Why I Started Learning English Through History

Why I Started Learning English Through HistoryWhen I first learned English, I also learned through history. I know that learning a new language can be tricky but with some practice and patience, learning English through history may work for you.I learned English through history because my mother learned it from her grandmother who was born in England. She lived in America but she always knew how to speak the English language. My grandparents spoke the English language, but they also had their own accents that made me sound more English.I still felt somewhat American, so I started to learn English through history. I looked at my English classes and I noticed that most of them were American. I realized that I still wanted to be treated just like I would treat any other American if I were to visit. This was how I learned English through history.You should never feel intimidated about speaking English. There are plenty of people who do not have good English skills. It is really not as ha rd as it seems. English is a very beautiful language that has been around for centuries and it is a very easy language to learn.The main way that English has been used is through history. I think this is a great reason to learn it today. The common man needs to know what the world has to offer. Learning English through history is a good way to learn.However, if you do not feel comfortable with the English you are learning, don't worry. Learning English through history is not a get rich quick scheme. It will take time and effort.I know that most of my teachers also did not feel comfortable with English. They were from England but their family members did not have much English. So, they learned English through history. This is actually an advantage because it allows you to use English as a second language.Now that you know a little bit about why I started learning English through history, you can see how it works for you. You should learn English through history because there are lots of opportunities to practice.

