How are AP Exams Scored

How are AP Exams Scored Students are often so wrapped up in performing well on an AP exam that they forget what the score actually means. AP exams are scored on a scale of 1-5, but the intricacies of how those scoresarrive at a particular number can be difficult to interpret, especially because scoring varies between exams. For students who are approaching their first AP exam, weve put together a guide on how AP exams are scoredto help you better understand your results. A breakdown of the AP exam score It has likely been emphasized to you that your score on an AP exam is importantbut why? First, it demonstrates your actual achievement on the exam and your knowledge of the subject. Perhaps more importantly, it helps postsecondary schools evaluate your readiness for certain subjects. It also doesnt hurt that a high score on the AP exam can mean you earn college credit before even being accepted to a college. Many colleges accept AP exam scores as being equivalent to introductory college coursework, allowing you to save money and time by advancing to different courses. You can earn a 1-5 score on an AP exam (a 5 being the best score), based on your performance on a weighted combination of multiple-choice and free-response questions. A score of five indicates that a student is extremely well qualified in a subject, while a score of one offers no recommendation for student advancement in a subject. A score of three is still qualified and means that you will likely advance (although it is up to your prospective college whether youll earn college credit for your score). The full meanings of each AP score are defined below: 5 = extremely well qualified 4 = well qualifiedthe minimum score many selective colleges require for college credit 3 = qualifiedgenerally considered as passing an AP exam (but will likely not qualify a student for college credit at a selective college) 2 = possibly qualified 1 = no recommendation Ultimately, students should check with schools they wish to apply to in order to verify the score they need to receive for advanced placement. [RELATED: 5 Questions to Ask Yourself Before Taking an AP Course] AP exam scoring breakdown Each AP exam consists of a combination of multiple-choice and free-response questionsalthough, the type of free-response questions differ based on the test you take. For example, the free-response section of an AP U.S. History exam may involve a document-based essay, while the free-response section of an AP Calculus exam will involve solving complex problems. Exam Section How it is graded Multiple-choice Computer, typically accounting for 40-50% of total score Free-response College professors and experienced AP teachers, during annual AP reading in June Your multiple-choice and free-response scores are combined to determine your composite score. Your composite score is then translated into a five-point scale that is designed to ensure that the standards for a particular score are consistent from year to year (for example, that a 3 this year reflects the same quality of work as a score of 3 did last year). How to study for AP exams Each test will require a slightly different approach, as they have different requirements. Ultimately, the best way to study for any AP exam is to take the accompanying AP class, which will be specifically geared toward establishing the knowledge base for the subject. [RELATED: 4 Myths About AP Prep] Its also important to be very familiar with the AP exams structure and content before sitting down on test day. Seek out practice tests for the AP exam in your subjecttaking these in advance can help you adjust to the exams level of difficulty and pacing. Similarly, (if it applies to you), be sure to practice writing timed essays. Perhaps your AP tutor or AP teacher would grade a few of these practice essays against the standards of the actual exam. This is a great way to learn how to answer free-response questions on AP exams. There are previous versions of AP exam essay prompts available online, and this practice can make you more comfortable with articulating your ideas under a time constraint and on the fly. After youve completed your AP exam, youll be able to compare your scores to others in your area and also to the historical trend in scores for your subject test. In addition, youll be able to decide which schools you send them to (though a good score will translate well in every school). While the five-point scale approach to AP scores may seem complicated, each number corresponds directly with how many answers you answered correctly. Focus largely on performing well on your test and feeling prepared for test daythis can provide you with a confidence that is invaluable when testing. 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 atblog@varsitytutors.com.

