How to Prepare for the GRE

How to Prepare for the GRE One of the many pressures of attempting to get into grad school is scoring well on the GRE. A very quirky test, it can be quite intimidating when you first start reading up on it, but the structure is actually quite simple. There are six sections total, but only three broad skill areas that will be covered analytical writing, verbal reasoning, and quantitative reasoning. Now, it should not be underestimated how broad these areas really are. In studying for this exam, you will need to go back and re-learn a ton of information you may or may not have looked at since high school. But what makes the structure of the GRE simple is the fact that the test-makers are extremely straight-forward about the types of questions they will ask you. Comprehending what each different type of question is looking for and how to go about figuring it out is half the battle with the GRE. Heres a helpful breakdown of what to expect when you eventually find test day upon you: Analytical Writing: You will have to write two separate essays each with a different purpose. Both will prompt you with an argument, opinion, or statement of some sort regarding a particular issue. For one of them, you will be asked to take your own stance on the issue and logically back it up with well-organized points. For the other, you will be asked to only analyze the argument by going into detail about how well it is or isnt supported by the facts given and what points would possibly need to be made to change that. You dont need to fret over how knowledgeable you may or may not be about the topics discussed; all that matters is that you have the focused mind-set to solidly comprehend what you are reading and then share your opinion about it. There are no right or wrong answers here as long as you are addressing what is being talked about and making sense regarding it with a solid writing technique. Ultimately, the best way to study for this is to practice writing a classic five -paragraph essay in a thirty minute time period. Sounds exhausting and boring, but it will be the only way to really warm up your brain for this task. Verbal Reasoning: To prepare for this part of the exam, studying loads and loads of vocabulary is crucial. You will never be asked to directly define words, so dont stress over memorizing exact definitions. But make sure you genuinely understand what many of these obscure words mean, otherwise you will be very frustrated when you cant answer questions that in fact look quite easy. The reason for this is many of these questions are fill-in-the-blank questions. You will be given a sentence with one or sometimes multiple blanks and subsequently have to choose from a multiple choice set of words which one fits the sentence best. Most of these word options will not be ones you hear every day, however, which is why you need to brush up on the extensive English language. The only other type of question you will see in this section asks you about a short passage you will need to read. Thankfully this is not foreign territory to most students who have probably been through this type of questi on on past English exams and/or other standardized tests. But similar to the Analytical Writing section, a focused mind that is ready to comprehend points quickly is very necessary. Quantitative Reasoning: This may arguably be the most difficult section to study for as it covers an extremely wide array of math skills that can be quite time-consuming to catch up on. Math questions on the GRE can be as basic as understanding the rules of Please Excuse My Dear Aunt Sally, or require more complex thinking such as finding the volume of strange 3-D shapes or solving for complicated ratios or permutations. By understanding the types of questions this section will ask you, however, you will know what kind of problem-solving to expect to see. Questions in this section will either ask you to directly solve a problem, interpret data on a graph or chart, or compare two quantities. That last type of question is what you should really make yourself familiar with as it will probably be the most foreign to you. The two different quantities will both have to be solved for or figured out in some way so you can eventually compare them. The easy part? You only have four multiple ch oice answers to choose from regarding them in the end: Quantity A is greater, Quantity B is greater, the two quantities are equal, or the relationship cannot be determined with the given information. Being aware of that definitiveness ahead of time will ensure you an easier time understanding the question and what needs to be done. Remember, the most pivotal aspect of this study process is practice, practice, practice. Get a confident hold on these questions and there will be far less unpleasant surprises on test day.