The Ultimate List of Blogs for Learning Languages

The Ultimate List of Blogs for Learning Languages The Ultimate List of Blogs for Learning Languages Textbooks only contain what can fit between two covers.Videos come to an end.Even your favorite language teacher eventually runs out of breath and stops talking.All your standard learning resources are finite.But realizing the limitations of your language learning tools doesnt have to fill you with existential dread.You can enjoy unlimited learning resources forever! Because language learning blogs exist.Blogs offer a huge array of material for anyone learning any language at any proficiency level, making them a flexible and awesome learning option.Below, well look at more than 25 diverse blogs for language learning. Well also link you to additional resources depending on what language youre learningâ€"all in all, were talking well over a hundred blog recommendations with something for everyone.So bookmark, get comfortable and enjoy. Why Use Blogs to Learn a Language?Blogs often offer  huge amounts of learning material in their archives. This means that even if the latest posts don t suit your learning needs, all you have to do is peruse the archives to find lots of material that might be more appropriate for your current level or goals.Plus, since new posts usually are added often, blogs are a self-replenishing resource. Youll never run out of material again!Finally, blogs are typically  free.  You can use as many as you like, mix and match or just look around to see which you like best without spending a dime. Some of the content offered by blogs is just as high-quality as textbooks and courses. This makes blogs the deal of the century.Types of Blogs You Can Use to Learn a LanguageGeneral Learner/Multilingual BlogsGeneral learner and/or multilingual blogs usually focus on learning languages in general. Common posts include information like learning tips and tricks, general resources and information on different languages.Language-specific Learner BlogsLanguage-specific learner blogs focus on helping you learn one particular language. These typically offer vo cabulary lists, posts on specific grammar rules and information on resources to learn the target language.Authentic BlogsAuthentic blogs are those blogs that are intended for native speakers of the language in which theyre written. For language learners, authentic blogs serve as terrific real-world reading practice.For best results, mix and match using all of the above. In the list below, well cover all three of these blog types, including learner and authentic blogs for 10 different languages.The Ultimate List of Blogs for Learning LanguagesGeneral and Multilingual Learning BlogsLanguage TsarLanguage Tsar is run by a world traveler who has studied 10 languages.   As such, posts cover travel, general language learning tips, differences between languages and more. For instance, any language student can benefit from How to learn better pronunciation in 7 steps!  while some will benefit from more specific posts like  How different is Russian from Ukrainian?Plus, if youre looking for re ading practice in your target language, Language Tsar also offers posts in Catalan, Dutch, French, German, Irish, Italian, Portuguese, Romanian, Russian, Spanish and Ukrainian.FluentU Language and Culture BlogsYes, youre reading a language learning blog right now! Pretty meta, when you think about it. And FluentU blogs have a lot to offer language learners. There are frequently new posts on topics ranging from resources to learning tips to the latest language learning technology. For instance, you might enjoy our  post on virtual reality language learning.In addition to the General Learner blog, which youre currently reading, FluentU offers a number of other blogs dedicated to specific languages, including Arabic, Chinese, English, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Portuguese, Russian and Spanish. An additional blog helps anyone learning business English.There are even blogs designed to help speakers of Japanese, Korean,  Portuguese, Russian, Spanish  and Turkish learn Engl ish. And, if you happen to be a teacher, you might like the General Educator blog  or blogs dedicated to educators of specific languages.Why, yes, that is a lot of helpful language blogs. Thank you for noticing!Subscribe to our weekly newsletter using the field at the bottom of the page and well send you free weekly updates with links to all the latest posts, along with information about exciting new FluentU features.If youre a FluentU user, its even better, because we make flashcard sets that correspond to blog posts for our video learning program. FluentU takes real-world videos (think news, commercials, movie trailers, music videos and vlogs) and turns them into personalized language learning lessons. Flashcard sets from vocabulary-based posts are focused around specific themes, but pull material from videos all across the platform so you can see words and phrases in authentic contexts.Start using  FluentU on the website  with your computer or tablet  or, better yet,  download th e FluentU app from  the iTunes store  or from the  Google Play store  to access material on your Android and iOS devices.The LinguistThe Linguist is run by Steve Kaufmann, who claims to speak a jealousy-inducing 16 languages. While the website also promotes some learning products you can buy, the blog routinely posts helpful free information. Some posts focus on providing guidance for learning specific languages, but most focus on tips that you can apply when studying any language. For instance, the post on how to learn vocabulary fast  offers some helpful personal insight on vocabulary acquisition.Many of the posts mention LingQ, Steves own program, a platform that focuses on bringing authentic materials into the language learning experience. LingQ also offers tracking features and ways to socialize with a language learning community for support and information.Lindsay Does LanguagesLindsay Does Languages is targeted at inspiring independent language learners + online teachers. And with so much great material out there, who wouldnt want to be an independent language learner? Lindsay herself is an avid language learner and teacher.There are usually a few new blog posts each month. Most posts focus on lessons you can apply across languages, like how to stay motivated. However, there are also a number of beginner-level posts for specific languages, such as 9 Reasons to Learn Swedish  (spoiler alert: for greater ease in acquiring pickled herring did not make the list).Fluent LanguageFounded by a native German speaker who has studied at least six languages, Fluent Language offers courses, toolkits and a podcast. But lets get to the good stuff: the blog.New posts are added about once a week. Some posts focus on specific language advice, like 9 of the Best Podcasts for Learning German,  but most focus on more general topics that can apply to any language learner, such as Network Your Way to Better Language Skills and a Better Life.In addition to the blogs above and below, you can find more general blogs for language learning here, and more general, multilingual and language-specific blogs here.ArabicThe Arabic LearnerIf youre looking for a great Arabic blog, The Arabic Learner is a good place to start. While it sadly hasnt been updated in a while, there are plenty of older posts to help you learn Arabic. Topics include resources (like apps and classes) and tips and tricks for interacting, maintaining your enthusiasm and learning effectively. For instance, Arabic vocabulary how to increase it will give you tips for learning more words.7iber7iber is an Arabic organization based out of Jordan that focuses on multimedia journalism. Because different laws apply to news organizations and blogs, there has been some debate as to 7ibers status, but whatever you call it, its a great tool for Arabic students.7iber produces original content covering news and current events, so reading the blog is a helpful way to learn about culture along with practicing your language skills. Plus, some articles are also available in English. For instance, this Arabic article about cyber crime law  is  also available in English.Looking for more Arabic reading material? Heres a list of 15 Arabic blogs that starts with bilingual blogs and increases in difficulty.ChineseHacking ChineseThe Hacking Chinese  blog is terrific for anyone looking to learn the language. The blog features challenges, games, resources and learning strategies to help students get the most out of their study time. There are even some particularly unique posts that you wont find elsewhere, like this one in which the narrator plays a Chinese video game  while describing it in English to help viewers understand whats going on.If youre learning Chinese, there are more great Chinese learning blogs out there.Sina blogSina blog is a Chinese blogging service run by a large Chinese technology company. A number of different bloggers use this platform, so blogs cover a huge array of topics , including entertainment, sports, history, food, education, fashion, parenting and so much more.One blogger Chinese students might want to follow is Chinese actress/director  Xu Jinglei, who  China Daily  once reported was the worlds most popular blogger, though shes no longer adding new posts. Astrologically-minded learners might also enjoy reading their daily horoscope in Chinese.There are plenty more authentic