ACT and SAT Test Dates for 2018-2019

ACT and SAT Test Dates for 2018-2019 At the beginning of the school year, high school juniors and seniors are faced with a multitude of demandsa new schedule, higher-level courses, and college admissions test prep. As a junior or senior, identifying a test prep timeline can be crucial to securing the standardized test score youre aiming for. There are a number of ACT and SAT test dates offered throughout the year, and its up to you to plan your prep accordingly. Hoping to get organized as the school year begins? Here, youll find information about ACT and SAT test dates for 2018-2019, as well as their registration deadlines. And as you delve into your studying, rememberVarsity Tutors offers personalized, one-on-one ACT tutoring and SAT tutoring. 2018-2019 ACT test dates When noting available ACT and SAT test dates, its also important to identify all registration deadlines. Below, youll find the ACT test dates released by ACT.org for the 2018-2019 school year. To register for an exam, click here. *Late registration deadline has passed. [RELATED: What is an Average ACT Score?] 2018-2019 SAT test dates If you miss the initial registration deadline but register before the late registration deadline, there is an additional fee of $30.00 for the ACT and $29.00 for the SAT. Like the ACT, below youll find the SAT test dates released by the College Board for the 2018-2019 school year. Click here to register for an exam date. *Test datehas passed. [RELATED: What is an Average SAT Score?] How to send ACT and SAT test scores to colleges During registration, both the ACT and the SAT allow you to choose several schools to send your scores to for free. For test dates of interest, research when scores will become available. Schools generally have dates you must submit your standardized test scores by, so be sure to prioritize your 2018-2019 ACT and SAT test dates accordingly. [RELATED: What I Wish I Knew About Taking the ACT/SAT] How to properly prepare for an ACT or SAT test date When establishing a testing timeline, allow yourself ample prep time. Take practice tests, or utilize private ACT tutoring or SAT tutoring to analyze areas of success and improvement. Identify a target score, and dedicate the required prep time in order to achieve your goal. Any topics you want to know more about? Let us know! The Varsity Tutors Blog editors love hearing your feedback and opinions. Feel free to email us at blog@varsitytutors.com.

How To Prepare For GRE Subject Tests

How To Prepare For GRE Subject Tests The sooner you figure out exactly what it is you want to do, the better. Then, you can start marketing yourself as a budding chemist (for example). And that is exactly how to perk up a grad school admissions counselor. Graduate schools dont want students who are still trying to figure out what they want to do. They want students who are set on a field, and are now doing everything they can to get there. Theres one simple way to show youre one of those students: take a GRE subject test. A GRE subject test measures your knowledge/analytical thinking skills in a specific field and is much more specialized than the standard sections of the GRE (Verbal Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning and Analytical Writing). Students can take subject tests in the field they majored in during undergraduate school. The GRE offers subject tests in these following areas (click each for additional information): Biochemistry, Cell and Molecular Biology Biology Chemistry Literature in English Mathematics Physics Psychology Click here for preparation materials from the Educational Testing Service (the creator and administrator of the GRE) for each subject test. The ETS will mail additional materials to you once you apply for the test. Doing well in a GREmay even help you pick up some lost ground in a section you did poorly on. Say youre a wiz psychologist, but youre vocab is incredibly poor. So, you score very low on the Verbal Reasoning section, but very high on Psychology Subject Test. Your chances of getting into a grad school psychology department may even be better than someone who slightly outperformed you on the three standard tests but opted not take the Psychology Subject Test. Remember, at most grad schools, admissions decisions are made by the individual departments you would be applying to, comprised mostly of faculty members and sometimes even students. So, what section do you think those admissions groups are going to look at first? Most are placing more weight to your subject test than your standard score but not all of them. When you apply to a specific GRE program, it looks at your transcripts, GRE scores, letters of recommendation, personal statement, interview, etc., all to answer one question: will this student be successful in the field they are applying for? If yes, youre in. If no, youre not. At some schools, it really is that simple. Performing well on a subject test may answer that question better than any other factor in your application. But, before you take the GRE, contact your prospective schools and ask them if they require a subject test and how they consider it. Total subject test time is about 2 hours and 50 minutes. Every question is worth equal value, and for every four questions you answer incorrectly, you will lose one correct answer (or each incorrect answer subtracts 1/4th of what a correct answer is worth). Only guess if you can eliminate one or more of the choices.