Spring Break Practice Tips for Musicians

Spring Break Practice Tips for Musicians Megan L. As Spring Break hits, its so tempting to put everything on hold and just lounge by the pool with some lemonade, passing a few lazy days before getting back to school or work. If youre studying music however, it is really important not to slack off when it comes to your practice routine. Taking just a week off can seriously slow your progress or even move you backwards from reaching your goals. How do you keep up your discipline to practice when your brain is in vacation mode? Try these five tips to make the most of your break! Traveling? Theres an app for that.  If youre going out of town and its not practical to bring your instrument with you, keep your music theory skills sharp by practicing with a mobile app. Educators Technology  has put together a great list of 12 apps that can help you practice sight-reading and ear training as well as apps that simulate instruments from an 88-key piano to a glockenspiel. Get inspired!  Take advantage of your free time to make a playlist of music youd like to learn. See if you can find a movie or documentary about one of your favorite performers or composers or about the history of your instrument. Focusing on what inspires you to play will help keep your instrument exciting and energize you to practice. Practice outside the box.  Is the warm weather and sunshine calling your name? Find a place where you can go outside to practice. Whether you find yourself strumming a ukulele on the beach, bowing your violin in the forest or just singing in your backyard, a little fresh air can revitalize you and rev up your practice. Be creative!  Spring Break is the perfect time to shake up your practice routine. Channel the revitalizing energy that comes with Springtime and find new ways to practice your instrument. If youve fallen into a rut, try playing familiar pieces and exercises backwards. Play around with tempo or rearrange a piece you are learning to write a new piece of your own. All aboard the Friend-ship!  Make practice more fun by playing with a friend. If you have a friend who is learning the same instrument, you both might find you have a lot to teach each other. If your friend plays a different instrument, jamming together can help you brush up on  your theory skills and learn more about how your instrument interacts with others. Additionally, practicing with a friend can keep you accountable for continuing to practice on your own time. What are your plans for keeping up your practice routine over Spring Break? Let us know in the comments! Megan L. TakeLessons Staff Member and Blogger You might also like.. Its Time to Spring Clean Your Music Goals How to Handle Roadblocks In Your Music Lessons Videos We Love: How NOT to Practice Photo by Uhhhlaine

Chordata Examples Online Biology Tutors Tutorpace

Chordata Examples Online Biology Tutors Tutorpace Chordata is the most advanced animal phylum. Chordata are the most highly evolvedmulticellular animals. Theyare most adaptable,mostsuccessful and most widely distributedanimals showing diversity of forms, habitsand habitat. Chordates are bilaterally symmetricaland metamerically segmented,triploblastic, coelomates with organ system level of bodyOrganisation. All chordates have three features in common. They are the presence of notochord, dorsal hollow nerve cord, and presence of gill slits. Phylum chordate is divided into three subphyla onthe basis of the fate of the notochord. They are Urochordata, Cephalochordata and Vertebrata Urochordata are marine primitive chordates. The body is covered by aloose tough covering called tezt.The common urochordates are Ascidia, Salpa, Herdmania, Doliolum, Pyrrosoma, Botryllus, Oikopleura, Clona etc. Cephalochordata are the marine prochordates.The head and cranium is absent.It is represented by a singlegenus Branchiostoma (amphioxus of lancelet). Vertebrates are bilaterally symmetrical, coelomates,triploblastic, and segmented. They aregrouped into 5 classes 1. Pisces- They are the class to which the fishes belong . Examples: Scoliodon,Torpedo,Trygon,Pristis,etc. 2. Reptilia-The members of Reptiliaare cold bloodedanimals, have scales. Examples: Snakes,Crocodiles,Turtles,Lizardsetc. 3. Amphibia: They have no scales, have 3 chambered heart. Examples: Frogs,Toads,and Salamanders. 4. Aves: They are warm blooded animals and have a four chambered heart. Examples: Ardea,Columba, Corvus,Bubo,Alcedoetc. 5. Mammalia: They are warm blooded animals with four chambered heart. They have mammary glands. Examples: Platypus, Echidna, Kangaroo, Man, Canis, Pteropus, Delphinus, Camelus

