My Experience at Boston University

My Experience at Boston University The tutors behind Varsity Tutors are not just here to teach theyre sharing their college experiences as well. Brendan is a Seattle tutor and 2012 graduate of Boston University. He holds a Bachelors degree in Mathematics and tutors several subjects, specializing inGeometry tutoring, GRE Quantitative prep tutoring, and Music Theory tutoring. Check out what Brendan had to say about his time at Boston University: 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? Brendan: Boston University is one of the best examples of an urban campus. The campus is almost fully integrated into a two-mile stretch of Commonwealth Avenue, a major street in Bostons Back Bay neighborhood. The campus is fairly safe for an urban school, but the neighborhood where most students live when they move off-campus can be a little rough. The worst thing that you usually have to contend with is burglaries, but we did hear of the occasional mugging over the campus safety alert system. The dorms, on the other hand, are very safe and centrally located. The subway runs along Commonwealth Avenue, and there are several city buses that go through campus, as well. Boston University also has its own shuttle bus service that is free to students. VT: How available are the professors, academic advisers, and teaching assistants? Brendan:Boston Universityis a very large school, so there is a lot of variability in the availability of professors and staff. In my department, Mathematics, professors made themselves very available to students. The advisers were extremely helpful, and the teaching assistants were always around and willing to help. VT: How would you describe the dorm life rooms, dining options, location, socialization opportunities with other students? Brendan:Boston University has a great social culture. There are tons of student organizations and on-campus events. My dorm for the first two years of college was a brownstone filled with students from the School of Music. There is an entire street of small brownstone-style dorms, as well as a few larger complexes, so there are good options for people who want more privacy or more of a community feel. The dining halls had pretty good food for a college setting, and there were plenty of restaurants all over campus. Being right in the city also made it very easy to explore Boston and to go out on the weekends. 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? Brendan:Boston University has pretty good support for all its majors. In particular, I noticed that there is a great International Relations program, and good departments for Education and Business, as well. I studied Mathematics, but I had a second major in Music. The College of Arts and Sciences made it very easy to pursue whatever classes and majors interested you. I chose Mathematics and Music because they are my two favorite subjects. Both majors were very well supported, and Boston University has a particularly good Mathematics department. 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? Brendan:Boston Universitywas a great place for meeting new people. I loved the atmosphere on campus, and I met many lifelong friends in my first few months. I did not get involved in Greek life, but the school does have a vibrant Greek community. VT: How helpful is the Career Centerand other student support services?Do many reputable companies recruit on campus? Brendan:I did not make much use of the Career Center aside from planning for graduate school. Regardless, my experience with the Career Center staff was always positive and helpful. Boston University does have a number of good recruitment events. I know because I worked in the office that helped schedule them. VT: How are the various study areas such aslibraries, the student union, and dorm lounges? Are they over-crowded, easily available, spacious? Brendan:Boston University has great facilities overall, but the library can get crowded around finals, and the student union gets very busy around lunch time. That being said, the university puts a lot of money into the development and expansion of campus facilities. 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? Brendan:Boston is an awesome city, and there are tons of college students and young professionals, which makes it a very fun place to go to school. Students generally vary a lot on whether they stay on campus or go out into the city. I preferred to go out, especially to Cambridge, which is across the river. There is so much culture and activity in the city. VT: How big or small is the student body? Were you generally pleased or displeased with the typical class sizes? Brendan:If I remember correctly, the student body is upwards of 30,000 people when you include graduate students. As a result, introductory classes can often be very large. However, most of my upper-level classes were actually pretty small. That may have had to do with my choice of majors, but I was generally pleased with class sizes. VT: Describe one memorable experience with a professor and/or class. Perhaps one you loved the most or one youregretthe most. Brendan:My favorite experience was doing a presentation for a music history class. I got up in front of the class and played the introduction to Rhapsody in Blue on guitar. Boston Universityis such a big school that you are bound to end up in some unconventional academic situations, and that makes it a really fun place to study. Check out Brendans tutoring profile. The views expressed in this article do not necessarily represent the views of Varsity Tutors.