Sequence Solver Online Tutoring

Sequence Solver Online Tutoring Sequence is the set of terms, usually numbers which follow a certain order or a rule. Here term is each element or number of the sequences. Every sequence can have its own set of rules which it follows. To find the missing terms or following numbers of a sequence the pattern behind the sequence needs to be identified. Some of the very well-known sequences are the arithmetic sequence, geometric sequence, Fibonacci sequence or the triangular sequence. For example in an arithmetic sequence there is a fixed difference between every two consecutive terms. In a geometric sequence there is a fixed ratio which is maintained between two consecutive terms. Example 1: Find the 15th term in the given sequence 5, 7, 9, 11, 13..? Solution: Given in the question is a sequence 5, 7, 9, 11, 13 The numbers have a fixed difference of 2 i.e 7-5= 97= 2. The 15th term of the sequence can be found by the formula a + (n-1) d Here a = 5, n = 15 and d = 2. This gives 5 + (14)* 2 = 33 Hence the 15th term is 33. Example 2: Find the 11th term in the given sequence 6, 10, 14, 18..? Solution: Given in the question is a sequence 6, 10, 14, 18 The numbers have a fixed difference of 4 i.e 10 - 6 = 4. The 11th term of the sequence can be found by the formula a + (n-1) d Here a = 6, n = 11 and d = 4. This gives 6 + (10)* 4 = 46 Hence the 11th term is 46.

5 TOEIC Preparation Tips

5 TOEIC Preparation Tips Be prepared for the TOEIC.The most important thing you need to know about the TOEIC (Test of English for International Communication)  exam is that it is a test of the English language as used in daily life and in the workplace.As a result, you need to tailor your knowledge of English to suit this emphasis.Here are some tips to help you out. Click here to register for English test preparation classes. 1. Learn the Vocabulary of the OfficeFrom fax machines to laser printers, water dispensers to answering machines, you need to familiarize yourself with the vocabulary of the items around you in the office. These regularly appear in TOEIC comprehension tests.2. Practice Taking Telephone MessagesIf someone calls for your colleague and he/she is on sick leave or on holidays do you know how to take a message in his/her absence? This is a critical skill for TOEIC’s listening comprehension. Start practicing!3. Learn To Follow InstructionsWhether they come in a memo from your boss or are wri tten on the side of a printer, lists of instructions appear regularly in TOEIC comprehension tests. Pay attention to instructions, wherever you find them, and consult a dictionary for words that are new to you.4. Know How To Talk About Your QualificationsWhat is your academic experience? Have you done internships? What are the qualities you bring to the workplace? These are things you will need to have rolling off your tongue for TOEIC’s written test.5. Know How To Talk About Important Work ProjectsCan you talk about an important project you worked on in the office? What role did you play in it? What was the outcome? This is another important topic for the TOEIC writing test.Did you find this blog helpful? Feel free to share it on Facebook and Twitter.

Heart-Wrenching Writing Practice

Heart-Wrenching Writing Practice I love animated short films.  They are not just for children, especially this one.  They often have little to no dialogue, so they serve as great writing prompts.  This one might make you feel certain emotions, which also helps inspire us to write.  Many of my students tell me they need to improve their writing, but they complain that its boring  to practice.  If this sounds familiar, youve come to the right place!  Today, were going to learn how to improve  a very common writing mistake, watch the film, then put our knowledge into practice.When I edit students writing, I often have to tell them their sentences are too wordy.  If someone has told you this before, dont worry.  Its a common issue  for native speakers as well!  The problem is, we dont want to write in short, baby sentences.  We want our writing to have a nice flow.  With the proper use of linking words, we can sound intelligent AND  have good flow in our writing.Linking words, or connectors, are used to join two ideas  together.  They help us express our thoughts  in more complex ways.  Today well focus on connectors that show contrasting ideas and cause/effect.  Then, well use them to write a short story!Contrasting ideas:But:  I have a lot of homework, but I dont have time to do it.Remember not to use but at the beginning of a sentence!However:  I have a lot of homework.  However I dont have time to do it.However is more formal than but, but you can use it at the beginning of a sentence.Although:  Although I  have a lot of homework, I dont have time to do it.Anyway:  I dont have a lot of time, but Ill do my homework  anyway.Cause and effect:So:  He missed his family, so he went to visit them.Because:  He visited his family because he missed them.Since:  He visited his family since he missed them.As:  As he missed his family, he visited them.Now you try!  Connect the ideas with a linking word listed above:He got a bad grade.  He didnt study.My boss gave me extra work.  I didnt ask for more work.She doesnt want to get married.  He proposed to her.She really wants to get married.  He proposed to her.Its dangerous to walk around the city at night.  She didnt have another option.Choose 5 connectors to write  a short story from this film.  Wed love to see what you come up with in the comments section below.  Feel free to start with this example sentence:The sun was setting, but the sheriff was far from his homeIf youd like to learn more about connectors, book a class with LOI today!  In the meantime, check out Teaunas post  here!