How Do Drawing Tutorials Work

How Do Drawing Tutorials Work Learn to Draw: What Goes on in Drawing Lessons? ChaptersAt What Age Should Children Start Having Drawing Lessons?What Happens in Drawing Lessons?What Should Children be Taught when Learning the Basics of Art?What Sort of Art Teacher Does Your Child Need?Children are introduced to drawing at a very early age.Once the scribbling stage has come to an end, children learn to better control their drawing instruments as their fine motor and observational skills develop.Is your child interested in drawing and art?Are you thinking about signing them up to a course to help improve their technique?Maybe you’re an artist yourself and want to share your passion by becoming an art tutor for kids?Extra-curricular drawing lessons online complement art lessons given in primary school and give the child a good opportunity to develop their relationship with art as they find their talents and broaden their creative outlook. FernandoDrawing Teacher 5.00 (8) £30/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors EmmaDrawing Teacher 5.00 (5) £75/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors DavidDrawing Teacher 4.75 (4) £40/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors NatashaDrawing Teacher 5.00 (7) £37/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors LorrenDrawing Teacher 5.00 (2) £18/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors SabrinaDrawing Teacher 4.33 (3) £15/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors Julia janeDrawing Teacher 5.00 (5) £60/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors EvelinaDrawing Teacher £20/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutorsAt What Age Should Children Start Having Drawing Lessons?Before you start thinking about children's art lessons, your child should have already developed certain drawing skills.There is one step they need to take when going from sketching for their own amusement to getting the hang of basic drawing techniques.As Pablo Picasso said:Before the age of six, children draw for fun. As an activity, drawing helps children develop their motor skills and stimulate their senses â€" these are just two of the be nefits of drawing for youngsters.Drawing is something that children practice on a daily basis at school and at home.Drawing and painting workshops usually only aim to help people learn to realistically represent the world. Although this is a method of artistic expression, young children lack the cognitive ability which is necessary to grasping realistic drawing.A child's ability to represent perspective develops with age ¦ source: Pixabay - jarmolukDrawing workshops which are adapted to young children have a different objective. They aim towards encouraging children to use their imagination and their creative abilities.This is where they learn about colour and space, and get to grips with artistic techniques. Art workshops for children are centred around having fun and letting children freely express themselves.Quite often, when they’re learning to read, children discover a new passion to explore. All of a sudden, their discovery of books, like the other discoveries they make at a young age, gives them a means of exploring other worlds and playing a role in the stories they read.If your child continues to go through life with a sketchbook under their arm, it’s clear that their passion for drawing is more than just a hobby.Once you realise that your child’s passion for art is one that they want to keep developing, you can look into signing them up for drawing classes.Learning to draw from another person will help them get to grips with the knowledge they need to take their own work to the next level.What Happens in Drawing Lessons?Art lessons should be suitable for the age of the child, but also for their level!Children who are aged 6-10 don’t have the same capacity for concentration as a teenager. Their low level of maturity and perception of reality means that the lessons they take should be adapted to their age.This means that the accuracy of the work they are expected to produce and the duration of the session will be different to those of art cour ses aimed at adults.Beyond learning new techniques, art lessons should draw on the theories linked to artistic practice. This is why taking drawing lessons is the ideal time to teach children about the famous artists of the past and present, including painters, illustrators and sculptors.Group sessions are particularly useful in artistic subjects. They facilitate exchange between pupils, stimulate creativity and encourage progress. ·               Drawing Lessons for 6 to 11-Year-OldsFor primary school pupils, art lessons are made up of several disciplines which are all linked to the same theme (this could be a particular artist or technique).Lessons can be broken down into several sections:The presentation of a work of art and discussion around its characteristicsExplanation of the techniques to work with and demonstration by the teacherLearners have a go at producing their own work  around the theme of the lessonAt this age, mimicking the works of great artists may be nearly impos sible, however, the way they can inspire children in their art is invaluable.It’s also incredibly easy for children to get their