they give you an adamant no, you might want to dine elsewhere.What is the best? Locals always know best, so asking locals what is best is a helpful way to find out the best restaurants, shops and tourist sites.How do you say? To build your vocabulary, you might try using this phrase. Friendly English-speaking locals might be able to help you if you list a word or phrase in English, or you can point to indicate what you want to learn to say.What is fun to do around here? If you have a gap in your schedule, this is a good way to solicit awesome local tips that other tourists havent figured out yet.What do you recommend? Wh ether you are inquiring about food, hotels or even style choices, being able to ask what someone recommends not only shows them that you respect his/her opinion, it also provides you with valuable insight.Where can I? You might need help finding the right place for something. For instance, Where can I buy a matryoshka? Where can I get the best sushi? Where can I get another unicorn tattoo?NumbersNo, you wont need to show off your counting skills to locals, but you will undoubtedly need to know numbers for buying things, telling the time and even understanding your hotel room number.1-10, 100, 1,000 The numbers 1 to 10 are essential. In many languages, numbers 11 through 99 are based on the earlier numbers, so you can usually deduce higher numbers if you know the basics (for instance, twenty-two and forty-two use the same rule). One hundred often breaks the conventions, so you will need to learn it. Depending on the local currency, learning higher numbers, like 1,000, could also come in handy.TransportationAirplane When traveling internationally, most travelers will at some point travel via air, so learning the word for airplane is important.Train Train travel is common in many countries, so this word could come in handy.Taxi If you are looking to hire a car, learning the word for taxi is essential. Luckily, in many languages, its just taxi.Car Whether you plan to rent a car or not, this is still a useful word to know.Bus Buses offer a convenient and affordable mode of transportation, so you might want to learn the word.PlacesPlace It is vague and generic but it can also be useful. If you do not know the name of a place, the word place might help you. For instance, if you cant remember the word for restaurant, you might ask Where is the place? and then make an eating gesture . Sure, its not elegant, but it gets the job done.Restaurant Everyone likes food, so it is best to just learn the word for restaurant. Your stomach will thank you.Hotel If you are staying i n a hotel, this word is important. If you are renting an apartment or condo, you might learn these words instead.Airport When you are running late for a flight, you will be glad you learned the word for airport.Train/bus station If you plan on doing any train travel, knowing the word for train station can help you get the directions you need. Similarly, learning the word for bus station can help you find the desired station rather than standing around on the street frantically trying to wave down 10-ton vehicles.Market If you have a shopping bug (and who doesnt?) knowing the word for market will help you find your next great souvenir. It is important to note, however, that in different languages, there may be different words for food markets, clothing markets, etc.Communicating Basic InformationI like It can be a friendly way to share interests or give compliments, but you can also use I like to try to get what you want. For instance, saying I like pasta in a restaurant would let th e waiter know to direct you towards pasta dishes, especially if you pair it with what do you recommend?I dont like I dont like might not be as useful for friendly conversation as I like since it could seem a little negative, but it is just as useful for trying to get what you want. For instance, I dont like onions. What do you recommend? will let the waiter know you want help finding onion-free or low-onion dishes.I speak Clarifying what language or languages you speak will let people know how you communicate best. If they happent to speak the same language you can switch to it for easier communication.Id like to go to This is a particularly useful phrase to use in taxis to let the driver know your destination.Im allergic to If you have allergies, this is an essential phrase to share in restaurants. Be sure to also learn the words for any of your allergens.Making RequestsI would like Whether you are ordering food, requesting a specific hotel room or looking to purchase a souvenir, t his phrase is incredibly useful.Can I have? This phrase is similar to I would like although which one to use can vary between languages.Do you speak English? If you are struggling to understand or be understood, this is good information to have. Even if the person you are speaking with does not speak English, they may help you find someone who does.Menu, please Getting a restaurant menu is important. It gives you time to leisurely peruse the food items (and frantically look up any words you dont know).Check, please If your waiter doesnt bring you the check, you will be glad to know this phrase. No one wants to sit around waiting for a check for three hours. No one.Expressing ConfusionNo matter how hard you study, there are some things you might still miss. Here are a few ways to express your confusion.Repeat, please Understanding a foreign language can be hard. Asking someone to repeat what they said will give you another chance to understand what you may have missed the first time. More slowly, please Some native speakers speak really quickly. Even if you are proficient at a language, you might need them to slow it down a little.I dont understand Saying this phrase comes across so much better than just staring blankly. It also provides the speaker an opportunity to repeat or rephrase.Im sorry, I dont speak This is a polite way to let people know that you dont understand the language.What doesmean? When you dont understand a particular word, this is a helpful way to get more explanation or solicit an impromptu charades session.EmergenciesHopefully you will never need to use the following words, but it is always better to be prepared!Help You never know when you might need