10 Foreign Language Cartoons to LOL Your Way to Fluency

10 Foreign Language Cartoons to LOL Your Way to Fluency 10 Foreign Language Cartoons to LOL Your Way to Fluency Mickey and Minnie.Tom and Jerry.Fred and Wilma Flintstone.Some couples go together naturallyâ€"kind of like cartoons and language learning.Okay, so they might not sound as cutesy together as your favorite cartoon couple, but cartoons and language learning pair beautifully.Sure, you can learn a language by watching movies  of the live-action variety or watching all kinds of TV, but if youre a kid or kid at heart, theres nothing quite like cartoons to get you some much-needed listening practice.And luckily, there are plenty of foreign language cartoons to choose from! Below, well look at 10 cartoons in popular foreign languages that you might want to add to your learning repertoire. Why Watch Foreign Language Cartoons?First of all, foreign language cartoons tend to  use easier language than other authentic language resources, so theyre perfect for beginners. Whether youre a child or an adult, the language wont overwhelm you, and cartoons can be an easy step towards more advanced list ening practice.Plus, cartoons usually offer plenty of context clues if you cant understand all the language, making it easy for you to keep watching even if you miss a few words.Finally, foreign language cartoons are usually short and cute, so motivating yourself to watch isnt hard. They can fit into any schedule, and youll probably enjoy your listening practice.Types of Foreign Language Cartoons to Consider WatchingClassic story cartoonsSome cartoons aim to tell classic tales, like legends and fairy tales. These cartoons can be a fun way to learn more about culture as you improve your language skills.Purely entertaining cartoonsSome cartoons are designed for the sole purpose of entertaining. These cartoons often aim at humor and usually offer a faster pace than other cartoons. Luckily for language learners, these cartoons are tremendously beneficial for learning, providing you with an exceptionally fun way to practice your listening skills.With FluentU, you can make entertaining ca rtoons (as well as other authentic media like news, music videos, movie trailers and more) the core of your regular learning routine, regardless of language level. FluentU takes real-world videos and turns them into fun, personalized language learning lessonsâ€"with interactive subtitles, quizzes, vocab tracking and other useful toolsâ€"for kids and adults alike.Educational cartoonsMany cartoons are designed to be educational. Educational cartoons are often designed to teach preschool-age children basic vocabulary.However, there are also cartoons designed specifically for students learning a foreign language. For instance,  Muzzy BBC  offers language learning cartoons (along with accompanying songs, activities, games and more) in seven different languages. While these resources are intended for children, they can also be useful for any beginning student.How to Get the Most Out of Foreign Language CartoonsIf subtitles are available, use them strategicallySubtitles may be available fo r some cartoons, and its important to use them strategically to get the most out of your cartoon viewing.If youre just starting to learn a language and dont yet know the vocabulary, you might turn English subtitling on so that you can find out what the characters are saying.Once youve studied a language, though, try not to look at the English subtitles. If you have them on at all, just glance down if you miss a word.Additionally, if subtitles are available in your target language, jackpot! Reading subtitles in your target language can help you connect the spoken and written words and help you understand what words youre actually hearing.Watch oftenDaily exposure to your target language is useful, and cartoons are excellent tools for this since theyre usually brief. Whether you watch in one sitting or multiple times throughout the day, the more you listen to your target language, the less foreign it will sound.Dont hesitate to rewatch your favorite episodesIf one episode is particula rly good, go ahead and watch it again. Or watch it again and again. Or even again and again and again, if youre into it. The more you watch it, the more likely you are to memorize the vocabulary. You might even memorize some of your favorite lines, which you can use as models to help you remember grammar rules.Watch little snippets whenever you have a few momentsCartoons usually arent hard to follow, so theyre one of the few resources you can easily break into tiny chunks. Whether you dont have time to watch an entire cartoon in a chunk or simply need a resource to fill in any spare moment, watching snippets from cartoons can give you the benefits of listening practice in a more flexible format.Talk back to the charactersCartoons often move slowly enough that there are pauses in dialogue. Use these pauses as opportunities to get a little speaking practice in by talking to the characters. Talk about what theyre doing, give them some advice or tell them what you think of them.10 Forei gn Language Cartoons to LOL Your Way to FluencyArabic:  ??????? ????? ??????There are plenty of great  Arabic cartoons  from all over the Arab world, but “??????? ????? ??????” (The Parrot Learns to Spell) is a particularly good option for language students.This Kuwaiti show from 2007 is designed as an educational series, aimed at teaching children Arabic. Because of