inspiration from contemporary artists who rely more on colour and texture â€" both things that make their work more accessible to younger artists.For instance, children may look at the work of Keith Haring, an artist whose use of colour greatly appeals to children.And why not even look at Matisse?Still life drawings are particularly popular with children at this age.Sometimes colours are all you need to get young children excited about art! ¦ source: Pixabay - garagebandStill life drawing gives children a chance to work on their observational skills. By choosing to draw a few simple objects and discuss how they should arrange them before beginning to draw.Interacting and discussing with others before they create their art gives children an opportunity to share their ideas with others and enjoy their work.Talking with others about their ideas can also st imulate their curiosity and help improve their observational skills. ·               Art Lessons from the Age of 12At age 12, young teenagers will have already developed some skills which will be useful in their art.At this age, people tend to make their work more realistic. The eye for minute detail which was not developed in childhood becomes an essential part of producing realistic works, and artists begin aiming towards perfecting their technique on a deeper level.Their ability to concentrate is also greatly increased from that of childhood.The artist can, therefore, spend more time on their work and their art becomes a means of expression. From landscape drawing to still life to abstract works to impressionism, there are many possibilities for budding artists.Teens particularly enjoy having a go at learning how to draw cartoons, comic strips, manga and caricature.Not only do they learn how to draw faces, hands, and scenery like their favourite illustrators, but they also learn about how to tell a story through drawing.What Should Children be Taught when Learning the Basics of Art?You can’t really progress in anything until you have mastered the basics, and this applies to art, too. Once children have learnt the essential basic  drawing lessons, they can then aim to perfect their technique.Here are just some of these essential skills (which differ according to the age of the artist):Drawing lines: Learning to trace shapes, draw the outlines of objects and keep things in proportionPerspective drawings: Moving from 2-dimensional drawings to three-dimensional ones with shading and perspective drawig to make creations more realisticLearning to use different tools: Which materials should you use for each effect? Art lessons give children a chance to familiarise themselves with all kinds of tools other than a graphite pencil such as acrylic paint, oil pastels, charcoal, colored pencils, pen and ink.Light and shadow: Learning to bring depth to a drawing and fai thfully reproduce realityLearning how to draw is firstly about polishing your attention to detail and learning to master your own movements and control your tools.The next most important thing is to look to the work of others and their techniques for inspiration in your own work.When you’re learning to draw, your work is rarely ever finished.You learn new techniques, think up new ideas, see your style evolve and find new sources of inspiration.Art is an ever-evolving passion which opens new perspectives to its practitioners.What Sort of Art Teacher Does Your Child Need?When children learn how to draw, a teacher with an effective methodology as well as a good level of patience is essential.Even the greatest artist that ever lived would not be able to teach their profession to children unless they had the capacity for understanding the young mind and adapting teaching to the level of the learners.Leading a young art class takes a special kind of teacher ¦ source: Visualhunt - All4E dWhen teaching children how to draw, these things are essential:Getting on with children and knowing how to capture their attention: Teaching kids is something you are either naturally good at, or need to work harder to get there.Making lessons fun: A presentation on the origins of cubism is interesting, but not exactly suitable for primary school childrenAdapting your vocabulary: Even if you have to use complex terms when discussing art, you should try to explain these to children in plain English so that they fully understand what you meanBeing fair: Of course, you would never tell a child that their work is rubbish. Instead, you should congratulate them on their work and give them advice on how they can make their work even betterBeing enthusiastic: In order to improve, children need encouragement, so it’s important that teachers find alternatives to negative words, if possibleDrawing lessons should be above all enjoyable for the child, allowing them to use their creativity to blossom. To take those first steps or stimulate their artistic sense between lessons, there are even some drawing apps for kids out there.Drawing gives children an opportunity to relax outside of the academic environment as well as get to know themselves better through developing their observation and artistic skills.Who knows? Your child might be the next Picasso!Begin drawing lessons with a private tutor:drawing lessons Londondrawing lessons Manchesterdrawing classes Glasgow