Chinese blogs available for learners, including some that are conveniently bilingual.FrenchFrench TodayIn addition to their French audiobooks and audio lessons for learners, French Today offers a variety of articles on both French vocab and grammar as well as French culture. Posts are divided into helpful categories for easy navigation. The blog is updated every week and you can subscribe to a newsletter to be notified of new articles.While posts are written by multiple bloggers, a good number are by Camille and Olivier, the founders of the French Today products and site, so there are sometimes tie-ins with specific lessons or books. You can access the blog and peruse their collection of audiobooks here.And dont worry about running out of material. More great French learning blogs  are readily available for learners.Le Monde  (The World)There are lots of great authentic French blogs  out there, but if youre looking to stay up-to-date on the latest news, Le Mondes blogs might be your blog soulmate.Le Monde  is a daily newspaper based out of Paris. There website offers a section specifically dedicated to blogs. Every day, several posts related to news and culture appear on this page. For instance, science-minded French students might like this article about an astronomical event.Here are some more incredible blogs on a variety of subjects for advanced learners, and learners of all levels can benefit from checking out more French news resources.GermanGerman is easy!If you love yourself some German blogs, this is one youll want to add to your arsenal (pe rhaps daily, even).The website address might be a bit misleading because it isnt updated daily, but new posts do appear every few days. Most of these posts are word of the day-style posts. But dont be fooled! You wont get a new vocabulary word and a simple definition. Instead, each post offers plenty of information on the word, its possible meanings, related words, several example sentences and even audio examples. For instance, this post on treten  (to tread) will provide you with an in-depth discussion of the verb.You can check out more blogs for German learners here.Mit Vergnügen (My Pleasure)If authentic German blogs  are more your speed,  Mit Vergnügen  may, in fact, be your pleasure.Mit Vergnügen  focuses on events and culture in Berlin, including nightlife, restaurants, theater, music and more. This gives you the opportunity to practice your German while learning about all the coolest things and places in Berlin. For instance, German students traveling solo to Berlin might like this post on bars where you can drink alone.And this is just the tip of the iceberg. There are lots more blogs in German that are perfect for learners.ItalianCyber ItalianItalian blogs  and gelato are impossible to resist. And while gelato may taste better, Italian blogs offer way more learning opportunities. Take, for instance, Cyber Italian.Cyber Italian  is updated about once a week, providing listening exercises, dual-language readings, cultural information, grammar rules and more. For instance, this post  offers some brief geographic information, maps and a quiz in Italian.Csaba dalla Zorza  (Csaba from Zorza)Csaba dalla Zorza  is a lifestyle blog dedicated to food. Italian food is amazing, so reading about Italian food in Italian is next-level awesome.Blog posts cover travel, kitchen items, food trends and recipesâ€"yes, recipes. For instance, you might want to read this post on New Years recipes for festive treats that youll want to enjoy way more than once a year (with a side of language learning, of course).Here are some more cool Italian blogs (both authentic and learning-based) for your enjoyment.JapaneseTofuguIn the world of Japanese learning blogs, Tofugu reigns supreme. Tofugu is dedicated to discussing the Japanese language and culture.Language-related posts cover topics like resources, translators, study techniques and more. One helpful post for independent learners is 12 Ways to Answer Your Own Questions About Japanese, which provides some helpful ideas for how to find answers if you dont have a teacher.Check out more top-rated Japanese learning blogs, and youll be well on your way to fluency.??????? (Doing Nothing)Authentic Japanese blogs are a great way to strengthen your reading skills like youre in training for a language sumo match.??????? is a personal blog that focuses on the writers life in a small, rural town. Not only will this help you practice your reading skills, it will familiarize you with everyday vocabulary and teach you about small-town life in Japan. For instance, this post  discusses the weather and the writers work, lunch and cat.More Japanese blogs about travel, food, culture and lifestyle await you.KoreanLearn Korean through K-POPWhen you need a fun  Korean blog, Learn Korean through K-POP will always fit the bill.Learn Korean through K-POP is a blog dedicated entirely to helping you learn a language with the international music phenomenon. Each post contains a video of a song and then breaks down the lyrics one line at a time, sharing the Korean and its English translation. Theres even a quiz at the end to help you see how much you learned. For instance, if you want to improve your Korean with a danceable beat, you might look at the post on Bad Boy by Red Velvet.If and when you decide to venture outside of K-pop in your learning experience, there are a variety of quality Korean learning blogs available to teach you the language.?? (Heopop)Authentic Korean bloggers also provide a great learni ng tool to Korean learners.  ?? is one addicting option.?? is most known for antics and stunts. Posts often relate to general topics. The blog also contains video content, so you can get both reading and listening practice. Do note, however, that you need to log in to access this content.PortugueseStreet Smart BrazilPortuguese blogs  like Street Smart Brazil  are just the thing you need to take your Portuguese skills to the next level.Street Smart Brazils main focus is Portuguese lessons, but their blog offers up some unbeatable free learning content. There are usually one or two posts per month, and they focus on useful topics like vocabulary, phrases and culture. For instance, if you enjoy a good beverage, you might want to read the post Heres How to Order Your Soft Drink in Brazil.Check out other Portuguese learning blogs to cover even more of the language.O Antagonista (The Antagonist)If you like your Brazilian bloggers  to teach you language skills while serving up the latest n ews,  O Antagonista  has your back.O Antagonista  is a news blog created by two journalists from Brazil. The blog covers current events, politics, culture and more. For instance, Portuguese students might like to read this brief article  about a politician saying that Rio de Janeiro wasnt ready for Carnival.Best of all, there are several new posts each day, so youll never run out of content (unless youre a super fast reader).Check out more excellent Brazilian bloggers here.RussianExplore RussianRussian learning blogs  are as beautiful as new fallen snow, and Explore Russian is no exception.Explore Russian combines video and text for a well-rounded learning experience.  While it hasnt been updated recently, its archives are home to plenty of great learning material. Posts include on-location videos, word lists, grammar lessons and more. For instance, in Russian Cases on the Street,  the host asks everyday Russians to explain Russian cases. The blog post also comes with a helpful list of examples.If you want more of the crème de la Kremlin of Russian learning blogs, look no further than this list.??????? ?????????  (Alexei Navalny)Though controversial, Alexei Navalny is one of the most well-known  Russian bloggers. Navalny is a prominent lawyer and political activist who has been critical of Putin. His blog, to which new posts are added almost daily, focuses primarily on politics and corruption, so its a helpful way to learn more about political conflict in Russia while you brush up on your reading skills. One article Russian students may enjoy is this one that discusses a historical photo  and how it relates to current situations.Heres a variety of blogs for further reading to teach you about the Russian language and culture.SpanishLearn Spanish a little at a time!This is one of the most approachable  Spanish learning blogs  out there.Its a Tumblr that focuses primarily on resharing brief posts that will be useful to Spanish learners. These include posts on vo cabulary, expressions, learning tips and more. While its updated less consistently, youll find some great posts if you scroll through the archives. For instance, the post New Years Resolutions in Spanish  is a fun and festive way to learn vocabulary related to changes you might want to make in your life.If you think this blog looks pretty awesome for your Spanish studies, theres plenty more where that came from.Vivir al Máximo (Live to the Limit)Sure, there are plenty of authentic Spanish blogs, but few are quite like  Vivir al Máximo.  Vivir al Máximo  is a blog out of Spain dedicated to living life to the fullest. Posts cover entrepreneurship, travel, work, self-help topics and more. For instance, Spanish learners might enjoy a post that discusses some of the adventures the author has enjoyed along with why hes tired of traveling.Here are a few more blogs in Spanish for your reading practice and enjoyment.These 25 blogs will keep you rolling in language learning resources!