this, its a great tool for Arabic students to use to learn the alphabet, pronunciation and basic vocabulary.The story itself revolves around a parrot family in which the mother is teaching her son about the Arabic language. Along the way, they encounter other characters that include a dictionary and letters of the alphabet.Episodes are usually around 10 minutes each. The production company, Magic Selection, has conveniently uploaded 29 episodes onto YouTube, so theres plenty of learning material for you! Still cant get enough? Check out Magic Selections YouTube channel for more cartoons, including series that cover numbers, nature and more.Chinese:  ?????If youre looking for a great  Chinese cartoon, look no further than ????? (Big Ear Tutu).????? is a Chinese cartoon produced by Shanghai Animation Film Studio that debuted in 2004. The show is popular with the preschool set, so the vocabulary is relatively simpleâ€"perfect for beginning Chinese students!The main character, Hu Tutu, is a boy with a strong imagination, an inquisitive mind and comically large ears. In most episodes, he has adventures and/or setbacks and learns valuable lessons with the help of his parents.French:  Petit Ours BrunIf youre a fan of  French cartoons, youre probably already familiar with  Petit Ours Brun (Little Brown Bear). If not, its high time to check it out.Petit Ours Brun  is a French classic. It started in 1975 as a series of stories in a magazine. Then, there were  Petit Ours Brun  books. In 1988, the firstPetit Ours Brun  animated series began, followed by a second animated series in 2003. In 2016, the stori es even spawned a live musical comedy,  Petit Ours Brun â€" Le Spectacle  (Little Brown Bear â€" The Show). Needless to say, Petit Ours Brun  is popular.All of the stories follow the life of a young brown bear as he struggles with standard issues preschoolers encounter as they grow up. While  Petit Ours Brun  is aimed at preschoolers, its a good option for all early language learners because it uses simple language and focuses on common scenarios.The animated series, produced by Groupe Bayard (Bayard Group), has been translated into five languages. Between the two series, there are over 50 episodes. The linked video is a compilation of several episodes.If you still cant get enough Petit Ours Brun,  you can also check out  the official Petit Ours Brun page  for more information and activities.German:  Piggeldy und FrederickIn the world of German cartoons,  Piggeldy und Frederick (Piggeldy and Frederick) hogs a lot of attention.Piggeldy und Frederick  is a West German series that ran from 1973-1985. During that time, over 100 episodes were produced. In the early 1990s, an additional eight episodes were created.The series follows two little pigs: Piggeldy and his big brother Frederick. Piggeldy is adventurous and asks a lot of questions, which Frederick aims to answer, setting each episode into motion.If you like Piggeldy und Frederick,  there are also books  and  audiobooks, though theyre mostly available from resellers.While Piggeldy und Frederick is a great choice for beginning students looking to learn basic vocabulary and improve their listening skills, more advanced students might want to look at  German cartoons for advanced learners.Italian:  Winx ClubThere are lots of great Italian cartoons  out there, but few are quite as magical as Winx Club.Winx Club, produced by Rainbow S.r.l. and Rai Fiction, follows magical teenage girls tasked with defending the universe from dark forces.Winx Club premiered in 2004 and still airs today.  There are over 180 episode s, each of which is about 23 minutes long. The series is also popular internationally, airing in over 150 countries and spawning countless toys, games, books and movies.Winx Club uses more advanced language than some cartoons, so it probably isnt best for complete beginners. However, since Winx Club has aired in the United States, you might also be able to find English-dubbed versions of the same episodes. You can watch the English version first to get an idea of what the episode is about before you dive into the Italian version. This will also help you get a handle on the magical terminology.Plus, two seasons are available on Netflix  and offer audio in English or Italian along with English captions.Japanese:  ?????Japanese cartoons  are well-known internationally. After all, who doesnt love  anime? And for language learners, this creates an abundance of learning options.One great option for Japanese learners is ????? (Sazae-san). This anime series, which debuted in 1969, was adapt ed from a manga series that debuted in 1946. Since the shows debut, there have been over 2500 episodes, earning the series the Guinness World Record for longest-running animated show.????? follows the everyday life of a Japanese family, including humorous scenarios related to common activities, like working and maintaining the house.Besides its nearly endless content, ????? has a lot to offer language learners. Since it depicts some more traditional aspects of Japanese culture, its a helpful way to learn about history. Additionally, since the plot focuses primarily on everyday activities, ????? can help Japanese students learn common vocabulary words.Korean:  ???? ?????? ?? (Dooly the Little Dinosaur) is a well-known  Korean cartoon.Based on a 1983 cartoon, the animated series first aired in 1987-1988. A new Dooly series began in 2009.The series follows a baby dinosaur who acquired magical powers after being