Thursday, March 26, 2020

Advantages of Developing a Website For Tutoring

Advantages of Developing a Website For TutoringCreating a website for tutoring is not an easy task, but it is very possible to do. There are many advantages in developing a website for tutoring and these can be many. Once you have decided on what your purpose is with a website for tutoring, there are some tips that you can follow to ensure that you have the website set up in no time.The main advantage is that it allows you to easily interact with your tutors or students. In most cases this will come with a system that allows you to post comments or questions that you may have. This gives you the opportunity to give your tutors feedback so that they are able to improve their skills and techniques. You can also make updates to the website, or add new tutors.The next benefit to having a website for tutoring is that it can allow you to make direct contact with your tutors. This will help if you need something done and they cannot come to you. Also, it allows you to communicate with other s that may have similar interests as you. This is a great way to be able to share information about something that you are interested in, or perhaps even just share your love of the subject matter.Another advantage to a website for tutoring is that it helps you to be able to stay in touch with other people that may be interested in the same subjects. This can be beneficial because it allows you to share information. It allows you to give people the information that they will want. For example, if you happen to like cars and if someone has a website for tutoring, then you can contact them and ask if they can come teach you about cars.Having a website for tutoring also allows you to contact other tutors. This is beneficial because this will allow you to continue to communicate with them and share information. This is one advantage that you should not underestimate.Another benefit to having a website for tutoring is that it allows you to have better understanding of your subject matter . This is because you can get online and actually look at information that will help you to understand how it works. Also, it allows you to look at a system that allows you to create your own software and programs. This can help you to be able to develop your own materials and test them before you actually use them.A website for tutoring is a great way to be able to communicate with your tutors and teachers. It allows you to share information and it also allows you to communicate with others that are interested in the same subject area. Using this technology is a great idea because it allows you to have the best of both worlds, which is to give tutors better and more efficient resources, and it allows you to be able to communicate better.

Friday, March 6, 2020

Do These 4 Things to Start Preparing for the PreACT

Do These 4 Things to Start Preparing for the PreACT These days, things require a little more preparation than you might expect. While the PreACT in and of itself is preparation for the ACT, youll still need to think about preparing for the PreACT. When students choose to do this may vary from person to person, though there are some general guidelines to be aware of as you begin the process of working toward the PreACT. The truth is, the PreACT can provide great insight into how you may perform on the ACT, and it can help guide your study plan to your particular needs. Students who are better prepared generally feel more confident, which typically leads to higher and more accurate scoresso spend some time preparing! A few notes about the PreACT Before you begin preparing for any test, it is important to have a general understanding of what youre about to embark on. First, this test is designed for sophomores and will be available in the Fall of 2016. It will include the same sections as the ACT but will not offer the writing section (optional on the ACT). The PreACT is designed to familiarize students with the ACT and give them an idea of how they might expect to score on the ACTthink of it as the ACTs answer to the SATs PSAT. [RELATED: What is the PreACT?] Because you arent required to take the PreACT, it can be easy to dismiss it as unnecessary. However, the PreACT can offer very useful information as to where your strengths and weaknesses lie and how you can better tailor your prep to maximize success on the ACT. Now, on to how you should start preparing Pay attention in class While this is simple advice, it remains important. One of the best things you can do in preparation for the PreACT is to pay close attention to your coursework. Classes like English, social studies, math, and science focus on questions and ways of thinking that are common to the ACT, which makes them perfect preparation for the PreACT as well. Keep track of your progress As you prepare for and take the PreACT, it is important to record and monitor your progress. A particularly great thing the PreACT does for you is provide you with some clear direction for studying for the ACT. This way, youll know pretty early on if youre struggling more with math or need extra help in social studies. Keep track of whether or not your scores are improving to give you additional insight on the effectiveness of your study plan, allowing plenty of time to make adjustments. Take advantage of your resources If youd like to identify possible strengths and weaknesses before you take the PreACT, you may consider checking out ACT.org for some test preparation resources they provide specific to the ACT (which by extension can help you prepare for the PreACT). It can prove to be quite a useful starting point if youre struggling. Dont be afraid to take advantage of other online learning tools, toothere are great practice problems and prep books available that can help you in preparing for the PreACT, such as ACT practice tests or the Varsity Tutors ACT Prep Book. Dont forget about the ACTs writing section While the PreACT doesnt have a writing section, youll want to be careful that, in your preparation, you dont forget the ACT still offers one. Though its irrelevant on the PreACT, youll still want to get in a few rounds of good writing practice incase you do decide to take the written portion of the ACTdoing so can pose great benefits in college applications. Build this into your PreACT schedule so that youre giving it the same attention. Some of your peers may choose not to study for the PreACT, but your best option is to treat it as you would the ACT. Study materials in advance, measure your progress, and be sure to analyze your results and adjust accordingly. Any topics you want to know more about? Let us know! The Varsity Tutors Blog editors love hearing your feedback and opinions. Feel free to email us at blog@varsitytutors.com.