Best Revision Websites and Resources

Best Revision Websites and Resources Student-Approved Resources and Websites for Exam Review ChaptersResources for Exam ReviewResources You CreateExam Review WebsitesApplications for Exam ReviewStudents Chime InTest anxiety is a real phenomenon.You might be the aptest student in your entire class â€" indeed, your entire school but, when confronted with a blank exam paper, all of the practice questions you laboured over so assiduously fade from memory.Besides having a solid exam technique to draw on, the best way to quell the stress of GCSE exams is to know your material cold.  The best way to get there is to follow study guides, review religiously and take practice exams.Fortunately for us, resources, both digital and actual abound. But then, the quandary: of all the resources available for exam review, which are the best?That’s what your Superprof endeavours to uncover today.resources for exam review online. We’ll cover those in our next segment. First, we urge you to consider a few ‘low-tech’ resources.They don’t so much subvert online resources as support them. They were available long before the Internet became the treasure house that it is; today, these resources parallel the digital world in accommodation and dissemination of information.Topping that list must inevitably be your local library. Most libraries provide ample space and resources for revising Image by David Mark from PixabayLibraries are struggling these days; lower traffic and less money mean that our local book repositories run a little on the lean side. Still, you won’t find just books there but homework help labs, computer workstations with an Internet connection and free WIFI throughout the facility.Some libraries feature study rooms with conference tables and seating throughout while others have comfortable benches set up among the stacks. You can also find extracurricular activities at your local library; anything from storytelling to special exhibits.It should come as no surprise that tutors often select their local libraries to meet with their students.Tutors! They are the ultimate exam prep resource!While most tutors specialise in a certain field or subject such as English literature or biology, others dedicate themselves exclusively to test prep: exam strategies, giving practice exams and helping w ith past paper review.Superprof has hundreds of tutors specialising in exam preparation throughout the UK.One valuable resource often overlooked is your teachers.Few would be more knowledgeable of academic subjects you might test in and none know better what to expect of school-leaving exams. Nobody is better-qualified to guide your studies; after all, it is a teacher’s job to deliver knowledge… right?You might ask your tutor, librarian or teacher if they know of any study groups you could join. If none come to mind, you might ask their help to set up a study group; your peers being another invaluable resource.Resources You CreateAmong the best resources you could have for exam revision is a revision timetable.You won’t find timetables at the library or even online; they are a time management resource you must create yourself â€" after all, nobody but you knows where your obligations and priorities lie.Such a timetable will allow you to plan study time for your chosen A-Level or GCSE subjects according to your specific needs. In fact, careening toward your exams without a firm schedule of studies in place is a recipe for disaster!Another excellent and oft-overlooked resource is flashcards.Flashcards are portable, flexible and, most importantly, made by you. You would write only the most salient information on these resilient cards that you can then flip through in idle moments, creating a mini-review session.Most importantly, the act of writing  itself helps to cement it in our brains. One of the best revision tips you could follow: write your notes by hand! Image by Free-Photos from PixabayThe above statement proves that writing by hand is another resource available to you for exam preparation â€" after all, you will hand-write your exams; you may as well get as much practice as you can.If you like the idea of flashcards but have little time for writing them out by hand, you might turn to Quizlet; an online application that allows you to make digital flashcards and offers various ways to engage with the study materials you created.You might, for instance, play games or take a practice test that the application creates for you based on the information you input.Creating a Quizlet account is free â€" you can set up your own study materials but first, you might want to check if there isn’t already a ‘quizlet’ created for the material you need to study.Now that we’ve crossed over to the digital realm, let’s take a look at what websites are available for your exam review.Revision World is just such a one. And, while nobody could criticise anyone’s effort to lend a helping hand; still, the question persists: why not go to the source?The benefit of getting past papers from the awarding body’s website is that you will have the latest information available as well as papers going back a few years.Furthermore, considering that exams are constantly tweaked or outright rewritten, you will likely find ‘specimen papers’ - what the new exams will look like.In this table, we’ve listed the top exam review websites, along other sites deemed particularly helpful for exam review.Exam Review WebsitesResource NameWeb AddressWhat you will findFor which levels?AQAwww.aqa.org.ukPast papers and specimen papers, marking schemes.GCSE AS and A-LevelsEdExcelhttps://qualifications.pearson.com/en/home.htmlPast papers, marking schemes and examiner reportsGCSE and Int'l GCSE A-Level and Int'l A-LevelsOCRwww.ocr.org.ukPast papers and marking schemesGCSE AS and A-LevelsWJEC/CBACwww.wjec.co.ukPast papers and marking schemesGCSE AS and A-LevelCCEAhttps://ccea.org.ukPast papers and marking schemes; timetablesGCE and GCSEEduquashttps://eduqas.co.ukPast papers and marking schemesGCSE AS and A-LevelBBC Bitesizewww.bbc.co.uk/bitesizeRevision materialsLower Key Stages and GCSERevision Worldhttps://revisionworld.comTools, video tutorials, study help and links to other websitesGCSE A-LevelStudy-Wisehttps://studywise.co.ukA list of links to available online resourcesGCSE AS and A-LevelApplications for Exam ReviewWho needs a cumbersome website when you could just download an app or two?Phones have become handheld computers and they appeal particularly to younger demographics. In fact, a recent study reveals that kids are losing sleep to their electronic devices in record numbers.If that is you, you might need to learn about the importance of sleep with regard to your exams.If you find using an app on your phone more convenient than logging on t o a computer and accessing a succession of webpages, you should check out these apps:iMindMap: mind maps are diagrams to organise information visually; an excellent review techniqueThere is a version for Android systems, too!GCSE Maths (iOS): a fun, interactive way to play with maths ahead of your examRemember the Milk (iOS and Android): set your day’s review schedule while you’re on the go and sync with your computer once you get home. It will send reminders for study time, too.Revision App (iOS and Android): a million revision notes, flashcards and quizzes â€" what’s not to love?All of these apps are free to download and use; others, such as the Oxford A-Z of Grammar and Punctuation costs £8.50 but could be worth every penny if either of those aspects of English is difficult for you. If you are more comfortable with your phone in-hand, you may as well use it for your GCSE revision Image by Free-Photos from PixabayStudents Chime InAs you’ve likely gathered from this exposé, revision guides abound â€" online, real-time and through the help of teachers and tutors. Which are the best?GCSE students have their favs.Mr Bruff, specialising in GCSE English Language, has a YouTube channel that covers the AQA exam. On his website, you will find e-books to complement them.Free Science Lessons covers GCSE Biology and Physics; it even goes into Chemistry revision, all in video, print and downloadable book (the latter two for a fee). The material is broken into ‘papers’ but does not indicate which awarding body its information targets.If physics is particularly worrisome to you, Gorilla Physics covers that subject in exquisite detail.Seneca Learning is an all-around study platform that addresses all levels from KS2 through A-Levels. Their revision guides are organised by subject and they ‘cover’ both AQA and Edexcel exams.Primrose Kitten is an unlikely name for a GCSE Science review site; they also have a substantial collection of maths review videos.Of all subjects one could test in, Maths seems to be particularly troublesome. Students praise Dr Frost Maths as a reliable revision guide, as well as Maths Watch.What if you’re sitting the International Baccalaureate? Most of these sites have practice papers for you, too.With all of these resources, you must surely itch to get on with your studies… but first, take the time to read up on other effective revision techniques.