abducted by aliens. Naturally, he was then trapped in a glacier, only to un freeze in modern-day Seoul and live with a human family.The cute, animated dinosaur Dooly is a very popular character. Hes appeared on stamps, and you can even get your own Dooly stuffed animal.???? ?? is a good choice for students learning Korean because its popular in Korea and depicts fairly routine things (other than the magical dinosaur, of course). However, do note that it doesnt always represent the ideals of traditional Korean cultureâ€"the series received criticism for being violent and not portraying respect to elders.For more Dooly content and some reading practice, you can also visit the official website.Portuguese:  Turma da Mônica  When it comes to Portuguese cartoons,Turma da Mônica  (Monicas Gang) is the gang you want to roll with.Turma da Mônica  is an animated series based on a comic by the same name. The comic debuted in 1959, while the animated shorts started to be produced in 1976. The animated shorts were marketed in compilations, though some movies were als o produced. Shorts aired on TV in 1999 with more regular episodes in the 2000s. There are toys, books, video games and even an amusement park based on the series.Stories follow a group of friends in São Paulo. The main characters are usually around seven years old, but in one spin-off, theyre teenagers. Together, they go on various adventures. Since theres a large cast of characters, these adventures cover a wide variety of themes.Because this show offers such variety, its a good choice for Portuguese students as it will expose you to a wide array of vocabulary. Additionally, the show is popular enough that it will provide you with a conversation starter if youre ever looking to strike up a conversation with a Brazilian.Russian:  ???? ? ???????If youre looking for Russian cartoons, theres no lack of options, but  ???? ? ??????? (Masha and the Bear) is particularly useful for Russian students.???? ? ???????, produced by Animaccord Animation Studio, follows a little girl called Masha and her bear friend, appropriately called the Bear. The show has had plenty of international success, being broadcast in over 100 countries and 25 languages. YouTube videos of the series frequently rack up millions (and sometimes billions) of views. The show has also spawned an app (iOS  and Android) and even an  ice show.Episodes were created as seven-minute chunks. However, several of these shorter episodes are often grouped together to make episodes that are around 30 minutes each.Masha is a mischievous girl who lives in the forest. The Bear does what he can to avert trouble caused by her mischief, but he generally doesnt succeed and hilarity ensues.The series is based partly on a childrens folk story, so its also a helpful way to learn about Russian cultural heritage. Theres usually not much dialogue, so the series should be approachable for even early beginners.Plus, ???? ? ??????? is available on Netflix, offering you a wide variety of subtitling options. You can also listen to the English dubbing if you want to compare and contrast. Netflix also offers a spin-off called Mashas Tales,  in which Masha tells traditional Russian fairy tales. This series is more language-intensive, so its good for later beginners and early intermediate students.Spanish:  PocoyóWatching Spanish kids videos  is a legit way to up your Spanish game, and watchingPocoyó (Pocoyo) is a great way to do that.Pocoyó premiered in 2005 and originally used Castilian Spanish; however, due to its international success, you can also find it in many other languages. There have been seven seasons, some of which are exclusive to YouTube. If you still cant get enough of content from this show, you can also find  Pocoyó movies and video games.The show follows a curious four-year-old. The series is intended for preschoolers and portrays things that appeal to kids, like picnics, puppet shows and playing games. These scenarios are also valuable for language learners, however, since they show fa irly routine situations.The episodes were originally seven minutes, though theyre frequently regrouped to make 30-minute episodes comprised of several shorter episodes.The first two seasons are available on Netflix, offering audio in Spanish or English and subtitling in English.If Pocoyó is right up your alley, you might also enjoy the official website, which offers Spanish-language games, videos, activities and apps.So give foreign language cartoons a try, and LOL your way towards fluency. And One More ThingWant more of these? Try FluentU.With FluentU, you learn real languagesâ€"the same way that natives  speak them. FluentU has a wide variety of videos, including movie trailers, funny commercials, web series and cartoons, as you can see here:FluentU App Browse Screen.FluentU has interactive captions that let you tap on any word to see an image, definition, audio and useful examples. Now native language content is within reach with interactive transcripts.Didnt catch something? Go back and listen again. Missed a word? Hover over or tap on the subtitles to instantly view definitions.FluentU Interactive Transcripts You can learn all the vocabulary in any video with FluentUs quiz mode. Swipe left or right to see  more examples for the word you’re learning.FluentU Has Quizzes for Every VideoAnd FluentU always keeps track of vocabulary that you’re learning. It uses that vocab to give you a 100% personalized experience by recommending videos and examples.