Canadian International School Amman

Canadian International School Amman Canadian International School Amman Canadian International School Amman is a private school located in Amman, Jordan offering a bilingual English/Arabic learning environment to students. The curriculum used comes from Alberta, Canada and is ranked among the top 5 in the world. CIS Amman is a new facility and offers SMART Boards in classrooms, wifi, a school gymnasium, a school cafeteria, a new playground to students. CIS Amman focuses on the development of literacy and numeracy skills for students, and has capped class sizes at 20 per class. CIS Amman offers a positive working environment to teachers as school staff are friendly and supportive. The school, located in an upscale neighbourhood in Amman, is in a very safe area close to Embassies and services. Amman is an extremely safe city, as is Jordan as a country. Jordan offers many tourist sites to visit including: The Dead Sea, Petra, Wadi Rum and Jeresh. Jordan is also well situated to benefit from travel to other countries during school vacations. Expatriate teachers are offered: A competitive salary furnished accommodation or a housing allowance a return ticket from point of residence medical benefits

AP Chemistry High School - What Is It?

AP Chemistry High School - What Is It?If you are thinking about joining AP Chemistry High School you should seriously consider how much you enjoy science and how much you enjoy mathematics. There are many things to consider before you enroll, but the one thing that is almost certain is that AP Chemistry High School will not be easy. For this reason you need to have good preparation.You should make sure that you take a good number of introductory classes that will show you how to work with math problems, and then you should do your homework in some of the advanced courses like Homework, Solving Problems, and Problem-Solving in Elementary School Science Projects. I cannot stress enough how important this is.Study each of the subjects that are required for your course. Even if you do not love them, it is important to learn them well. They will serve as the foundation for your own learning experience and they are fundamental for AP Chemistry High School.When you are ready to take more ad vanced courses, I recommend that you first focus on some of the basic science courses like biology, chemistry, and physics. At the end of this year you should have a good understanding of these subjects. Then you can move on to the other subjects.Make sure that you follow the timetable that the college or university has set up for the past semesters. The last semester of college, or the last semester of high school will require some revisions, and if you miss them you may find yourself facing difficulties in AP Chemistry High School.Do your best to plan well so that you do not miss any of the deadlines and meet your semester schedule. You do not want to drop classes for any reason and miss out on a good academic opportunity.Before you take your AP Chemistry HighSchool, I would highly recommend that you take one of the correct coursework for your grade. Make sure that you spend some time taking this course, and it will pay off big in the long run.

What Is Saturation Chemistry?

What Is Saturation Chemistry?If you've been studying applied or online chemistry you've probably heard about saturation chemistry. Some people say it's too complicated to understand, while others swear that they don't have enough knowledge about it yet. However, if you're thinking about applying it to your chemistry courses or if you're just curious about it you should read this article.First of all saturation chemistry is not something you should be afraid of. While it's true that some people have a tough time grasping the concept of saturation, most of them would really like to understand it better. It's just another way of saying there is no limit to the number of molecules in the substances. In other words there are no limits on the substances' chemical composition.It's because of this that every chemical reaction becomes irreversible, which is why it's said that, theoretically, there are no limits on chemical reactions. And it's because of this that the saturation effect can be seen in most, if not all, chemical reactions.Just think about the fact that in the chemical reaction of chlorine and bromine for example there are two very different compounds in the reaction. And both of them have a lot of molecular mass. There is an assumption that the higher the molecular mass, the higher the concentration of these compounds. However, there are so many factors involved that make this not completely accurate.In fact, the more compound you put into the chemical compound, the more you make the molecular mass of these compounds bigger. Therefore, you can also say that there is no limit to the concentration of the molecules in the reactions. The number of compounds are not the only thing that can change the chemical reaction.In addition to this, there are also certain processes in which the oxygen molecule itself can be changed from one group to another group, which is known as substrate interchange. This is a fairly interesting and a quite intriguing process, but it cannot be known, scientifically, if there are no limits.So saturation chemistry is very useful for those who are interested in chemistry. And once you learn it, you will surely have to keep up with it, for the sake of your career or study. However, don't be worried about it. There is a lot of information about saturation chemistry and it's meaning available online.