What is it Like to Attend Dartmouth College

What is it Like to Attend Dartmouth College The tutors behind Varsity Tutors are not just here to teach theyre sharing their college experiences as well. Dennis is a 2012 graduate of Dartmouth College who currently tutors in Houston. He holds a degree in Government and Cognitive Science and specializes inseveral subjects including Chemistry tutoring, World History tutoring, and Phonics tutoring. See what he had to say about Dartmouth: VT: Describe the campus setting and transportation options.How urban or safe is the campus?Are there buses or do you need a car/bike? Dennis: Dartmouth is in Hanover, New Hampshire, which is right on the Connecticut River and Vermont border. Its a rural town on the Appalachian Trail with about 11,000 people. The campus itself is very walkable. If you live in the dorms, the farthest academic buildings are no more than 15 minutes away. Many students also bike. Additionally, the town is very safe. In addition to the Hanover Police, Dartmouth has a blue-light system and Safety and Security force. VT: How available are the professors, academic advisers, and teaching assistants? Dennis: Dartmouth is known for its focus on undergraduate education and the quality of its teaching. Less than one percent of classes are taught by teaching assistants, and professors are available during their weekly office hours or over email. If I emailed any professor with a question about class material or future course offerings, I knew that I would have a response the next day. Professors also made sure to involve students in their research, which led to a lot of fantastic job opportunities. VT: How would you describe the dorm life rooms, dining options, location, socialization opportunities with other students? Dennis: Dartmouths dorms were all built at different times, so there is a wide range of housing. First-year students live together in freshmen clusters, and each hallway has a UGA, or Undergraduate Advisor. Housing is spread out across campus. There is one main dining hall, which recently underwent a major renovation, and a few smaller ones that are part of the student meal plan. Theres also an excellent library caf run by King Arthur Flour. The dorms do have common areas, which generally have study spaces/TVs/laundry machines, but theyre not too commonly used. VT: Which majors/programs are best represented and supported?What did you study and why? Did the university do a good job supporting your particular area of study? Dennis: The top five majors are Economics, Psychology, Government, Biology, and English. Economics, Government, and the Life Sciences are especially strong, but one could have an excellent education in any major and work with some fantastic professors. I double majored in Government and Cognitive Science. I had always been interested in government and was excited to take classes about public policy and international relations. I really enjoyed the education and psychology classes I took early on, and I was able to combine those with Philosophy and Linguistics courses for the Cognitive Science major. Finally, Dartmouth has a fantastic study-abroad program. Due to the trimester system, students are able to study abroad multiple times during their college career, and the college runs most of its international programs. VT: How easy or difficult was it for you to meet people and make friends as a freshman? Does Greek life play a significant role in the campus social life? Dennis: There is always some adjustment to college life and new people. One unique piece of Dartmouth culture is the First-Year Trips programs, where 96% of new students go out into the woods with upperclassmen trip leaders and their fellow freshman trippees. Students meet each other during Orientation week, and then bond as classes and clubs start. The biggest student groups include The Dartmouth (the school paper), The Outing Club, the political clubs at the Rockefeller Center, and the community service organizations at the Tucker Center. Greek life certainly exists at Dartmouth. There are 16 fraternities, 9 sororities, and four co-ed houses. Freshmen are not allowed to join houses, and students typically pledge their sophomore fall. The Greek scene isnt for everyone, but I enjoyed my time in a fraternity. It was a good way to meet a lot of people at once. VT: How helpful is the Career Centerand other student support services?Do many reputable companies recruit on campus? Dennis: Career Services is helpful. Their office is a block from campus, and it is easy to set up appointments for graduate school advising and cover letter writing sessions. Students have access to the Dartmouth alumni network, whose members are generally happy to give advice or move a students resume up the pile. Many reputable companies recruit on campusDartmouth sends many students to the top investment banks, consulting firms, hedge funds, non-profit teaching organizations, and graduate schools. That said, Im not sure if any college student has the job of their dreams right after graduation. VT: How are the various study areas such aslibraries, student union, and dorm lounges? Are they over-crowded, easily available, spacious? Dennis: Students study anywhere, but one of the most popular spots is the four-floor Baker-Berry Library. Its generally easy to find space there, except during finals week. VT: Describe the surrounding town. What kinds of outside establishments / things to do are there that make it fun, boring, or somewhere in between?To what extent do students go to the downtown area of the city versus staying near campus? Dennis: Hanover is absolutely a small town. Part of the schools appeal is its relationship to the outdoors. Students can easily go hiking, rock climbing, canoeingthe school has its own mountain, and I loved the skiing lessons I took freshman winter. Students are rarely bored. They are deeply involved with their classes, research, and extracurriculars. There are a few places in the one-block downtown that students go to, but a lot of the social scene exists in off-campus houses or fraternities, which are open to anyone with a Dartmouth ID. VT: How big or small is the student body? Were you generally pleased or displeased with the typical class sizes? Dennis: There are roughly 4,400 undergraduate students. Although some of the introductory lecture classes have over 100 students, most of the mid-level classes are capped at 35, and many of the seminars have less than 15. In almost all of my classes, I felt that it was very easy to connect to the professor. VT: Describe one memorable experience with a professor and/or class. Perhaps one you loved the most or one youregretthe most. Dennis: Senior year, I wrote a thesis with the government department. It was a year-long project, and in May the students went out with their advisors to the Norwich Inn for dinner. Professor Valentino and Professor Clarke, the program heads, gave us all clocks (as they said, to represent the time spent on our papers). Professor Valentino also noted that we had moved from being consumers of knowledge to producers of knowledge. That comment has stuck with me since graduating, and I feel that the transition from consumer to producer is a worthy goal for all college students. Check out Dennis tutoring profile. The views expressed in this article do not necessarily represent the views of Varsity Tutors.