The Crafty Linguists DIY Guide to Intermediate Language Lessons

The Crafty Linguists DIY Guide to Intermediate Language Lessons The Crafty Linguists DIY Guide to Intermediate Language Lessons Your Pinterest board doesnt need to be on point.A glue gun may seem like an instrument of torture to you.You can even have a pathological aversion to glitter. Its only natural.But whether or not youre crafty by nature, you can still be a crafty language learner by putting together  your own study plan.For intermediate learners, putting together your own DIY lessons might be the easiest way to fix your flaws and catapult you towards an advanced level.Thats because DIY language lessons can cover all the major areas that are critical to fluency. You can learn vocabulary,  practice reading  or improve  listening skills just by selecting the right activities. You wont even need to scrapbook your experience (unless you want to).Heres everything you need to know for putting together your own DIY intermediate language lessons! Why Put Together Your Own DIY Intermediate Language Lessons?First of all, you know what you need to work on better than anyone. Youve studied the language long enoug h to know what youre still not comfortable with, whether its a particular grammar rule or certain skill, like speaking. Crafting your own language lessons allows you to focus squarely on the areas youre least comfortable with, thereby making your skills more well-rounded.Plus, making your own lessons is more flexible than taking conventional lessons. Whether you want to spend a few minutes or a few hours each day, you can craft your lessons to fit into your schedule. And since you select the activities, you can find ways to make them work any time and any place.Finally, creating your own lesson plans can make language learning more fun. You can select what activities interest you most, so there wont be any boring lectures or fatiguing textbook study to bring you down.How to Use the Tips in This PostSet specific goals.One potential pitfall of crafting your own language lessons is losing motivation. Thats why its important to set specific goals. Setting these goals will make you more accountable to yourself and give you clear objectives. This allows you to proceed forward in a focused, organized fashion.Try to set goals that are ambitious but achievable. Setting your goals so high that theyre impossible (Ill be fluent in Chinese, Japanese and Dothraki in a week!) can be demotivating and make you quit trying. However, setting your goals too low (Ill say hi everyday in my target language) can lead to slow or no progress.In addition, make your goals as specific as possible. You might plan to study a certain number of words, watch a foreign language TV show for 10 minutes or read a poem each day. Regardless of how you do it, being specific will give you defined objectives that are easy to achieve.Keep a language notebook.Keeping a foreign language notebook  is one of the best ways for independent learners to keep track of everything. Here, you can jot down vocabulary lists, keep track of your goals, plan your schedule, etc. A well-maintained language notebook can he lp you get your learning on track by keeping your most valuable learning information in one place.Interact with other language learners.Going at it alone can be isolating. At times, you may have questions or concerns that youd love to share with someone. Luckily, just because youre studying independently doesnt mean you need to do it alone. Interacting with other language learners can be good for motivation and support. You can reach out to friends who are learning languages or even join an online community like  Reddits Language Learning group.Incorporate activities from each category.To craft your DIY intermediate language lessons, its important to ensure balance. After all, knowing a few thousands words in a language is useless if you cant also use them read, write, speak or listen. Thats why its important to focus on developing balanced skills.To do this, try to combine activities from each of the main categories: vocabulary, grammar, reading, writing, speaking and listening. Wh ich activities you select can vary day-by-day based on your schedule and interests. For instance, one day you might do a vocabulary activity and a grammar activity. The next day, you might work on reading and writing. The day after that, you can study speaking and listening.Your DIY language lessons should work for your needs and your schedule, but its also important not to lose sight of developing well-rounded skills.Use FluentU in any lesson plan.FluentU is a fun, flexible option that makes a perfect addition to any DIY language lesson. Thats because FluentU can help you build your vocabulary, improve your grammar, strengthen your listening skills and even fine-tune your reading skills.FluentU offers authentic, real-world videos like movie trailers, music videos, news and more. However, you wont be thrown in without supportâ€"each video includes annotated captions, making these videos accessible and useful for intermediate language students. Youll have easy access to any words def inition, an associated image and example sentences. Plus, you can click on a word to see how its used in other videos.And look no further than FluentUs learn mode if youre looking for an in-context learning experience that incorporates videos, pictures and example sentences into exercises and flashcards.Best of all, lessons are personalized using an algorithm that presents you with questions based on your learning history, ensuring the material you see is appropriate for your unique learning level.You can use  FluentU online  or  download the FluentU app for iOS or Android devices.The Crafty Linguists DIY Guide to Intermediate Language LessonsVocabularyLabel things in your home.If you still dont know a word for a particular object, smack a label on it.Try doing this one room at a time. Look around you and try to name everything. Dont know the word for something? Look it up, make a label and put it on the object.Then, when you want to work on vocabulary as part of your DIY language l esson, just look around you for words to study. When you see an object, say the word out loud to practice it. Once you know the word well, you can remove the label.Make vocabulary lists.Think of themes for potential discussions. For instance, if you want to learn a language for business, think of business terms you use or see often.A fun way to make this part of your lesson plan is to set a time limit and a choose a theme. Challenge yourself to list as many words as you can in your native language related to that theme. For instance, if I gave myself one minute to come up with words related to the beach, I might list