The Evolution Of Biology as an Academic Subject

The Evolution Of Biology as an Academic Subject The Evolution Of Learning Biology from GCSE Biology and Beyond ChaptersAre GCSE Courses As Up To Date As They Should Be?The Impact Of Government Changes To GCSE QualificationsResources For The Reformed ExamsJust like the evolution of the science, Biology as a GCSE subject has evolved over the years to reflect the many new discoveries found and research methods used by biologists. It is a fantastic subject to learn about.For instance, the current GCSE Biology syllabi teach students about Dolly the sheep, the first ever cloned animal, who marks a scientific breakthrough that wouldn't have been believed possible prior to 1996.Some of the ways the content has advanced with the times is with the addition of new modules covering things like growing crops, which we now know much more about thanks to developments in the research of cultivation, breeding and harvesting of crops.Not only has our knowledge widened, but our outlook has too and the subject is taught with a whole-world economic focus.In addition, as biotechnology moves forward, teachers now c onsider the use of larger-scale bio-fermenters and how enzymes are now used commercially. That said, technology now plays a very big part in the life of scientists, so are these small additions to the course content enough to reflect just how much Biology has evolved in the contemporary world? MahimaBiology Teacher 5.00 (10) £30/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors AndyBiology Teacher 5.00 (2) £15/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors AlishaBiology Teacher 5.00 (10) £9/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors SaifBiology Teacher 5.00 (9) £22/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors FrankBiology Teacher 5.00 (8) £90/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors HeavenliBiology Teacher £9/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors SiobhanBiology Teacher £60/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors MackenzieBiology Teacher 5.00 (2) £15/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutorsAre GCSE Courses As Up To Date As They Should Be?As we’ve mentioned in other posts concerning GC SE Biology, the subject naturally has close links to the other Sciences,  but also with Mathematics. However, have you ever considered how inter-related Biology and Information Technology are too?Advances in technology are forever changing what we are capable of doing and finding out, not just in the world of science, so it is inevitable that this modern technological era has has a huge influence on Biology in recent years, not to mention the impact it has had on how Biology affects us in our daily lives.In fact, modern molecular Biology relies very heavily on new technologies. However, the technological components of Biology courses at this level have scarcely changed over the last few decades.Scientists believe that modern Biology courses, if they want to really encourage young biologists and give them a real insight into the live science as it exists today, should bring courses up to date and make them more relevant to the discipline.Select an esteemed A level biology tutor here. Biologists believe that courses need to reflect the importance of Technology and Mathematics to contemporary Biology. Photo credit: allispossible.org.uk via VisualHunt / CC BYWhile it seems that Physics is growing with the times, professionals from the Biology sector do not feel that their subject field is given the same level of sophistication within education and therefore aren’t given the basics needed to truly understand things like DNA sequence alignment or gene prediction algorithms.These concepts, which are described as bioinformatics, are important to contemporary biologists and it is thought by the scientific community that these statistical techniques should be taught as part of national curriculums to give an-all round teaching approach to the branch of science.This pedagogical argument is still on many people’s lips, however young biologists can feel confident in the knowledge that the new AQA Biology GCSE, for example, has been produced in conjunction with Mathemat ics and Physics experts.Find an online biology tutor here.The Impact Of Government Changes To GCSE QualificationsThe History Of GCSE Science ExamsWhile the Sciences have been studied for generations as part of what was known as the CSE, and then the O Level, the qualification that we know today has only been around since 1988. That, however, does not mean to say that the course has stayed the same since the 80s. Far from it.Firstly, we have seen some changes to the content covered, which we have exemplified above, but also in the way that the GCSE course is marked.For instance, between 1988 and 1994, GCSE grades were awarded from A-G (with the possibility of getting a U mark, even back then). Since the mid 90s, however, an A* grade has been in place to distinguish the highest scoring pupils from the rest of the A category.Science exams, in particular, have been given special attention in recent years and have moved away from the traditional structure, whereby students would study th ree scientific components (Biology, Chemistry and Physics) and receive a final grade which encompassed all three of these in equal measures.Now, pupils have the choice to study one single Science (otherwise known as Core science) and then select one of two complementary GCSEs, distinguished as Additional Science (with a more academic focus) and  Applied Science (with a more vocational approach). To reflect these significant changes, pupils are now given separate grades for each of the subjects.The previous modular approach to learning has also been altered and many linear courses introduced to offer more straightforward goals for students.With these changes, coursework has been abolished from the grading system (although homework and coursework can still be set to encourage learning) and students' performance over the two years is solely based on how they do during their written, marked exam.This is seen as a positive move forward as it means that pupils can no longer swindle the ex am boards by getting lots of help with their coursework, thus bringing their grade up.Biology GCSE exams are now marked solely on exams. Photo credit: c_H via Visual hunt / CC BYFurthermore, GCSEs have undergone a government-led reform in recent years, which has been introduced in four phases. We are now part of the way through Phase 2, which affects how Biology (among many other GCSE subjects) is taught and assessed.Right now, teachers and students alike are currently experiencing the amendments, so only time will tell if this reform is an improvement on the old GCSE structure or not.How Are GCSEs Being Graded Post-2016?One very important thing to note as you enter your first or second year of GCSE is that this course has undergone many changes in just the last two years alone. This means that the structure of courses may be quite different than before, as well as how you are assessed.As such, any revision tools or advice  passed down from peers and siblings having taken the older version of the GCSE exam might not be as directly beneficial to you.Keep reading to find out how the changes affect you, as this could help you to feel more confident in the approach to the exams.Most GCSE pupils will be familiar with the historical grading system, which awarded marks ranging from A*-G, with A* being the highest attainable and G being the lowest (not forgetting the U grade for a set of very poor exam answers). However, a new grade system is in the process of being phased in to the UK education system whereby pupils are marked against a 9-1 system instead.Conservatives pushed for a GCSE reform and Biology is mid-way through the transitional phase. Photo credit: ** Maurice ** via Visualhunt.com / CC BYThis new grading method will be applied for the first time on this academic year’s Year 11 Biology students. English Literature, English Language and Mathematics subjects have already seen this amended GCSE grading structure put into place, as the summer's exams were given this treatment for the very first time in the UK.Although it sounds reasonably straightforward, the familiar  letters do not translate seamlessly into the scale of digits. Ofqual, the exams watchdog, has advised educators not to make direct comparisons between the two because the boundaries do differ, so you will have to do a bit of reading up in order to understand where you currently sit on the scale and where you need to be.While there is still a U, or ungraded, mark, grades 9, 8 and 7 are roughly equivalent to A* and A. Grades 6, 5 and 4 can be likened to a B-C, meanwhile a 3 is said to be similar to a current D. Finally, 2 and 1 are close to E, F and G grades.Resources For The Reformed ExamsWhile the exam boards still provide information on their older specifications and offer pre-reform past papers for you to download, you should be aware that your 2018 exam may not be the same in structure. However, a big part of revision in any subject is exam technique, so there is n o harm in using these outdated resources to work towards building your confidence ahead of your final exam.If anything, familiarising yourself with the older structure might make you appreciate the changes that have come about as a result of the reform!For up to date revision materials directly related to your new specification, look out for online materials produced in the last year as well as new publications and releases in book shops, which are sure to reflect the changes.To check out some of the biggest breakthroughs in Biology, see here.Alternatively, if you want to brush up on your Biology vocabulary, check out this blog.Or, look for 'biology tutors near me'.Finally, to learn about the links between Art and Biology, visit our blog on the artistic links.