Online Resources to Help You Develop Leadership Skills

Online Resources to Help You Develop Leadership Skills Where Can You Find Leadership Skills Development Materials Online? ChaptersGood Leadership Skills: Understanding Leadership TheoryCommunication Skills for LeadershipGood Leadership Skills Include Critical ThinkingGeneral Resources to Foster Good Leadership SkillsThere has always been lots of press about leaders; a veritable serpent of column inches that detail their famous â€" and sometimes infamous exploits.Think about it: Richard Branson is a household name because he does not keep a low profile like less-renowned Rakesh Kapoor, the CEO of Reckitt Benckiser Group, the corporation behind such brand names as Dettol and Airborne.Even so, Mr Kapoor also appears in print because he is consistently ranked as one of the business world’s top CEOs. He even has his own Wikipedia page!Great leaders in business â€" Tim Cook, Elon Musk and Jack Ma, founder of China’s Alibaba have plenty to teach us about becoming a great leader... but what if you’re not interested in filling a managerial role?What if you simply want to develop your leadership qualities a nd the soft skills that all great leaders are said to have mastered only for your personal growth â€" not with a desire to someday be rich, powerful and renown?If that is the case, we commend you. Personal development is far more worthwhile a goal than a quest for power and money. At least, it will bring more satisfaction than all of the headaches you might be saddled with running a company or even being a team leader.How does one get started, learning leadership skills? More importantly: does learning leadership competencies cost a lot of money? Not if you know where to look.Your Superprof has taken matters to hand. We’ve combed every corner of the Internet to bring you the best online resources to guide you on your discovery of self-awareness, emotional intelligence and the path to effective leadership.Put on your thinking cap; here we go! TraceyPersonal development Teacher 4.92 (9) £25/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors NatashaPersonal development Teacher 5.00 (7) £55 /h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors AntonellaPersonal development Teacher 5.00 (1) £15/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors IsamPersonal development Teacher 5.00 (3) £30/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors AndriyPersonal development Teacher £40/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors MichelePersonal development Teacher 4.73 (7) £40/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors FlloydPersonal development Teacher 5.00 (11) £40/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors OliverPersonal development Teacher 4.33 (4) £25/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutorsGood Leadership Skills: Understanding Leadership Theory There are as many styles of leadership to learn as there are ways to practise them Image by Gerd Altmann from PixabayTo be a good leader, you have to know the theories and philosophies that leadership styles have shaped.Since the end of the Industrial Revolution, several ideas about leadership have taken centre-stage, the first one being The Great Man theory, which averred that great men are born to rise up and take a leadership position when a situation demands it.Mahatma Gandhi is a prime example of such a leader.That theory now takes a back seat to these four, more prominent core theories:Power and Influence theories: closely related to the Great Man theory, it emphasises three types of power â€" coercive, reward and legitimate, along with personal power to get things done.Trait theories: helps identify traits and qualities that add depth to leadershipsuch qualities include, empathy, integrity, honesty and self-confidenceBehavioural theories detail how leaders behave. Behaviours f all on a spectrum from laissez-faire â€" a hands-off manager to autocratic: a leader who makes all of the decisions.Transformational leadership focuses on inspiring and motivating subordinates while transactional leadership functions on a quid-pro-quo basis. These leaderships styles are influenced by specific behavioursContingency theories: how does a leader function in any given situation? These theories are predicated on the fact that one’s management style must adapt to every situation.Of course, this is a nutshell version; the actual theories are expansive and often incorporate elements of other leadership theories.In this table, we’ve listed some of the best pages to gain an understanding of the theories that define a leadership role.Learn About Leadership Theories:Page NameWeb AddressWhat You Can LearnMind Toolswww.mindtools.comExplanations on the four core theory groupsLeadership Centralwww.leadership-central.comLearn about individual theories and their premiseVery Well M indwww.verywellmind.comSearch for 'leadership theories' to access articlesGo on a life-changing adventure by learning how to develop strong leadership skills... Good leaders are excellent communicators Image by Dean Moriarty from PixabayCommunication Skills for LeadershipIt goes without saying that an effective leader is an excellent communicator.S/he doesn’t just have an extensive vocabulary and, should s/he be in a particular field such as finance or marketing, know all of the jargon.Those in leadership roles have learned a particular skill set that enables them to pick up on subtle clues such as body language and tone to correctly interpret what people are actually saying.According to Forbes magazine, interpreting body language is a key communication skill that every leader must have!Listening is often overlooked as a part of communication because it is generally considered a passive activity, meaning you don’t have to do anything special; just let the waves of sound come to you.Leaders take the act of listening a step further by practising what is called active listening: taking in visual clues as well as focusing on the words being said and the tone they are spoken in. A person adept at this skill will often paraphrase what they have just heard to demonstrate that they understand the issue at hand.As your aim is personal development rather than a career in leadership and management, you may work on other types of listening, such as empathetic listening or reflective listening â€" a part of active listening.Naturally, the flip side of listening is speaking; leaders are generally also good public speakers.You don’t need to anticipate mounting a podium and addressing a crowd to develop this skill; you can practise