beach, towel, swimsuit, lifeguard, sunglasses, water, wave, etc. Then, all you need to do is look up these words in your target language to put together a helpful thematic vocabulary list. Study the vocabulary list for a couple of minutes during your lessons until youve learned all the words.Another way to come up with words for your vocabulary list is to think in your target language for a few minutes. You may find yourself stumbling because you cant find the words you need to continue your thought. Jot them down in your native language and translate them once youve completed the thinking activity.If you get bored studying vocabulary lists, you can also learn words by entering them into flashcards with resources like Quizlet  or Anki. This will allow you to include vocabulary study in your daily lessons using less time and effort.Practice reading and listening.Reading and listening are easy ways to grow your vocabulary naturally. Since youll see the words used in context, youll develop a clear understanding of what they mean. For a little extra help, keep a list of words you encounter that you dont know. Then, study them using some of the techniques discussed above.GrammarNail down your verb conjugations.At the intermediate level, youve already studied most of the basic conjugations. Nows the time to really get them down so you dont need to consc iously think about them.One way to do this is to make conjugation tables. Choose a verb and one or more verb tenses. Then, list the conjugations of that verb. This can take up just a couple of minutes from your lesson time, but the more practice you have conjugating verbs, the easier itll be to do it quickly in conversation.If you need a little help with conjugations, you can also use online tools for your specific target language. For instance, if youre studying Spanish, conjugation tools  like conjugation.org  can help you brush up on your skills or check if youre conjugating correctly.Study some more complex conjugations.You probably know present tense. You may know past tense. But now that youre at the intermediate level, its time to work on more advanced verb conjugations.Verb tenses vary by language, so the exact tenses you study depend on your target language. For instance, now would be a good time to learn future tense, progressive tenses and perfect tenses. You also might w ant to study up on any irregular verbs, which can be tricky to remember.To do this, its helpful to spend some time reading about conjugations and putting together conjugation tables. You can refer back to these for a few minutes whenever you want to work them into your lesson plan.Study tricky grammar rules.Every language has a few tricky rules. You probably touched on them in beginning lessons. As you craft your DIY intermediate lessons, dedicate a little time to tricky grammar rules.Spend a few minutes reading about the rule in your favorite textbook or on your favorite website. Otherwise, look for a YouTube video or podcast that explains the rule. Once youve figured it out, write about it in your language notebook. Every now and then, refer back to it as part of your lesson plan.Additionally, try to use your newfound command of the grammar rule in your writing and speaking practice, and keep an eye out for it during reading and listening practice. This is an easy way to reinforce what youve learned without adding any additional time to your lessons.ReadingRead dual-language books.Dual-language books  are an easy way to transition to reading in your target language. Thats because they offer text in English alongside text in your target language, making it easy to refer back to the English version whenever you dont understand something.To fit this into your lesson plan, simply set a goalâ€"you might choose to read a certain number of pages or spend a certain amount of time reading.Use a tool like Readlang to make any online text accessible.Want to practice reading in your target language but prefer fun websites like magazines or authentic blogs? Unfortunately for intermediate learners, authentic material like this can seem impossibly challenging. However, that doesnt mean you cant use it in your DIY language lessons.Tools like Readlang can make authentic written materials accessible to any level of language learner. Readlang is a downloadable web reader that allows you to translate words or phrases instantly from any website. Plus, you can add the words to flashcards, which you can use for a vocabulary lesson.To add this authentic reading practice to your lesson plan, just set a simple goal. You might choose to browse websites in your target language for 10 minutes each day. Otherwise, choose a website you like that updates daily and make it your goal to peruse the new material regularly.WritingKeep a journal.Keeping a journal in your target language can be an easy addition to any lesson plan.To do this, commit yourself to make a journal entry every day or two. It doesnt need to be long. You might write about your day, your plans or even your favorite boy band. The choice is up to you. Keeping a journal will help you build your confidence in writing as well as reinforce grammar and vocabulary.Find a pen pal.Finding a foreign language pen pal  can build your writing skills and help you make a new friend.Websites like InterPals can help y ou find friends who speak your target language. You can discuss whatever you want with your pen pal. You might even choose to write about topics related to vocabulary youve studied to reinforce your learning.Since you wont know when your pen pal will write back, you cant schedule this into your lesson plan too much in advance. However, since the experience will be valuable, its worth changing up your lesson plans to accommodate reading what your pen pal writes, and writing back.Plus, theres a major bonus: You can ask your pen pal any pressing grammar or vocabulary usage questions you have. You can even ask him/her to correct your writing to give you a clearer idea of what you need to work on.Use social media or a message board.Do you love the thrill of getting a new follower? Do you enjoy chatting about the latest trends online? If so, using social media or a message board can get you the writing practice you need in a fun format.Reddit offers message boards in a variety of language s, including  Chinese, French, German, Portuguese  and Spanish. You can use these to interact with other users and discuss a huge array of topics.Otherwise, you can also start a social media account in your target language. Write about whatever you feel like writing about, and soon you might even get followers you can practice with.Message boards and social media are easy to fit into your lesson plan. You can easily commit to writing one quick tweet, message or reply each day. This could take less than a minute. For more immersive practice, you could also plan on writing a longer, more in-depth post on a message board.SpeakingNarrate your daily activities.Narrating your daily activities is one quick and easy way to work speaking practice into your lesson plan.  