What is it Like to Attend University of Houston

What is it Like to Attend University of Houston The tutors behind Varsity Tutors are not just here to teach theyre sharing their college experiences as well. Dana graduated from University of Houston in 2012 where she studied Political Science and Economics. She is an Austin tutor who specializes in SAT prep tutoring, Literature tutoring, Writing tutoring, and more. See what she had to say about her alma mater: VT: Describe the campus setting and transportation options. How urban or safe is the campus? Are there buses or do you need a car/bike? Dana: UH is historically a university for the working class, located in Houston's Third Ward. Thus the student body is dedicated, supportive, and highly diverse. Campus is close to downtown and Montrose, a great neighborhood filled with restaurants, museums, and more. Third Ward itself is a dynamic neighborhood, and despite some occasional crime, common sense is enough to keep you safe around campus (don't walk around alone at night, for example). Houston's transportation system is lacking, to say the least. But, depending on where you live, there are indeed buses and a new light rail coming to campus. Most students live in the far-flung suburbs though, and must use a car. VT: How available are the professors, academic advisers, and teaching assistants? Dana: From my experience, professors are available and willing to help, if not highly encouraging and committed to their students. Academic advisers are a hit and miss, and it depends on the department. Cultivating a good relationship with your advisers can go a long way though, so you can get past any initial unavailability. My classes were always small, as part of the Honors College or in advanced classes (both in the Political Science Department and the Economics Department), so I did not have much interaction with teaching assistants - only once in my entire undergraduate career. VT: How would you describe the dorm life rooms, dining options, location, socialization opportunities with other students? Dana: Dorm life at UH has drastically improved, including the quality of the rooms and dining options. More restaurants have opened up as new buildings have been added. I never lived in the dorms, and some students find them a bit overpriced. But socialization opportunities have certainly increased for students, especially since dorms now group students by interest and college. VT: Which majors/programs are best represented and supported? What did you study and why? Did the university do a good job supporting your particular area of study? Dana: UH is the type of school, size-wise, where many programs are very strong and well-supported. For instance, UH is ranked in the top schools for diverse majors such as Creative Writing,Entrepreneurship, and Engineering. I personally double majored in Political Science and Economics. All of my professors were well-established and had graduated from top institutions. The university focuses more on the Natural Sciences, from my experience, but still provides a number of research grants to the College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences. I had no problem pursuing my areas of study past the classroom when I wanted, with the logistic and financial support of the university. VT: How easy or difficult was it for you to meet people and make friends as a freshman? Does Greek life play a significant role in the campus social life? Dana: It was very easy to meet people and make friends as a freshman. UH has many active student groups and consistently fun school-wide events. I was also a member of the Honors College, which does a great job helping their students get to know one another and cultivate relationships. There are a variety of Honors College events, many catered to freshman alone. Admittedly, the best relationships I made at UH were not made through the Honors College, but it does not take much effort to pursue other activities. Information on campus events is widely available. VT: How helpful is the Career Center and other student support services? Do many reputable companies recruit on campus? Dana: There are a number of job fairs organized by the university career center, or specific colleges. The success rate seems to be quite satisfactory for the students involved, and many find internships and entry-level positions. I always wanted to pursue an academic career, and I did not utilize this particular support service. But, from my impression, they seem to be successful. VT: How are the various study areas such as libraries, student union, and dorm lounges? Are they over-crowded, easily available, spacious? Dana: The main library is wonderful, spacious, and a great place to study. It's open late when you need it and features a number of great events each semester, including Undergraduate Research Day and a late night pancake dinner during finals. The camaraderie between students studying in the library is wonderful to see and experience. The University Center, UH's student union, is currently being re-modeled. It will hold more restaurants and more areas for students to study or get involved in activities. Dorm lounges, particularly in the newer buildings, are very fancy and well-equipped, available to residents only (so I didn't get to see much of them). VT: Describe the surrounding town. What kinds of outside establishments / things to do are there that make it fun, boring, or somewhere in between? To what extent do students go to the downtown area of the city versus staying near campus? Dana: Houston is the fourth largest metropolitan area in the country, and UH is right in the thick of things. There isn't much youcan'tdo there; all interests are well represented. Students often spend time in Montrose, Fourth Ward, the Heights, and other great neighborhoods in central Houston. There are enough activities on campus to keep you busy, too, including athletic events, plays, and art shows. VT: How big or small is the student body? Were you generally pleased or displeased with the typical class sizes? Dana: Although the student body is 35,000 strong, many of my classes were 30 students or smaller. Rarely did I attend a large auditorium class, so I was always very pleased with class size. For a large university, UH does a great job making the student's educational experience as personal as possible. VT: Describe one memorable experience with a professor and/or class. Perhaps one you loved the most or one you regret the most. Dana: I enjoyed all the classes I took with Dr. Ryan Kennedy, who teaches in the Political Science Department. I also had the opportunity to take a capstone seminar with Dr. Robert Zaretsky and Dr. Olivia Miljanic on globalization. Through this course, I was able to pursue an undergraduate thesis, which I credit for helping me get into graduate school soon after. Check out Danastutoring profile. The views expressed in this article do not necessarily represent the views of Varsity Tutors.