Introduction to French Grammar How to Ask a Question

Introduction to French Grammar How to Ask a Question Sign up successful Qui a  mangé  mes  bonbons?  (Who ate my candy?) Quest-ce  quil  a  dit?  (What did he say?) [Remember:  Quest-ce  que  gets elided, the last letter replaced with an apostrophe, when its followed by a vowel.] 2. Yes/no questions (Est-ce  que  form). Where English would start a question in a form like Is there or Do you, which require a yes or no answer, French uses the Est-ce  que question form. To create a sentence in this form, simply put the phrase  Est-ce  que  in front of your sentence, which turns it into a question about whether that sentence is true. If it helps, think of this form as saying, Is it true that? Examples: Est-ce  que  vous  avez  un  stylo?  (Do you have a pen?) Est-ce  quelle  aime  les chats?  (Does she like cats?) Est-ce  que  je  peux  aller  au cinema?  (Can I go to the movies?) 3. Subject-verb inversion. This is the tricky one, but while in many cases you can work your way around it. Using the inverted question form when appropriate will make your French sound much more natural and fluid. French grammar considers this the most formal of the three, so watch out for it in polite settings. Just like it sounds, to create an inverted question you switch the places of the subject and the verb: the verb comes up to the head of the sentence, with the subject pronoun immediately following. If youre asking a yes or no question, thats all you have to do; if your question is open-ended, use the relevant question word to start the sentence. Just like before, if the verb ends with a vowel and the subject starts with one, insert a t-  between the two. Examples: Avez-vous  un  stylo?  (Do you have a pen?) Aime-t-elle  les chats?  (Does she like cats?) Qua-t-il  dit?  (What did he say?) Peux-je  aller  au cinema?  (Can I go to the movies?) Now, heres where it gets complicated. Depending on what youre asking, you may have to follow some extra rules: If the subject of your sentence is a noun, not a pronoun, you move the noun up to the start of the sentence on its own, and put a pronoun representing it where the subject should go.  Example:  Marie  a-t-elle  un  stylo?  (Does Marie have a pen?) If the verb has a direct or indirect object pronoun, that pronoun needs to move with the verb.  Example:  Que  ma-t-il  dit?  (What did he say to me?) That above rule also applies to negatives, since theyre also attached to the verb and need to stay with it if you want them to make sense.  Example:  Naime-t-elle  pas les chats?  (Does she not like cats?) It can seem complicated to start with, but keep practicing your French grammar and youll soon be asking questions like a native Parisian! Looking for more help with French grammar? Studying with a French tutor is a great way to see fast results, whether you need to boost your grades or get ready for a trip abroad. Search for a tutor maintenant! 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 Felissy