You can do this by setting aside a block of time or just narrating during a specific activity.If you choose to use a certain time for this, simply set a stopwatch or timer for your targetâ€"it might be five or 10 minutes. The n, narrate everything you do out loud (for instance: I am cooking, I am chopping the onions, etc.). It might feel weird at first but youll quickly notice that speaking gets much easier.It can also be helpful to rotate which activity you narrate. For instance, one day you might narrate your shower. The next day, you might narrate cleaning your house. The next day, you might narrate shopping (though you probably wont want to do this too loudly). Not only does this give you speaking practice, it also ensures youre able to talk about a wide array of topics.Find a language exchange partner.Finding a language exchange partner  is one of the top ways to incorporate speaking practice into your lesson plan. This is valuable because not only do you get speaking practice, you also have someone to correct you when you make mistakes.To make this part of your lesson plan, you might consider deciding ahead of time what topics you want to discuss or what conjugations you hope to work into the conve rsation.Record yourself to assess your own speaking.When youre just talking to yourself, it can be hard to assess how you sound. However, if you record yourself, its much easier to hear errors and fine-tune your pronunciation.One way to work this into your lesson plan is to plan on speaking about a certain topic for a couple minutes. You may want to think about it ahead of time to ensure youre mentally prepared. Then, record yourself speaking off the cuff. This will test your ability to speak without prompts or practice. When you listen to the recording, pay careful attention to your pronunciation. Jot down any words or sounds you struggled with to practice more. Also, watch for any long pauses. These could help point towards vocabulary or conjugations youre struggling with.ListeningListen to podcasts.Listening to authentic foreign language podcasts  can help you upgrade your listening skills.Simply choose a podcast that appeals to you and set aside some time in your lesson plan to listen. You may not get everything the first time. You might even need to listen to the same segment repeatedly to understand whats been said. However, over time, youll notice your listening skills improving.Whenever a podcast has a transcript available, you may also want to read along as you listen. This will help you connect the spoken and written words.Listen to simple audiobooks.If you want an approachable, flexible way to improve your listening skills, try listening to audiobooks in your target language.Audiobooks can fit into any lesson plan. You can listen for just a few minutes at a time or for hours on end.There are many options available. LibriVox  offers free audiobooks, and you can also purchase a wide selection from Audible.Childrens books and poetry are good choices for intermediate learners since these are often shorter and frequently use less complex language.To make your lessons even more effective, you may also want to find corresponding texts online. Reading the t ext will make it easier for you to understand the audiobook.Listen to music.Listening to music as part of your language lessons is, well, music to your ears.Learning a song is a helpful tool because you may very well remember it forever. In the future, when you forget a word or need a model for a grammar rule, you can run through the song in your head for a little assistance.To get the most out of listening to music, select one key song at a time. Look up the lyrics and their meanings online. Then, when you listen to the song as part of your lesson, read along with the lyrics until you have them all memorized. Once you get the lyrics down, go ahead and sing along for a little speaking practice.Once you have one song down, simply move on to the next for an endless source of lesson material.Watch TV and movies.Binging TV and watching movies to learn a language is any entertainment junkies dream come true.To incorporate TV and movies into your lesson plan, select something you think yo ull enjoy. If you have a limited time each day, you might choose to break it down into short segments. You might try first watching in your target language to see how much you understand. Then, if subtitlings available, you can watch with subtitling to get a clearer idea of whats happening on-screen. Another option is to simply watch the same segment again and again until you grasp most of it.Additionally, if you hear any lines you like or dont understand, try jotting them down to study in order to learn more vocabulary.Warning: Watching TV and movies is known to be addictive. As such, you might find your lessons getting longer and longer each day.If you want your next DIY project to be a success, give DIY intermediate language lessons a try. You might even feel compelled to give yourself a celebratory glitter shower afterwards.

Could Artificial Intelligence Threaten Human Existence

Could Artificial Intelligence Threaten Human Existence Artificial intelligence has always been an interesting subject to discuss especially among fiction writers. But now its becoming a part of our reality. Thousands of artificial intelligence applications have been used for years in almost every industry: scientific discovery, medical diagnosis, robot control, stock trading, remote sensing, and even toys. Stephen Hawking says that the development of full artificial intelligence could spell the end of the human race. But, a lot of scientist dont agree with him. They say artificial intelligence could damage society if and only it built or used incorrectly. Today, artificial intelligence systems have impressive, but still pretty narrow capabilities. And its hard to imagine what it might be like for computers to experience the world, to be creative, and to dream. I can only say that the future of the human race depends on us. How we approach the development and management of artificial intelligence will have far-reaching consequences. Thinking about the risks associated with emerging artificial intelligence technology is hard work. Let our Computer Science tutors help you to figure out all the pros and cons. And, of course, all our tutors are ready to give you the science help you need whether it studying for a science test, or finishing your science homework.