help, and you certainly do not want to be left scrambling for a dictionary or translator, so this is a good word to learn ahead of time.Caution You might not need it often, but you will certainly want to learn this word in case you see it on a sign or hear someone warning you.Danger Like cauti on, you might see this word on signs. Understanding it will help ensure you dont fall into a hole or touch a live electrical wireâ€"avoiding little things like that make a trip much nicer.Emergency If you are experiencing a crisis, being able to use this word will help communicate what is happening.Fire You will not need it that often, but if someone is running down your hotel hallway screaming it you will be glad you studied ahead of time.I need a doctor In a medical emergency, this phrase can help you get the assistance you need.Please call the police You never want it to happen, but if you encounter neer-do-wells this phrase will let bystanders know you need police intervention.What are these words and phrases in your target language, and how will you use them? And One More ThingDont let your learning fall off after these first words and phrases!  FluentU makes it possible to learn languages  from music videos, commercials, news and inspiring talks.With FluentU, you learn real languagesâ€"the same way that real people speak them. FluentU has a wide variety of videos, like movie trailers, funny commercials and web series, as you can see here:FluentU App Browse ScreenFluentU has interactive captions that let you tap on any word to see an image, definition, audio and useful examples. Now native language content is within reach with interactive transcripts.Didnt catch something? Go back and listen again. Missed a word? Hover over or tap on the subtitles to instantly view definitions.FluentU Interactive TranscriptsYou can learn all the vocabulary in any video with FluentUs quiz mode. Swipe left or right to see  more examples for the word you’re learning.FluentU Has Quizzes for Every VideoAnd FluentU always keeps track of vocabulary that you’re learning. It uses that vocab to give you a 100% personalized experience by recommending videos and examples.

Irvine SAT Tutoring Tips A Timeline to the New SAT in June

Irvine SAT Tutoring Tips A Timeline to the New SAT in June Tips From an Irvine Private SAT Tutor: A Timeline to the New SAT in June Students have had a week or so to relax after AP exams. However, students who have opted to take the new SAT on June 4th need to make sure they are ready for that important exam. Although juniors will have another opportunity to take the SAT in the fall, its much easier to simply get this test out of the way and achieve a good score the first time around. Of course, this is easier said than done but students can do a few things to prepare for the SAT between now and the June 4th testing date. Hopefully, students will have been working with a study group or tutor to make sure they understand the differences between the old exam and the new version. Regardless of how much studying a student has already completed it’s smart to review before the exam and follow the time-tested test prep strategy between now and the day of the exam. 1. Review the test booklet and online study materials Whether a student is working on a test booklet or focusing solely on online study materials, its important that they review what theyve been doing in the last few weeks. Students should also go through their personal notes as well as work with their tutor to identify any topics or skills that are still giving them trouble. Review is an important part of preparing for the SAT exam especially if students have stopped their study to have prepared for the AP exams back in mid-May. Math formulas and editing skills should be fresh in students’ minds when they enter the classroom on testing day (READ: Last Minute SAT Study Guide). 2. Schedule a review sessions with an Irvine SAT tutor If students havent worked with their tutor for a while, itd be a good idea to schedule a couple of review sessions. Most tutors keep notes regarding what each of their students excels in as well as what their weaknesses might be. With all of this studying occurring in the spring, students themselves may have forgotten skills that need to be developed. However, a few hours with a tutor can usually rectify this issue in no time. 3. Work on any weak areas Every student possesses strengths and weaknesses. Some students excel in math but struggle with grammar while others have an eye for punctuation but may have difficulty reading a chart or graph. Hopefully, students have identified which areas they struggle in over the last several weeks. Now is their last chance (for the June testing date, anyways) to improve. If students have yet to determine their specific weaknesses, they are strongly encouraged to take a practice exam or answer practice questions offered by the College Board to help troubleshoot (READ: 5 Awesome SAT Apps). 4. Dont forget to review strong areas While focusing on areas of improvement, many students simply forget to study stronger areas. This can lead to a lot of frustration when students have an answer right on the tip of their tongue but cant quite remember it. This is often because a student forgot to go over subjects they excel in. If a student hasn’t reviewed their stronger areas in a few weeks, it’s a good idea to do this now. 5. Work on concentration Students are also encouraged to work on their focus and concentration since they will be sitting in a testing room for several hours. Most people, students or working adults, struggle to sit down and focus on one activity for several hours at a time without taking a substantial break. The short breaks students get during the SAT are only long enough to allow them to stretch and have a sip of water. Its a great idea to work on this concentration by taking a practice exam in its entirety. This way students will know what to expect the day of the test. All blog entries, with the exception of guest bloggers, are written by Tutor Nerds. Are you an education professional? If so, email us at pr@tutornerds.com for guest blogging and collaborations. We want to make this the best free education resource in SoCal, so feel free to suggest what you would like to see us write.