Scheduling Private Tutorials

Scheduling Private Tutorials How Often Should You Get Private Tutorials? ChaptersAcademic Support for Primary School ChildrenAcademic Support at Secondary SchoolSixth Form or College“Failure is simply the opportunity to begin again, this time more intelligently.” - Henry Ford100,000 pupils leave schooling in the UK each year without basic qualifications. This is quite alarming when you think just how hard it is to find work with qualifications!Pupils can start to struggle as early as primary school so, at the first signs of trouble, you can’t delay, you have to act. You can always get private academic support tutorials who help pupils who are struggling with their schooling.How often they get private tutoring will depend a lot on their age and level. CalumDrama School Entrance Teacher 5.00 (15) £50/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors ToriSpanish Teacher 5.00 (1) £15/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors OliviaSchool support Teacher 5.00 (2) £21/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors MarkESOL (English) Teacher 4.76 (17) £20/h1st les son free!Discover all our tutors YuweiChinese Teacher 4.33 (6) £19/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors JenniferMusic reading Teacher 5.00 (1) £30/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors LouiseAutoCAD Teacher 5.00 (3) £60/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors RickyPercussion Teacher 5.00 (7) £35/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors NicolasGuitar Teacher 5.00 (2) £35/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors MyriamOrganic chemistry Teacher 5.00 (13) £20/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors JonathanEconomics Teacher 5.00 (9) £40/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors Oluwakemi imoleMaths Teacher 5.00 (1) £30/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors AlexPhysics Teacher 5.00 (1) £50/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors AdamSinging Teacher 5.00 (14) £48/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors ValentiniMusic reading Teacher 5.00 (2) £50/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors MilenaMaths Teacher 5.00 (5) £25/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors RashmiEconomics Teacher 5.00 (1) £35/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutorsAcademic Support for Primary School ChildrenPupils can start to struggle with schooling early on in life. For those who struggle as early as primary school, they can feel lost throughout their whole schooling. They’ll probably end up looking to leave education as early as possible. They can feel lost, struggle to make friends, and feel like they can’t talk to the adults. Children can start to struggle with schooling sooner than you think. (Source: Victoria_Borodinova)So how can you fix this problem before it worsens?Firstly, you need to work out the cause of the problem. In primary school, students who struggle often may have issues such as dyslexia, dyspraxia, dysorthography, dyscalculia, or ADHD.  When pupils show signs of learning difficulties, they must seek medical help and work out solutions that will help the child.Academic support is one of these solutions. If they struggle to learn, a private tutor familiar with their learning difficultly can help. In any case, their methodology needs to be adapted to the student being tutored, but there are plenty of tutoring services (including online tutoring) that can help. Choose the tutor according to your child's needs, skills, and rapport with the tutor. (Source: Pexels)In terms of frequency, you’ll need to discuss this with the private tutor. During the first lesson, they’ll talk to the child, analyse their difficulties, and work out a home tutoring programme that will help them to learn better.However, half-hour sessions are usually enough for primary school pupils with learning difficulties or those who struggle at school. Bit by bit, with a few sessions a week, you’ll be able to see them making progress.For younger children, they generally can’t pay attention for any longer than half an hour.Regular lessons are far more important than long lessons. It’s difficult for pupils to progress if they’ve been overwhelmed with new information or can’t remember what they did last time if the previous lesson was ages ago. Academic support needs to be manageable and regular to help the student progress.  Similarly, by the time they go to secon dary school, they don’t want to be started Year 7 behind their peers.Find out more about the benefits of academic support.Academic Support at Secondary SchoolFalling behind in primary school can have knock-on effects for secondary school. However, this doesn’t mean that a student who didn’t struggle in primary school won’t struggle in secondary school. A pupil might get to Year 7 and then start to struggle with their schooling. Adolescence can be complicated and result in falling behind at school. (Source: Pexels)Be it puberty, new teachers, shyness, wanting to fit in, etc. there are plenty of things that can affect a student's schooling in secondary school. Make sure that you keep an eye on your child so that you can take action when necessary.  