speaking with a video camera, to an empty room or to your reflection, if need be.The goal of speaking clearly is being as concise as possible without omitting any necessary details of the issue you are trying to convey, all while projecting body language suitable to your message.For instance, if your job entails conflict resolution, you would adopt a non-threatening posture, a kind tone and lots of ey e contact; maybe even a sympathetic hand on your listener’s arm.On the other hand, if you’re conducting a team-building exercise, your body should convey the impression of energy (not mania!) and your voice should sound excited.We found some excellent guides for learning and practising effective communication on these web sites.Learn Effective Communication Skills:Domain NameWeb AddressWhat you'll findLeadership Geekswww.leadershipgeeks.comA trove of articles and exercises to prepare you for leadershipLegaceewww.legacee.comLots of skills-based learning!The Training Industryhttps://trainingindustry.comA host of articles on communicationEntrepreneurwww.entrepreneur.comSearch 'communication' for a list of articlesVirtual Speechhttps://virtualspeech.comLook under the 'courses' tab to find information on communicationRemember that a large part of being a leader means delegating, whether you are running a company or a household. Mastering communication skills will make it so much easi er to delegate chores!The ability to communicate well is important is only a part of a leadership skills set...Good Leadership Skills Include Critical ThinkingCogito, ergo sum â€" DecartesThat French philosopher and mathematician was attempting to prove his existence by implying his thinking substantiated his being. At that time, there was little thought given to different types of thinking.Today, much is made of thinking skills: critical thinking, strategic thinking and situational thinking among them.There is a push in academia to help students in their earliest years to develop such thinking skills; skills that leaders of all stripes have long been using to think their way out of anything from conflict management to improving team performance.In this table, we highlight particularly useful pages to practise your thinking skills.Critical Thinking Activities PagesAgency NameWeb AddressWhat You Can FindWabisabihttps://wabisabistore.comLots of thinking and team building exercisesTeac h-Nologywww.teach-nology.comFree teaching resources, including critical thinking worksheetsThe Balance Careerswww.thebalancecareers.coma search for 'thinking skills' will yield many articles and activities to strengthen thinking skillsEd-Helperwww.edhelper.comUse their 'search' function to find the best thinking resourcesHead Scratcherswww.headscratchers.comCourses and resources to develop thinking skillsThe Critical Thinking Companywww.criticalthinking.comToward the bottom of the page you will find free exercises to test and train your thinkingYou’ll note that most of those pages are targeted to young learners; as we mentioned earlier, much is being made of thinking skills training for children. That doesn’t mean you can’t benefit from them as well!Your input matters! Tell us why you feel it is important for people to develop leadership skills... You can build leadership skills by reading accounts of great leaders Image by rawpixel from PixabayGeneral Resources to Foster Good Leadership SkillsLeadership development is much more than the sum of its parts. It takes more than sterling qualities, the ability to think a way through any situation and becoming a master communicator.One might say that knowing how to lead is a way of life.That is why many management and leadership training courses address the whole person; they don’t consist of only academic exercises designed meant to hone basic skills of humankind such as speaking and listening.What can you expect to find in leadership skills training courses?Let’s say a CEO is planning to move its operation overseas because labour and legislation have simply gotten too expensive and onerous.While overall such a move would probably benefit the company’s bottom line in the long run, aspects of such a decision require deep thought, such as:job loss in one’s own country and wha t such a move would do to the local economyTransportation costs of finished goods and the environmental impact thereofwould the materials to produce the good be sustainably sourced?would the goods be legitimately produced (as opposed to being made in a sweatshop)Business ethics pervade every aspect of leadership, from major decisions such as the one to move production offshore to recognising and correcting the dysfunctions of a team.If you’re looking to improve leadership skills or even just determine your leadership style so you can be prepared to tackle weighty issues in your life, there are many online resources for you to do so and quite a few of them charge you little or nothing.Materials for Developing Leadership SkillsDomain NameWeb AddressWhat to Look forAlisonhttps://alison.comFree training in a variety of disciplines including leadershipOpen Learnwww.open.edu/openlearn/An entire course list relating to Business and Finance, arranged by level of difficultyCourserawww.cour sera.orgSeveral entry-level leadership courses and many specialised onesMasterclass Managementwww.masterclassmanagement.comA site specifically targeted to aspiring managersEdXwww.edx.orgSeveral courses available in leadership and entrepreneurshipLindahttps://learning.linkedin.comCourses in leadership and management, soft skills development and moreSloan School of Businesshttps://ocw.mit.edu/courses/sloan-school-of-management/A long list of graduate level courses on the many aspects of business and leadershipSkill Sharewww.skillshare.comBrowse their leadership an management course catalogueWhile you’re exploring these online resources, don’t forget to also conduct a search for leadership podcasts and look for books about developing leadership. You may also consider reading biographies of great leaders.What could be more inspiring than reading how a person overcame adversity to rise up and become a titan of industry!Don’t laugh; in such tomes, you may find nuggets of wisdom that resonate with you, that you wouldn’t find or hear anywhere else.The trick about leadership is once you’ve put on the mantle, it never comes off. You will function as a leader in all of your dealings â€" from arranging your holidays to arranging your life.Isn’t it a good thing that there are so many resources for you to learn effective leadership skills from?Now discover other ways you can develop your leadership skills...