Creating Your Brand as a Singer

Creating Your Brand as a Singer Suzy S. If you really want to make your mark in the music industry, presenting a distinct style something that will set you apart and make an impression is a big part of the package. Here, Antioch, TN voice teacher Erica S. shares a few valuable tips For most singers and actors, making a living out of your talent is the ultimate goal. In order to be a professional, we must treat our talent as a business. We may not be marketing experts because we spend most of our time in the practice room, but here are a few basic tools we can apply from the business world: 1. The first step a business takes to attract customers is to create a brand. A brand is a name, symbol or sign that differentiates one product from another. In the performing world, your brand is the type of character or voice type that you would normally perform. I know you are probably a singer and actor with tremendous range, but for marketing purposes, it’s good to know your niche and how others perceive you. Are you an ingenue? Are you the comedic best friend? Are you the antagonist? If you’re not sure what your brand is, take a look at your resume and see if there is a pattern to the roles you have played. If you are a beginner, you can ask your teacher what kind of voice and roles he or she would cast you in. 2. Once you’ve found your brand, use it on your marketing materials. Here are some suggestions that I believe every performer should have in his or her arsenal: • Realistic Headshot: A good headshot is a great investment because many auditions are based on submissions of your headshot and resume. Your 8”x10” headshot should be a real representation of who you are, and give an indication of the kind of roles you play. • Resume: Your resume should include your contact info, personal info (hair color, vocal range, etc.), your theater/singing roles, your training, and your special skills. Be creative with your special skills, but make sure it’s something you can actually do! • Business Cards: Business cards are a great way to give someone your contact information if you happen to meet someone important on the street or in Starbucks. Also, keep in mind your brand. If you are an ingenue, you probably don’t want to have a dark business card with a skull and bones. Likewise, if you always play the scary antagonist, you may want to stay away from the pink butterflies. • Website: A website is a great way to put your resume and videos online. You can invest money and buy your own domain, or you can use free websites like wix.com or webs.com to do the job. • Demo Reel: A demo reel is a SHORT (3 minutes or less) video of your singing and/or acting clips to show your range and ability. Many directors want to see your reel before they give you an appointment for an audition or some may just give you the job based on it! Congratulations! Once you have these things figured out, the first part of creating your business is now over. Now go get those marketing materials into the right hands! Erica S. teaches singing, Broadway singing, music performance and acting lessons to students of all ages in Antioch, TN. Erica earned her Bachelors degree in Music from Samford University, and her specialties include rock, pop, country, belting and legit styles. She joined the TakeLessons team in October 2012. Learn more about Erica, or search for a teacher near you! 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 Focka