Academic support can help them get back on their feet if they start to struggle with any of their subjects.Each pupil will have different needs according to their struggles. However, starting secondary school is already stressful enough without being inundated with academic support work. The academic support needs to work with their timetable and not exhaust them.You need to keep an eye on their workload, too. Private academic tutorials need to fit around the work they’re getting from school, too. For example, if a child struggles with maths, you might want to schedule their academic support tutorials for a day they don’t have maths class at school. The same fo r physics, chemistry, English, etc.This is also a good way to get into a rhythm. Of course, nothing’s set in stone. If they fail an exam, for example, you can always schedule another lesson.  Whether they’re studying maths, English, French, or science, the academic support tutorials shouldn’t be too intensive during the school year. At most, a couple of hour-long sessions a week should be enough for most students. You can always get more sessions during the holidays when they don’t have school. After all, it's much easier to focus on trigonometry, for example, when you've got nothing else to worry about.It’s probably a good idea to get in touch with a private tutor in August so that they can get everything ready for moving up to the next year in September. It’s always a good idea to start the year right without any lingering concerns from the previous year.  Similarly, you can do the same between terms.Find out more about the cost of academic support.Sixth Form or Colleg eBy the time students are doing exams, you might want an established timetable for their academic support tutorials. Routine is really important for teenagers, especially with their learning. Sixth formers might feel they have priorities other than studying. (Source: nastya_gepp)A lot of teenagers find their GCSEs, sixth form, or college to be stressful. They spend a lot of their time sitting exams. Similarly, from GCSE to sixth form or college, students are regularly taking exams each term or each academic year.Students need to organise their work and they also need to have the right study techniques to make the most out of their revision. Not every student will know what these are.In this case, an academic support tutor can help students with study techniques to make their learning more effective. Don’t hesitate to revise during the summer holidays, for example. Academic support tutorials allow primary school and secondary school pupils to get the most out of their learning.Intensive courses can be done during the half-terms and summer holidays. This is useful for pupils preparing for their GCSEs or A Levels, for example. They won’t have to cram for a few weeks befo rehand.You might want to schedule a few sessions of exam and test prep and study skills for them. Struggling students can benefit from academic support tutorials but only around 2 or 3 hours of them a week.Don’t hesitate to get in touch with the tutors on Superprof to help your child get over their difficulties. No matter there level, you’ll be able to find a tutor who’s ready to help them.So how many hours a week of private academic support tutorials does your child need?This is something you have to discuss with a face-to-face or online tutor. Academic tutoring comes in all shapes and sizes, after all.While science tutors may adopt one way to go about their private tuition, language tutors may have entirely different approaches. The important thing is that regardless of whether a student is getting one-on-one tutoring from a French tutor or physics tutor, the private tuition needs to be tailored to them.No matter what subject you need help with or which skills you want to le arn, you can find experienced and talented private tutors on Superprof. Regardless of the subject, there are three main types of private tutorial available: one-on-one tutorials, online tutorials, and group tutorials. Each has its pros and cons and some types work better for certain subjects than others.One-on-one private tutorials are between you and your tutor. The lessons will be tailored to you, your goals, and your learning style. Since this entails a lot of work outside of class from the tutor, you'll probably pay a premium for them. However, with every minute in class spent teaching you, these are also the most cost-effective type of tutorials available.Online tutorials are similar to private tutorials since they are between a single student and tutor but the tutor isn't physically in the room with you and is instead teaching you remotely via a webcam. With fewer expenses and the ability to schedule more tutorials each week, the tutor can charge less per hour and they often d o.Finally, group tutorials are when several students are taught in a single class by a private tutor. These students may already know each other or be strangers. You won't have the tutor's undivided attention like in the other types of private tutorials but the cost of the tutorial will be divided amongst all of the students in attendance, making it cheaper per student per hour.Many of the tutors offer free tutoring for the first hour so try a few out and see which type of tutorial and which tutor is best for you.