What is it Like to Attend Emerson College

What is it Like to Attend Emerson College Sarah is a current senior at Emerson College. She is majoring in media production, and specializes in creative writing tutoring, AP US Government tutoring, and a number of other subjects. Below, she shares her experience at Emerson College: Describe the campus setting and transportation options. Sarah: Emerson College is located in the heart of Boston, across from the Boston Common. Theres no real campus; the city is our campus! In such an urban setting, its a little more important to be aware of your surroundings, but Ive always found it very safe. Theres also an amazing public transportation network available to students, with three subway stops very nearby and plenty of public buses. How available are the professors, academic advisers, and teaching assistants? Sarah:Professors are guaranteed to have office hours, and most are incredibly willing to meet with students outside of class. Advisers also have open office hours, and you can schedule meetings with them ahead of time as well. Theyre a great resource. Ive personally found my adviser and professors incredibly available. How would you describe the dorm life rooms, dining options, location, socialization opportunities with other students? Sarah:Emerson has four different dorms, each with their own unique offerings. Most are fairly new, and have cozy suite-style living spaces. Freshmen and sophomores are guaranteed housing on campus, while juniors and seniors usually live in off-campus apartments. There are a variety of different dining options on campus. The food is standard college fare, meaning that its nothing fancy or incredibly delicious, but there is something for everyone. Which majors/programs are best represented and supported? Sarah:Emerson has a very small range of majors, as its a school dedicated exclusively to communications and the arts. The programs that they do have, though, are very strong. I am in the visual and media arts department, with a concentration in writing for film and television, and I think its a great program. The faculty are very talented and knowledgeable, with lots of impressive experience in the industry. Theres plenty of first-rate technology available to student filmmakers at the college. 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? Sarah:I found that it was pretty easy to meet people at Emerson after I got involved on campus. Most people here are incredibly invested in their extracurriculars, so if you participate in organizations that involve things youre passionate about, youll meet a lot of talented people with the same interests as you. Greek life is also pretty popular at Emerson, but not in the traditional sense; most fraternities and sororities are professional, not social, organizations. If youre interested in Greek life, its still a great way to meet like-minded people and gain professional skills and connections. How helpful are the Career Centerand other student support services? Sarah:The Emerson career center is super helpful. Theyre a great connection to jobs and internships, both for students and alumni, and theyre always willing to meet with students to look over resumes or help with career planning. In addition, many top companies, both in Boston and on Emersons Los Angeles campus, look specifically to recruit Emerson students, especially at the multiple job and internship fairs that Emerson holds every year. How are the various study areas such aslibraries, the student union, and dorm lounges? Sarah:There are definitely enough study areas at the school for every student to find a spot, with plenty of labs and student lounges. The campus library is small in size, however, and closes at 11:00 p.m. or earlier most nights. The Boston Public Library is also only a short walk away and is an amazing facility that lots of Emerson students take advantage of as a study spot. Describe the surrounding town. Sarah:Boston is a fun college city, and its where most Emerson students spend their free time. There are plenty of awesome places to shop and eat, and the local music scene is great as well. Another good thing about Boston is the number of other colleges nearbythere are always new college students to meet and new places to go. How big or small is the student body? Were you generally pleased or displeased with the typical class sizes? Sarah:My largest class so far only had about forty students, and most of my classes have had ten to twenty students. Ive gotten to know many of my professors and classmates really well, and even though my department is the largest in the school, I still feel that its very close-knit. Describe one memorable experience with a professor and/or class. Perhaps one you loved the most or one youregretthe most. Sarah:Emerson is a liberal arts school with a strong oratorical tradition. As a result, all students are required to take a class in Speech Communication. At first, I was not excited about taking this class at all. I didnt feel it really pertained to my major, and I was pretty confident in my public speaking skills already. However, the class was so small and close-knit, that I ended up making many close friends, and I found that my speaking skills actually improved dramatically. Check out Sarahs tutoring profile. The views expressed in this article do not necessarily represent the views of Varsity Tutors.