Thursday, March 5, 2020

What if we all rode bikes English Listening Exercise.

What if we all rode bikes English Listening Exercise. Todays English listening exercise is about the amazing city of Amsterdam. They have an incredible bike path system that makes biking the preferred mode of transportation, and seems to make cars unnecessary. Listen to the video and see if you can identify some of the phrasal verbs and idioms that are used. After the listening exercise be sure to check out the English writing exercise on your opinion of cycle/bike paths.Listen to the first 3:05.1. The car is the ________. 2. Cars were ________. 3. People ______ __ and made a change for the better. 4. Explain the general idea for the city traffic plan in the 1970s. 5. Why were so many people opposed to the plan? 6. The cars arent driving __ fast and the bikes arent ____ going that fast either. 7. On the main artillery roads its a _____ ____ 8. So, theres off street cycle paths which range in between ____ and _____ feet in width and the cyclist then have a ______ shot to wherever they are going.Writing Assignment: What are the advantages and disadvantages of a city having this plan? Are bike/cycle paths part of your cities plans? Do people bike/cycle in your city? Would you like your city to be more bike friendly? LOIEnglish Silvia,Just to explain, the listening is generally gap fill, which means that one word or if there are two lines, two words fit in the sentence perfectly. This type of listening exercise is good practice for the different tests such as, CAE, TOEFL.So when you are doing the listening you have to listen for the word that completes the sentence. The answer to #1-future The answer to #2-progress The answer to #3-rose up Are you familiar with the above phrasal verb? Ilka 1. The car is the future.2. Cars were everything.3. People rose up and made a change for the better.4. Explain the general idea for the city traffic plan in the 1970's.They would enlarge the streets, so it would be easy to get anywhere by car.5. Why were so many people opposed to the plan?To make six length car streets thet would have to break down houses6. The cars aren’t driving so fast and the bikes aren’t even going that fast either.7. On the main artillery roads its a different story.8. So, there’s off street cycle paths which range in between six and eight feet in width and the cyclist then have a streight shot to wherever they are going.Really hard to understand, really fast A had to listen many times, and wasnt successful anyway. LOIEnglish IlkaGood listening. Your answer to Question #5 has a couple problems: to make six LANE car streets THEY would have to TEAR down houses. Tear down is the best phrasal verb; break down is a phrasal verb used usually when there is no outside force helping with the destruction process. For example: Plastic takes a long time to break down, that is why we should recycle.You actually did very well on the listening part. Dont be so hard on yourself. Anna 1.future, 2. everything, 3. rose up, 4. The idea was to make narrow street so wide. It would connect to a circu lar road around city centre. They wanted to make 6 lane by car to it would be easy to use the cars. 5. Many people realized that if there will be 6 lane by cars that they would have to break down some houses. 6. so even, 7. different story, 8. six and eight straight. Some bike paths have appeared in my city only this summer. This is an experiment for Moscow. People dont bike in my city because its very dangerous and not very convenient. Moscow is a huge city, to get to the office by bike you need to spend very much time. The second reason is climate. Winter continue about 6 months and its raining very often. But I would like my city will be more bike friendly. I hope next summer do my bike. LOIEnglish Good Anna. In the answer to Number 5, the correct phrasal verb is tear down. Break down is usually used when things tear down on their own.We dont use very much for time, a better choice is: a lot of time.The second reason is climate, winter STAYS for about 6 months and it rain s often. (notice the comma rather than the period.) But, I would like my city to BECOME more bike friendly. I hope, next summer, to RIDE my bike.