The First Thing Beginners Should Learn on the Guitar

The First Thing Beginners Should Learn on the Guitar Madalyn Danielson Whether youve just started guitar lessons or youre teaching yourself, the best way to learn guitar is by starting with this one, basic thing. Guitar teacher  Jerry W.  explains The first thing a beginner needs to learn on the guitar is how to tune. An out-of-tune guitar will  make even the best player sound bad. The best way to learn guitar is to first learn how to tune it. Then, everything you play will sound better, and the whole musical world will thank you! I recommend you tune your guitar before every guitar lesson, practice session and certainly before any  performance. In the end, training your ear to know what it sounds like to play in tune is the best way to learn guitar. In this post, I will  show you three ways to tune your guitar. 1. Using a Tuner The easiest tuning method is to use a tuner. There are many types of tuners, including ones  designed specifically for the guitar. If you have a smart phone, you can simply download an  app for tuning your guitar. I personally use PitchLab on my phone. When using a tuner,  make sure you are tuning to the correct pitches. The strings, from lowest to highest,  should be tuned to E2, A2, D3, G3, B3 and E4. I recommend that you also learn to tune your guitar  by ear. Why is this important? Because  you can still tune your guitar if you forget your tuner or your phone is dead. Even more  importantly, it will help develop your ear for pitch. There are two methods of tuning the guitar by ear. Both methods require having the lowest-sounding string in tune. To do this, find a piano or someone who is already in tune and match  your bottom string to their E pitch. If you are just practicing, then you can tune the E2 string  using your tuner. In fact, if you are just practicing on your own, you can simply tune to the  lowest-sounding string. Even if it isnt perfectly on pitch, at least the guitar will be in tune with  itself. 2. The Fifth Fret Method 1. Play the lowest string (E2) at the fifth fret, and then tune the A2 string to this pitch. When tuning to a note, it is best to loosen the tuning peg until you are below the pitch, and then bring it up until both strings sound like one pitch. 2. Play the A string you just tuned at the fifth fret, and then tune the D3 string to this pitch. 3. Play the D string at the fifth fret, and tune the G3 string to this pitch. 4. The next string is different from all the others. Play the G string at the 4th fret, and tune  the B3 string to this pitch. 5. Finally play the B string at the fifth fret, and tune the E4 string to this pitch. 3. The Harmonics Method 1. This method requires being able to play harmonics. To play a harmonic lightly, touch a  string at the fifth fret, and pull your finger away as you pluck the string. This should  produce a higher, more bell-like sound. It usually takes some practice to get this to  work well. Harmonics can be easily produced at the fifth, seventh and twelfth frets. 2. Play the harmonic on the fifth fret of the lowest string (E2). Then, play the harmonic on  the seventh fret of the A2 string, and tune it to the E string. Due to the pure sound of  harmonics, it is easier to hear whether you are perfectly in tune. 3. Repeat this for each string, using the fifth fret harmonic to tune the seventh fret harmonic of  the next string, except for the B string. You will have to tune the B string using either  the fifth fret method or a tuner, because the harmonics method does not work for this string. Now that you have learned to tune your guitar, go out and make the world a better place for all  music lovers by always playing with an in-tune guitar! Jerry W. teaches classical guitar, composition, trombone and  trumpet  in Grosse Pointe, MI.  He received his Bachelor of Music in Theory and Composition from  Cornerstone University and went on to receive both his Masters and PhD in Music Composition from  Michigan State University. Jerry has been making music and teaching students for over thirty years.    Learn more about Jerry W. 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 A Klar