How to Identify Voice Types Subtypes

How to Identify Voice Types Subtypes Suzy S. Are you a soprano, alto, tenor, or bass? Learn how to determine your voice type in this guest post by Ann Arbor, MI voice teacher  Elaina R So, you want to figure out your own voice type. You probably just want to know whether you are a soprano, alto, tenor, or bass. Unfortunately, things are a little more complicated than that. The good news? It doesn’t matter as much as you think. Before you rush to the keyboard to try to figure out your voice type, keep two things in mind. First of all, how old are you? If you are under 20 (or under 22 or so if you are male), your current range is still in progress. It will likely continue to change as you get older, so you can’t figure out your voice type for a few more years. Second of all, have you had any vocal training? If not, your vocal range can change drastically as you learn how to use your voice. I can’t tell you how many times women have come into my studio insisting that they are altos, only to unlock entire octaves of range they didn’t know they had! That being said, here we go! Voice Types and Subtypes There are five broad categories of voice types: two for women and three for men. I’m using operatic voice types here, because they are the most specific than other classifications, but Ive given pop examples of each voice type as well. Soprano Soprano is the highest voice type. Even the lowest types of sopranos can sing C6 (6th C on the keyboard, counting from the bottom,) or “high C.” The highest sopranos can sing well above that. Pop music sopranos include Mariah Carey, Beyoncé, and Ellie Goulding. These voices have a lighter tambour and easy access to high notes. These are the operatic soprano subsections, in order of highest to lowest. If you listen, you’ll see just how much variety there is under the one title of soprano â€" and the other voice types as well. • Coloratura soprano (example: Lucia Popp. And me.) • Soubrette • Lyric soprano (example: Renée Fleming) • Dramatic soprano (example: Christine Goerke) Mezzo-Soprano Mezzo-sopranos are women with lower voices. They are referred to as altos in the choir world. Some women with extra-low voices are referred to as contraltos. Some mezzo sopranos can sing C6 (and rarely even higher), but most of them top out before C6. In popular music, singers like Ella Fitzgerald and Adele are mezzo-sopranos. The mezzo-soprano subsections, in order of highest to lowest, are: • Coloratura mezzo-soprano (example: Isabel Leonard) • Lyric mezzo-soprano • Dramatic mezzo-soprano • Contralto (this is actually a separate category, but I’ve combined it here because of its rarity. Example: Larissa Diadkova) Tenor Tenors are high-voiced men. They can typically sing up to a B4 in full voice; some of them can sing higher. Examples of tenors in popular music include Justin Timberlake, Bruno Mars, and Adam Levine â€" look for easy high notes and some falsetto. There are more subsections for male voices than female voices, so here are some of them (highest to lowest): • Countertenor (this is also technically a separate category for men who sing predominantly in head voice, but it is rare. Hear it here.) • Leggero tenor (example: Luciano Pavarotti) • Lyric tenor • Spinto tenor • Dramatic tenor (example: Giuseppe Giacomini) Baritone Baritones are halfway between tenors and basses. Even the highest baritones typically can’t hit a C4, or ‘high C,” but they can sing down to a G2 or lower. Examples of baritones in popular music include Johnny Cash and Elvis Presley. Here are some of the more common baritone types (highest to lowest): • Lyric baritone (example: Mariusz Kwiecien) • Verdi baritone • Dramatic baritone (example: Juan Pons) Bass Basses are the lowest male voice type. To be honest, I can’t think of a single one in popular music (maybe Louis Armstrong). Looks like it’s high time we had one! Basses can sing down to E2 or lower, and their highest notes are around E4 in chest voice. In the operatic world, here are some of the subsections: • Bass-baritone (example: Luca Pisaroni) • Basso buffo • Lyric basso profundo • Dramatic basso profundo (example: Matti Salminen) Still confused about voice types? Check out the video below for some helpful pointers about how to find yours! Combination Voice Types You can’t pigeonhole voices very easily, since they tend to be versatile and many of the above voice types overlap in range. In the end, it’s more a matter of the tambour of the voice, what the voice sounds best singing, and what repertoire the vocalist prefers. For example, I call myself a light lyric coloratura â€" I can sing very high, but I also sing plenty of lower repertoire. Some people just call themselves zwichen fach, which means they fluctuate between voice types. If you listen to some of the examples above and explore your range using a keyboard and good vocal technique, you may be able to figure out your voice type. Knowing your broad voice type can help you choose music that feels â€" and sounds â€" good in your voice. Curious about more specifics? Talk to a voice teacher! Elaina R. teaches opera voice and  singing in Ann Arbor, MI, as well as through online lessons. She is currently  working on a Master of Music at the University of Michigan, and she has a B.M. from the University of Southern California.  Learn more about Elaina 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  Vittorios