Cricket and Englishmen - English sporting traditions

Cricket and Englishmen - English sporting traditions As an Englishman I love sport but particularly football. However, in England football is mostly played in the autumn/winter periods.  Summer is cricket season and although it is not a game easily understood by non-natives it is  everything that summer should be. Warm days, slow lazy actions, picnics and dreaming.A day or afternoon watching cricket can be a really enjoyable way to spend your time. In addition cricket has given us a few metaphors. What is a metaphor? Well, simply it is a group of  words not used in their literal meaning but used as a figure of speech to transfer the meaning to  something else.For example:  he is over the hill  does not mean somebody has successfully  climbed some hill and is now on the other side. No, it is a figure of speech to tell you someone is no  longer able to do a job, or is too old to do a job and beyond his best years.My cricketing metaphors that I can apply to normal life situations include:That’s just not cricket!  When you do not like the way somebody does something or you are annoyed  when somebody acts in a sly way and they should have been more honest, you can say that’s just  not cricket!Example: I had agreed to buy a car from a guy I knew. We agreed a price and I asked for  a day to think it over. When I got back to him he told me he had sold it to someone else.. That’s just  not cricket! We had a deal and he should have honoured it.Caught out.  In cricket when you catch the ball without it hitting the ground first then your opponent  is out of the game.In real life to be caught out is when someone catches you trying to be sly or  sneaky (underhand) without anyone knowing about it.Example: I left my jacket on my chair in the  office. My boss thought I was working hard. Instead I had gone to lunch and sat in the park enjoying  the summer weather.However I was caught out when I returned to the office because my face was  all sunburnt!Bowled over.  This is a very technical cricketing term. The bowler bowls the ball to the man with the  bat (similar to a pitcher in American baseball who throws or pitches the baseball to the guy with the  baseball bat!). The bowler bowls six balls and this is referred to as an over. (simple really!!) This is  the literal description. However, metaphorically to be bowled over means to be surprised or  shocked.Example: My wife organised a surprise birthday party and my fr iends presented me with a case (box) of fine French wine. I was bowled over by the surprise and their generosity.Hit for six!!  In cricket when you score they are referred to as runs. The highest score you can make  with a single hit of the ball is a Six. To score a six you must hit it over the playing area without  touching the ground. Metaphorically to be Hit for Six means to be affected by something quite  devastating or destructive.Example: He has really been hit for six by the collapse of his company. He was  doing so well but the failure of the new product launch cost him a lot of money!