4 Alternate Guitar Tunings for Beginners

4 Alternate Guitar Tunings for Beginners Maile Proctor Whether you just started guitar lessons or youve been playing for a while, you may be itching to learn some new songs and take on some new challenges. You might be wondering: where can I go from here? Thats where alternate guitar tunings come in! With this guide from Michael L., youll learn how alternate guitar tunings can take your playing to the next level One of the amazing things about the guitar is its versatility. Not only can you play rhythm and/or melody in different genres, but you can also change the tuning (or the key) to create different atmospheres. Heres the deal: Not all songs are written to be played in standard E-A-D-G-B-E tuning, so if you want to expand your range as a guitarist, you need to learn play some alternate guitar tunings. Alternate guitar tunings, or open tunings, allow you to play new songs and explore new music styles. Essentially, alternate guitar tunings will expand your range and skill set. If the only alternate tuning you know is  Drop D tuning, then this tutorial will introduce you to some new concepts. We will focus on  three open  tunings: Open G, DADGAD, and Open D. Alternate Guitar Tunings for Beginners Drop D Tuning You may already be familiar with  drop D tuning:  Take your low E string and tune it down a whole step to D. In this tuning, you can play power chords by barring the low three strings. Drop D tuning is usually  associated with metal music, but you can also play other songs like  the Foo Fighters Everlong and I Might Be Wrong by Radiohead. Open G Tuning Open G tuning requires three strings to change notes. Tune the E strings down a whole step to D, and the A string down a whole step to G. Now when you strum the guitar, youll  play a G chord. This tuning makes the guitar resemble a banjo, except with  a banjo, the low G string is a high G string and the low D is not there. You can play some banjo songs in this tuning, substituting the high G with the low G offers a new sound on some traditional banjo songs. I primarily use this tuning for blues, folk, bluegrass, and rock, but Im sure you can find other genres to play in this tuning. A couple of songs that use this tuning are Poor Black Mattie by R.L Burnside and Death Letter by Son House (or covered by White Stripes). The beauty of open G tuning  is that you can strum the bottom five strings together and play a melody with any of the strings as long as the note is in the key G. You can also get any major chord you like if you barre the fretboard on the corresponding right fret (the chord is based off the notes on the G strings). If you want a minor chord, barre the fret but play a half-step lower, on the B string. Alternating between the low G and D strings gives you fun bass lines, too. If you would like to learn more chord shapes simply look online for banjo chord chart and apply those shapes to the guitar in this tuning. DAGAD Tuning DADGAD is very similar to open G.  For this tuning, just tune the fifth  string back up to A and the B string to A. This tuning opens the door for some really neat sounding modal music. You can play folk music, like Paul Simons version of Scarborough Fair and Armistice Day, some rock music like Led Zeppelins Kashmir, or even nu-metal like Slipknots Circle. Open D Tuning Open D tuning requires four strings to change notes. Tune the E strings down to D, the G string to F#, and the B string to A. Now, when you strum the guitar, youll get a D chord. Again, I mostly use this tuning for rural music (blues, country, bluegrass, ragtime, etc.) This tuning is also my favorite to  play the slide guitar. Go ahead and  strum steadily on the low D string while playing melody notes on the high D and A strings, and tell me thats not one of the most sultry sounds youve heard! A couple of my favorite songs in open D are Blind Willie McTell by Statesboro Blues and Bob Dylans Corina, Corina. As with open G, you can find any major chord by barring the corresponding fret (the chord is based off the note on the D strings). If you want a minor chord, play a half-step down on the F# string. Here are a couple of open D chords, besides barre chords, to get you started. G7 A7 3 2 2 0 1 1 0 2 2 0 0 2 I hope this gives you some new ideas on how to approach the guitar. Have fun with these alternate guitar tunings. They changed the way I think of guitar and I hope they do  the same for  you, especially if youre a fan of delta blues and folk music! If you need help with any of  these alternate guitar tunings, ask your guitar teacher to go over them during your next lesson! Want to ramp up your guitar skills at home? Try one of our free online group classes!   Post Author:  Michael  L. Michael teaches ukulele, guitar, drums, and music theory in Austin, TX. He studied music theory and vocal performance at the Florence University of the Arts in Italy. In addition to private lessons, Michael teaches music to special education students in Austin public schools and foster children with Kids in a New Groove.  Learn more about Michael 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

Ambitious Introverts 7 Simple Insider Tips to Get You Promoted - Introvert Whisperer