Introduction to Spanish Culture Daily Life More

Introduction to Spanish Culture Daily Life More Suzy S. The Spanish culture is one of the most beautiful and exciting in the world. Its no wonder Spain is one of the top travel destinations for tourists every year! If youve already checked out our infographic with  50 interesting facts about Spain, now its time to dive a little deeper! Whether youre planning a trip to visit this enchanting country, or youre just curious about it, heres a little introduction to Spanish culture and its customs. Let’s go Vamanos! Intro to Spanish Culture Spanish Food Dining Spain is a wonderful country for many reasons, but one of our favorite reasons is the food! In Spain there are many bars. On small streets you can find two, sometimes three bars all right next to each other. These bars offer  more than just tasty drinks; they usually have delicious  food as well! The tradition in Spain when going out to eat is to go for tapas   small portions of food that used to be made to enhance the taste of liquor. However, the tapas later became just as important as the liquor, and today its a highly distinguished cuisine. When you go out to eat in Spain, try a variety of tapas bars and a variety of tapas. Here are some popular Spanish tapas that youll undoubtedly come across: Albóndigas: Meatballs with sauce. Allioli: Garlic and oil the classic ingredients are only garlic, oil, and salt, but a  common form of it includes mayonnaise. It is served on bread or with grilled fish, meat, or vegetables. Bacalao: Salted cod loin sliced very thinly, usually served with bread and tomatoes. Boquerones: White anchovies served in vinegar (boquerones en vinagre), or deep fried. Calamares or rabas: Rings of battered squid. Carne mechada: Slow-cooked, tender beef. Chorizo al vino: Chorizo sausage slowly cooked in wine. Chorizo a la sidra: Chorizo sausage slowly cooked in cider. Croquetas: A common sight in bar counters and homes across Spain, served as a tapa, a light lunch, or a dinner along with a salad. Empanadillas: Large or small turnovers filled with meat and vegetables. Ensaladilla rusa: Mixed boiled vegetables with tuna, olives, and mayonnaise. Gambas: Prawns sauteed in salsa negra (peppercorn sauce), al ajillo (with garlic), or pil-pil (with chopped chili peppers). Papas arrugadas or papas con mojo: Very small potatoes boiled in salt water, then drained, and slightly roasted. Theyre served with mojo, a garlic, Spanish paprika, red pepper, cumin, olive oil, wine vinegar, salt, and bread crumb thickener. Queso con anchoas: Castilla or Manchego cured cheese with anchovies on top. Solomillo al whisky: Fried pork scallops, marinated using whisky, brandy, or white wine and olive oil. As you can see, the food in the Spanish culture usually has a LOT of garlic! They also serve, and are very proud of, their jamón serrano, or rustic ham. Its very common for bars to compete and claim they have the best jamón. Religion in Spain One thing to be aware of in Spain is the importance and prominence of Roman Catholicism. Its by far the most prominent religion in the country. In fact, 68% of Spaniards identify themselves as Catholics! Thats a big statistic, and it explains why there are so many churches and beautifully decorated cathedrals in Spanish culture. Religious Celebrations in Spain If youre planning on going to Andalucia during the week leading up to Easter, check out one of the biggest festivals of the year Semana Santa. The festival is particularly celebrated in Seville and it runs for one week. This week is a big deal in Spain. Some people will spend all year planning for it! Streets are blocked off, bands will come out and play, and bars and restaurants participate by having specials. SEE ALSO: 20 Spanish Traditions and Customs Spanish Culture in Daily Life The daily life in Spain is much different than what you find in other countries. You always feel great in Spain because everything seems so relaxed. The streets are relaxed  and  the people are relaxed. The key difference in Spanish culture is that people don’t get stressed out over simple things. If youre five  or 10 minutes late for something, they simply say, “No pasa nada!” This Spanish  phrase basically translates to, “Don’t worry about it. (Of course, when it comes to business meetings and occasions where you have time limits, then this might be frowned upon by some.) Siestas in Spanish Culture Perhaps the most difficult part of getting used to Spanish culture is the daily work schedule. All throughout Spain, they have the infamous tradition of the siesta. This is an old tradition that  involves taking an afternoon nap in the middle of the day, which is usually the hottest time of the day. The siesta is a wonderful thing if you feel like taking a nap or just relaxing after lunch. The problem is that if you have things you would like to get done, you really can’t go to any stores because everything is closed! The typical work hours in Spain are from 9 AM 2 PM, and then the city shuts down. Afterward, however, things open back up again from 5 or 6 to 10 PM, or even later. This can be a very hard schedule to get used to, but if youre there (especially in the summer), youll see why this tradition is actually very necessary because of the heat! Family Dynamic in Spain This brings us to another difference about Spanish culture: people are very friendly because they  look at one another as family. In Spain its very typical to be close to your family, and this helps them in treating neighbors  just the same. Its not uncommon for  family members to live just a couple houses down the street, or even in the same house together for their entire lives. This creates a strong family dynamic and level of trust between other people you get close to as well. Nightlife in Spain The nightlife is an extremely exciting part of Spain! In Spain, its normal to stay up until midnight  or later on weekdays. However, the  weekends are  when the fun really begins. A typical Spanish evening out on the town does not start before 11 or 12 PM. People will stay out until 5 AM, or sometimes later when they go out for parties, clubs, or even just drinks! Other Social Events in Spanish Culture If youre a true Spaniard, you might go see an evening bull fight (corrida de toros), or sometimes a night of listening to live flamenco music. The tradition of bull fighting has actually subsided quite a lot in Spain, and now you can only see it in the south of Spain. Flamenco music, on the other hand, is everywhere throughout Spain. Its considered a high art form, and you can find flamenco dancers (bailes de flamenco) and shows in almost any city. In reality, though, not all Spaniards like to go out and watch flamenco all the time. Some do, but its actually a spectacle thats mostly catered toward tourists. The real Spanish thing to do is to go out for tapas and then go see a  fútbol (soccer) match. Holidays in Spain The people in Spain know how to party!   They also have a lot of holiday time off. In Spain, every saint gets their own holiday, and depending on which city youre in, or what churches are nearby, you might get a day off (usually three or more per year). Besides the religious holidays like Easter, Christmas, and Semana Santa, there are many other great occasions to celebrate in Spanish culture. One is La Feria (the fair), or if youre in other parts of Spain, they might have Carnaval. This is a time when every city in Spain has their own celebration. Nobody works and its fun for the whole week. People dress up in traditional flamenco-like dresses at La Feria, and for Carnaval, everyone dresses up in a ridiculous costume (like Halloween, except its for a whole week). Common Spanish Phrases Here are some Spanish phrases and words youll hear used a lot around Spain. They might not be in every travel dictionary you can pick up at the store! Venga: Come on/let’s go/yeah right This word is just a small exclamation, but Spaniards use it all the time. It can be used in a variety of contexts so its a good phrase to know. Yo quiero/yo no quiero:  I want/I don’t want Me gustaría:  I would like (polite) These two Spanish phrases are  helpful for when  you  need to ask for things during your travels. ¿Dónde está…?:  Where is… This is a  good phrase to know if youre in unfamiliar places and you need directions from  a local. Así:  Like this/like that/this way This is a handy little word  that  you can pair with a word like como  if you want to say “like this/that” (Como así). Por favor:  Please Gracias:  Thank you These are VERY IMPORTANT words in Spanish, especially when speaking  with people you just met! SEE ALSO: Best Apps to Learn Spanish A Note on Spanish Greetings Its good to know how to greet someone politely in Spanish culture. In English, even speaking with people you may not know, its common and acceptable to simply say “Hi” or “Hello.” However, in most romance languages its common to greet people you dont  know formally. Buenos días:  Good morning Buenas tardes:  Good afternoon Buenas noches:  Good evening Hola: Hi  (for people you know) These are just glimpses of the cultural experiences youll discover in this amazing country. There are many more customs and traditions unlike anything we have here in the U.S.! The Spanish culture is truly remarkable, and if you get the chance to go to Europe, you must visit this wonderful place. Who knows, you may never want to leave! Post Author:  Christopher S. Christopher S. teaches Spanish and Italian in West Columbia, SC. He received his Bachelors degree from Humboldt State University  and has been teaching since 2004.  Learn more about Christopher S. 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