Why teaching abroad is a great career move for any university grad

Why teaching abroad is a great career move for any university grad You’ve been to university and earned a bachelor’s degree, but you aren’t quite ready to commit to a decade of office work in the same city you grew up in. You want to add value to your resume, but can’t afford to dedicate your time to chalking up volunteer hours. You want to see the world, but know that a short-lived sightseeing tour overseas won’t quite cut it.  Whether you’re a professional teacher or a recent graduate with a knack for the English language, teaching abroad is the most practical way to add instant value to your university degree and resume. Here are some reasons why teaching abroad is an awesome idea for a recent university graduate:Gain international experienceYour studies have equipped you with a great set of skills that will be enhanced in a real-world environment. Your education has taught you to think critically about social issues - teaching overseas with Teach Away offers a fun and exciting way to develop your critical thinking and worldview by e xperiencing a whole new culture in the city of your choice. Imagine discussing German politics with local Berliners or learning about the ancient traditions and new-age technology of Tokyo, Japan.Separate yourself from the competitionThe percentage of people with undergraduate university degrees is always increasing. In the United States, nearly 50% of the population between ages 25 and 34 have a bachelor’s degree. In Canada, that number is even higher - about 60%. The percentage of educated people in all age brackets has increased significantly as well.There are plenty of ways to stand out from the competition when applying for jobs at home, but adding employment experience from overseas can be effective - employers look for unique candidates who have challenged themselves in significant ways. Whether or not your long term career goals are in the sphere of education, being able to add that you have taught and lived in a foreign country will go a long way in helping advance your c areer.  Don’t just teach a language, learn a new one yourselfTeaching abroad is also about learning. On top of the cultural knowledge you are sure to accumulate, teaching away offers the perfect opportunity to another language. Mastering a second language creates significant opportunities for young people. These could be future international employment opportunities or an awesome position at home that involves working with foreign clients. Learning a new language is no small task, but ask anyone who has a grip on more than one language and they’ll tell you that the best (and maybe only) way to really become fluent is to submerge yourself in living conditions where the people speak the language you want to learn.Travel and advance your career at the same timeWhen the cap and gown come off and the real world is staring you right in the eye, there is a fairly standard set of options for what to do next: Do you head off to grad school and pursue your next degree? Do you quickly lan d that dream job and get to work? Or do you take some time off of the hard stuff and go travelling? Teach Away offers a wide range of teaching positions at a variety of institutions around the globe and provides the avenue to accomplish all of the above. With Teach Away you can advance your education through cultural submersion in a whole new city, earn a reliable steady income, and have fun travelling the world… all at the same time.If you’re a recent graduate with a desire to travel and to teach, Teach Away might be your door to a wealth of international teaching opportunities. Teaching abroad isn’t for everyone, though -  you’ll have to be willing to adopt a new lifestyle and work a full a schedule in a city where the primary language might not be English.  Up for the challenge? Visit our Check out our job board to see current postings around the world. Or visit our University of Toronto TEFL page for info on how to get TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) certi fied.

Bright Scholar Education Group (China)

Bright Scholar Education Group (China) Bright Scholar Education Group (China) Featured Schools:Guangdong Country Garden School (1994; Foshan, Guangdong)Phoenix City International School (2003; Guangzhou, Guangdong)Jurong Country Garden School (2013; Zhenjiang, Jiangsu)Ningxiang Country Garden School(2014; Changsha, Hunan)Country Garden Silver Beach School (2015; Huizhou, Guangdong)Huaxi Country Garden International School (2015; Guiyang, Guizhou)Lanzhou Country Garden School (2016; Lanzhou, Gansu)Bright Scholar Education Group (formerly Country Garden Education Group) is a NYSE listed education company based in Foshan, Guangdong, China. It has the privilege of operating one of the oldest international schools in China with over 20 years of experience in creating a unique premium brand within the Chinese education industry.Bright Scholar covers a diverse portfolio of business areas including K-12 international and bilingual education, extracurricular training services, domestic camps, overseas study tours and education technology.Currently, Bright Scholar has 6 international schools, 11 bilingual schools, and 34 kindergartens as well as guided reading programs, phonics and literature programs in 16 Elan Schools.Bright Scholar operates in 7 Chinese provinces (Guangdong, Hunan, Hubei, Guizhou, Jiangsu, Anhui, and Gansu) and 2 municipalities (Beijing and Shanghai). With numerous construction projects already underway, the group is set to continue growing in China, including expansion to Hebei and Shandong provinces.Bright Scholar has accumulated a cohort of highly trained and experienced domestic and international talents whose aim is to educate the future leaders of the world as well as the future backbone of Chinese society.Bright Scholar, Bright Future. View our Brochure