Introvert Whisperer / Ambitious Introverts 7 Simple Insider Tips to Get You Promoted - Introvert Whisperer Ambitious Introverts: 7 Simple Insider Tips to Get You Promoted Introvert or not, most of us are ambitious even if we don’t openly admit it. Certainly, the majority of us are always looking for more pay and growth. However, sometimes a promotion seems elusive for us Ambitious Introverts, and we’re left not knowing exactly what to do next. Does that sound like you? If you’re pondering what your next move is to get promoted, consider following these tips. Just so you know, I’ve had hundreds of people reporting to me over the years, which mean evaluating them for possible promotion was ongoing. Tip #1: Know Your Performance Expectations All too many people are clueless about what is expected of them and how they will be measured. Rest assured that you are being measured even if it is only in the mind of your management. If you are barely meeting their expectations, you can’t expect a promotion until you get this basic in place for a while. Tip #2: Know What It Takes to Get Promoted Again, a simple task but overlooked by most. Go ask your management specific skills they would like to see from you to get you to that next level. Tip #3: Take On More Take on a task or project typically performed at the next level. This will not only show you have initiative but it will show you can perform at the next level. Tip #4: Get Visibility to Your Accomplishments It’s not enough to simply work hard and get great results. You need to ensure that your results are visible to the decision makers. Consider doing a status report or presentation if appropriate. If not those things, at least stop by their office and give them an update. Tip #5: Take Responsibility As you go up the food chain, you usually take on more responsibility. Demonstrate you are responsible for yourself and others by asking to lead a project or train someone. Tip #6: Speak Up A tough one for introverts many times is contributing to discussions. You can gain visibility by simply speaking up, but also it shows you’re engaged. No one likes to promote someone that doesn’t show interest or engagement in the work. Tip #7: Get a Mentor We aren’t always objective about what or how well we do things. It may not be any easier to hear improvement input from the boss. A well-chosen mentor should be able to tell you how you are doing in such a way that you will “hear” it and do something with it. Your mentor should be at a higher level than you and have enough experience and insight that they can help guide you toward your goals. A third party is seriously helpful to your career. Make sure your expectations of a promotion are realistic to the business situation you are in. If the business is struggling or just had a layoff, it may be a while before anyone feels inclined to pay you more. If you do a few simple things on a consistent basis and keep the lines of communication open with your management, you are well on your way to a bigger paycheck. Go to top Bonus Tip: Let me emphasize that Self-Promotion doesn’t have to be obnoxious to be effective.  But, if you don’t Self-Promote you, who will?  If you ever want to get ahead, you have to learn how to Self-Promote. I want to help you accelerate your career by connecting you with your Free Instant Access to my video that shows you simple, yet effective ways to Self-Promote.    Start watching now! What one thing will you do next to reach for your next promotion? Image: Photobucket

Spring 2013 ACT tutoring at AJ Tutoring

Spring 2013 ACT tutoring at AJ Tutoring As the March 2013 SAT approaches, its time to start thinking about your next steps with standardized testing.  Like the SAT, the ACT is accepted by all colleges and may be a good option for you.  If youre interested in learning more about the ACT, read on!Differences between the SAT and ACT include:ACT questions are generally more straightforward, while SAT questions involve deeper critical thinkingThe ACT has a science section, unlike the SATThe SAT tests more vocabularyThe SAT is split up into more sectionsThe ACT is a faster-paced testMath on the SAT only includes algebra and geometry, while math on the ACT includes more advanced trigonometryWhile its often true that students who enjoy puzzles and logic games prefer the SAT and literal thinkers prefer the ACT, it can be hard to predict which test will be a better fit for you.AJ Tutoring recommends that students take both the SAT and ACT, since both tests are accepted equally by colleges.  Students are always welcome to take a d iagnostic ACT at AJ Tutorings offices on Saturdays.  Well then score the test and compare it to your SAT scores to determine which test might be a better fit.  If the scores are similar, you should plan on sitting for both tests in the spring of junior year.We know that preparing for standardized tests can involve a significant investment of time and money.  With that in mind, we created our shorter ACT hybrid program.Primarily intended for students who have already completed AJ Tutorings full SAT program, the ACT hybrid program is shorter (3-4 sessions) and focuses on the differences between the two tests.  Our ACT hybrid program emphasizes the faster pace of the ACT, as well as the ACT science section and the different format of the English section.  Each student who completes the ACT hybrid program will take at least two full-length ACT exams, either at home or proctored at our office.AJ Tutoring also offers a comprehensive 8-9 session ACT program for those students who woul d prefer more comprehensive instruction and a greater number of practice tests.The ACT is offered on two Saturdays in spring 2013: April 13, 2013 and June 8, 2013.  To register for the ACT, please consult the ACTs website.  Many students who take the January or March SAT go on to take the ACT in April, and students who take the May SAT often take the June ACT.  With 5 or more weeks between the two tests, there is plenty of time for students to prepare for the ACT and maximize their chances of success on both tests.If youd like to sign up for ACT tutoring or speak with a director to develop a testing plan for 2013, please give us a call at (650) 331-3251, or email info@ajtutoring.com.  Were looking forward to talking with you!