A Guide to Commonly-Confusing Punctuation Part 2

A Guide to Commonly-Confusing Punctuation Part 2 Do dashes depress you? Are you boggled by brackets? Never fear! Part oneof this guide to commonly confusing punctuation explored three of the most commonly-confusing punctuation marks, and clarified why and how they are used. Now its time to studyup on the em dash, the en dash, the hyphen, and the bracket. Read on for part two of this guide to commonly-confusing punctuation: 1. Em dash The em dash is a long dash () that can be used to separate a thought from a sentence. Consider this example: After spending two hours delivering papersall 25 of themhe went home for lunch. In this sentence, the em dash is used in place of parentheses to include optional information in a sentence that would have been clear without it. The em dash can also stand alone, like this: It took two hours to deliver the papersall 25 of them. 2. En dash The en dash () is another commonly-confusing punctuation mark. It looks very much like an em dash, except that it is slightly shorter. The en dash is used to indicate time spans or date ranges, such as the 20112012 school year. It can also be used to show a connection, such as a New YorkLos Angeles flight. 3. Hyphen Unlike the previous two dashes, the hyphen has one specific use, which is to create compound words or terms. For example, you would use a hyphen to form words or terms like check-in or to-do. In some cases, hyphens are used to compound several words, like mid-to-late. This arrangement indicates that these three words go together and are referring to a single thing, like mid-to-late century. Improving your understanding of punctuation and your writing skills won't happen overnight, but this list of simple ways to improve your writing skillswill help you get on the right track. 4. Brackets Like the hyphen, brackets or [ ] tend to have one specific use, which is to indicate additional or added information. For example, if you needed to shorten a quotation, you might use brackets to add a certain word so the quotation still makes sense, like this: As a student, Addams revealed other traits [which] seemed to result from her considerable intellect. In this example, the ellipsis () indicates that a portion of the original text has been removed, and the brackets indicate that a word was added in order for the statement to flow properly. Another common use of brackets is in quotations where the term sic is placed within the brackets. The term sic is used to indicate that the preceding word or phrase is spelled incorrectly, contains an improper use of grammar, or is otherwise used unusually, and it is placed in brackets to indicate that it has been added to the quotation by an editor or someone other than the original writer. Brackets can also be used to add information inside a set of parentheses. This avoids having parentheses within parentheses, which can be confusing to the reader. There are many more complex and case-specific uses of the above commonly-confusing punctuation marks, but these basic rulesshould help you with your writing. You may also find these 7 tips to improve your grammar skillshelpful as well. It is important to note that, especially in the case of the dashes, some of these marks are not used in traditional ways when utilized online. Website coding and font may keep a writer from using an em dash, so do not be surprised if you see several hyphens or an en dash with spaces around it. Awriting tutor can help you master these concepts and provide guidance in other areas on your writing as well.