Falling In Love With Tango A Lesson in English Phrasal Verbs

Falling In Love With Tango A Lesson in English Phrasal Verbs by Muireann PrendergastIn English, phrasal verbs are idiomatic expressions or commonly used two-word phrases following the rules:Verb + prepositionOrVerb + adverb Some phrasal verbs are transitive which means they require a direct object.The thief broke into my house.I have to look after my brother.The remaining phrasal verbs are intransitive which means they require no direct object.Can you please calm down.She always loved to dress up.In order to learn about phrasal verbs effectively, it is a good idea to start by understanding when and how they are used, rather than just learning a list of them by heart.Here is a short piece on Tango to demonstrate the use of phrasal verbs. See if you can spot which ones are transitive and which ones are not. It takes at least two words to tango with English phrasal verbs.At 4 o’clock on a Sunday afternoon tourists walk through an antique market in downtown Buenos Aires. They chatter amongst themselves but, above this, loud music sounds from a nearby public square. A large group of tourists obscures the view except for flashes of movement as a couple dances the Tango.It is easy to be seduced by the spectacle. He (1)puts on a black silk shirt and trousers, with suspenders and a hat. His partner (2) slips on a red dress with asymmetrical hemline, fringes and black fishnet tights. The heels of her shoes are the highest imaginable. Onlookers elbow each other to capture on film the glamour and of two people responding to each other in perfect synchronicity.The Tango began in Argentina at the start of the 20th century when immigrants from Europe gathered together in Buenos Aires to (3)look for a new and better life. However, many failed and, unable to (4)live off the land on the Argentine plains, they (5)lived in poverty on the streets of Buenos Aires. The Tango was a child born of this poverty and developed as these immigrants (6)turned to the bars and brothels of the Argentine capital for solace in their loneliness. Since Bue nos Aires was a city with a higher male than female population the Tango, when it (7)started out, was danced between men to win over ladies. It is said that men had three dances to prove themselves before the lady in question made her choice, forcing the unlucky suitors to (8)stand aside.Argentinas upper classes (9)turned away from Tango due to its humble origins. However, they were forced to change their attitude when fashionable societies in Paris and New York (10)fell in love with the Tango after it was brought to Europe and The United States by Argentine emigrants. Its international popularity really (11) took off with the emergence of legendary Tango-singer Carlos Gardel, who sold out venues in Europe and even starred in U.S. made Paramount movies.Today, as we see on the streets of Buenos Aires, the appeal of the Tango has endured to the present day. Tourists (12)turn up in droves to watch and film dancing couples every day of the week. Indeed, Tango has (13)taken on a new, mod ern fanbase thanks to the emergence of electronic, beat-based tango music from bands like France-based, Gotan Project and Argentine/Uruguayan combo, Bajofondo Tango Club. Such is the popularity of the Tango that you don’t even have to (14) go to Buenos Aires to see it. You can enjoy it from your own living room thanks to films like Scent of A Woman, Evita and Strictly Ballroom.How did you do?See the answers below:TransitiveTransitiveTransitiveTransitiveTransitiveTransitiveIntransitiveIntransitiveTransitiveTransitiveIntransitiveIntransitiveTransitiveTransitiveGot questions? Email us or ask them in comments below.Sign up for our English classes. Inscribéte para nuestros cursos de inglés.If you found this lesson helpful, feel free to share it on Facebook and Twitter.