8 Showstopping Songs to Sing for a Talent Show

8 Showstopping Songs to Sing for a Talent Show Megan L. Looking for good songs to sing at a talent show? Talent shows are a great opportunity not just to show off your vocal abilities, but also to express yourself. Check out the list below for some of the best talent show songs that span across genres and skill levels! The Top 8 Talent Show Songs “Firework” â€" Katy Perry This song is great for showing off a strong middle range without going too low or high. It’s a popular enough hit that commercial karaoke tracks should be easy to find, and piano sheet music is available if you have an accompanist. This song has a spunky, pulsing dance beat, along with a motivating message, making it perfect for young audiences. For more good talent show songs for mid-range female vocals, check out artists like Taylor Swift and Adele. “Big Yellow Taxi” â€" Joni Mitchell You might know it from the Counting Crows cover, but the song “Big Yellow Taxi” and its heartfelt environmental statement go back a long way! This song can work for any vocalist, and can be sung in a fairly narrow range, making it pretty easy to perform. And if you play guitar, this song is great for playing and singing at the same time! Reach back in time to some retro music by listening to Joni, along with other artists from the Woodstock era, and you’ll find plenty of ways to make this message heard in your talent show. “Take Me Home, Country Roads” â€" John Denver Folk rock songs are generally pretty well-liked by audiences. Theyre a good choice for male and female singers alike, and most are relatively easy to play. “Take Me Home, Country Roads” is another good one for playing guitar and singing at the same time. It’s versatile enough to perform with friends, or even add harmony with multiple singers. You might also like some of Cat Stevens songs, or Simon Garfunkel (check out “The Sound of Silence,” or their rendition of “Scarborough Fair” for more ideas). “Boulevard of Broken Dreams” â€" Green Day While pop-punk and hardcore punk are very different, Green Day revitalized punk flavors for a generation. This is one of their calmer songs, and ideal for any tenor vocalist. (Of course, it can also be transposed for other ranges, especially if you have friends playing backup instruments.) This is also a good example of a rock song that would translate well to an acoustic arrangement. For another softer Green Day song, consider “Time of Your Life.” Other punk artists who have good songs to sing at a talent show include Bad Religion, Flogging Molly, and Social Distortion. “Make em Laugh” â€" Singin’ In the Rain Are you looking to spice up your act with some movement and acting? Look no further than musical theater! “Make em Laugh” is the song from an iconic scene in the Gene Kelly’s film Singin’ in the Rain, featuring some of the best-executed physical comedy ever to hit the screen. Plus, it’s perfect to incorporate your own unique style! Fans of modern theater will also know songs like “Defying Gravity” from WICKED and “Seasons of Love” from RENT â€" or, look up stars from the Golden Age of Hollywood, like Shirley Temple and Judy Garland. Fast talkers will perhaps like the Modern Major Generals song from Pirates of Penzance. Your choices in the realm of musical theater are practically endless! “Come Sail Away” â€" Styx The ‘80s and late ‘70s were full of music that is instantly recognizable, and Styx is one of the best-known artists of the era. Their song “Come Sail Away” is perhaps one of their most memorable, along with hits like “Renegade.” Dennis DeYoung’s lyric tenor range makes Styx’s music particularly good for female vocalists with a strong alto edge, and “Come Sail Away” can be performed to show off your vocal range, as it encourages great flexibility. Songs like this are especially good for singing with a group of friends! Other hits in this niche include Heart’s “Barracuda,” “Roam” by the B-52s, or “Carry On Wayward Son” by Kansas. “Crimson and Clover” â€" Joan Jett the Blackhearts You know Joan Jett from the iconic “I Love Rock n’ Roll,” but she’s not known as the Queen of Rock for one hit! “Crimson and Clover” is a beautiful piece, and also check out “Bad Reputation.” For more great talent show songs that are perfect for husky vocals (and impressing everyone with your taste) look into anything by Aerosmith or AC/DC. Joy To The World Three Dog Night Speaking of how everyone loves rock and roll, this well-loved classic is sure to get audiences moving, clapping, and singing along! It’s an ideal song for involving a guitar and a drum set as backup, or you can probably find accompaniment tracks for this as well. If you play piano, rock and roll is a great genre to find songs that sound just as groovy as they do classy when translated to your instrument. Final Talent Show Tips When you’re learning to sing, performance experiences like talent shows are a crucial part of your development, and choosing your repertoire wisely is crucial. If you enjoy singing, consider taking voice lessons  for the next step toward improving your craft! A voice teacher can help you select songs that are appropriate for your skill level, range, and style, as well as help you achieve your overall music goals. Above all, be yourself, and enjoy what you do on stage â€" that’s what your audience will respond to the most! Good luck on your journey to choosing the perfect talent show song. What other good talent show songs did we miss? Leave a comment with your favorites below! Want even more song ideas? Check out our list 400+ songs to sing 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: Jack Newton

ACT Test Prep

The Importance of Personalized SAT/ACT Test Prep When it comes to teens preparing for success on the SAT or ACT, heres something parents need to know: not all test prep programs are created equal. And one of the most important things parents should look for when evaluating companies that deliver test prep courses, says Eileen Huntington of Huntington Learning Center, is whether the program meets students distinct needs. Because no two students are exactly the same, the SAT/ACT prep course each student takes shouldnt be the same either, says Huntington. Huntington test prep programs are successful because they are customized to each student. Taking a one-size-fits-all approach to test prep results in some students getting left behind. Huntington shares several reasons that parents should seek out personalized SAT/ACT test prep for their college-bound teens: Every student has different strengths and weaknesses. An area of strength for one teen might be an area of weakness for another. Thus, a broad brush approach to preparing a group of students for the math test of the SAT is unlikely to work well for everyone. The content of what is taught and the methodology must be tailored to each students abilities. Every student learns at a different pace. Just as classroom teachers differentiate their instruction in the classroom, test prep teachers need to take into account that every student has unique challenges. A great SAT/ACT test prep curriculum will be efficient, focusing on areas where teens need the most help and delivering the content at a pace that works for them. Not all SAT/ACT tutors have the same qualifications. Too often, parents assume that hiring any experienced tutor of high school students will work when it comes to helping their teens prepare for the SAT or ACT. Not true. Its essential that teens work with qualified teachers who are experienced teaching to the SAT and ACT. These teachers know the tests inside and out and understand that to achieve the best results, they must adapt their tactics and study plan, depending on the student(s). A personalized SAT/ACT test prep program begins with a practice test. Its difficult for an a test prep teacher to be as effective with students when they dont first administer a diagnostic evaluation in the form of a practice exam. A full-length, timed practice test not only gives students a true feel for what the SAT or ACT is like, it gives their test prep teacher a baseline for instruction. With detailed results, a teacher can develop an SAT/ACT prep program that addresses all weaker subject areas thoroughly. Huntington says that Huntingtons excellent track record with college entrance test prep is due to the learning centers individualized approach, but parents should rest assured that Huntington SAT/ACT test prep is both specific and thorough. When we work with a student, we cover all the bases, she says. Making sure students are ready for each section and subsection of the exam is a big part of that, but we also cover essentials like improving their speed under pressure and stress management. The point is simple: the best test prep program is detailed and addresses students individual needs and goals. About Huntington Huntington is the tutoring and test prep leader.Its certified tutors provide individualized instruction in reading, phonics, writing, study skills, elementary and middle school math, Algebra through Calculus, Chemistry, and other sciences. It preps for the SAT and ACT, as well as state and standardized exams. Huntington programs develop the skills, confidence, and motivation to help students succeed. Founded in 1977, Huntingtons mission is to give every student the best education possible. Learn how Huntington can help at www.huntingtonhelps.com. For franchise opportunities please visit www.huntingtonfranchise.com.

Listening Activity The Internet Under The Sea

Listening Activity The Internet Under The Sea In todays class we are going to look at how the internet works. The internet is something we often take for granted,    which means that we fail to appreciate it properly because we use it all the time. Can you think of anything else that you take for granted? What is taken for granted in your home country? Write your thoughts in the comment section below so we can hear your responses!Lets take a look at this video that explains how the internet is connected all around the world:For our first exercise today, there are 6 new words listed below with 6 definitions, all from the video you just watched. Can you match the correct definition to the vocabulary? Write your answers in the comment section.Vocabularytransmit (v.)vulnerable (adj.)groove (n.)audacious (adj.)cutting-edge (adj.)speedy (adj.)Definitionsa. exposed to the possibility of being damagedb. something that is done quickly, or something that is moving  quicklyc. a long, narrow cut in a hard materiald. something that is very a dvanced, often technologye. cause something to move from one person/ place  to anotherf. a willingness to take a big riskGood work!  For this next exercise you may need to watch the video again. There are 5 sentences below with a word missing. Can you fill in the space with the correct word by listening to what the narrator says in the video?We never stop hearing about how the internets in the cloud. But really, its in the _______________.These cables, placed by private companies, are the ____________ of the internet.Theyre vulnerable to _______________, at least a few times, confused ______________ have bitten them.In some places, they go as deep underwater as ___________ _____________ is high.The cables are _____________ from the back of the a ship, _____________ to the ocean floor and the world is connected in speeds measured in milliseconds.We hope you enjoyed todays listening activity. Sign up here for a trial class with LOI English.