English Adjective Word Order

English Adjective Word Order Knowing how to order multiple adjectives in one sentence can really help your English sound more natural and fluent, especially when youre talking to native speakers.For example, do you know how to correctly order the adjectives in the sentences below?My cat is (furry, awesome, small, old).This is a (red, wool, beautiful, Irish) sweater.Watch the video below to get the answers.Order the adjectives below:1. The couch is (classic, canvas, tan, small, new).2. Her new apartment is (cool, blue, small, cozy, inexpensive).3. The painting is (American, dark, oil, interesting, expensive).4. My new car is a (1970s, blue, awesome, fast) Mustang.5. Seattle is (fun, rainy, quiet, hip).You can write your answers in comments below, and we will correct them. Anton The couch is classic small new tan canvas Her new apartment is inexpensive cool cozy small blue The painting is expensive interesting dark American oil My new car is awesome fast 1970s blue Mustang. Seattle is fun rainy quite hip. LOIEn glish Anton in number 2: cool and cozy are opinion adjectives so they must come first. The same with number three: interesting must come first. Also it wasnt included but you need to add and before the last adjective. Aglaya 1. The couch is classic, small, new, tan, canvas.2. Her new apartment is cool, cozy, inexpensive, small, blue.3. The painting is interesting, inexpensive, dark, American, oil.4. My new car is a awesome, fast, 1970s, blue Mustang.5. Seattle is fun, hip, rainy, quiet. LOIEnglish AglayaVery good. The only mistake is a little tricky. You need to have the word and in each of the sentences. LOIEnglish AnYou are correct in that last sentence quiet is technically an opinion/judgement and should come before temperature. So it is better to say: Seattle is fun, hip, quiet and rainy.

Life Advice to Share with Your High School Students

Life Advice to Share with Your High School Students High school is a transformative time for students. Theres the obvious focus of preparing for college (and deciding if and where to go), and so many lessons to be learned along the way. Whatever subject you teach, keep in mind that your students will benefit most of all from your support and encouragement. Here are a few words of wisdom to share as they navigate the journey: Be a sponge. The stress of planning out life is real, but your students should focus more on being open to learning new things and willing to stretch themselves. Ask for advice. High school students dont always realize how many knowledgeable people are all around them. Remind your students that reaching out to teachers, parents, family friends, and others will offer them many new perspectives. Pursue sincere interests. Getting involved in something is worthwhile, but tell your students not to do so solely for the resume. They should join activities that sound like fun and interesting opportunities to grow and learn. Dont worry if you dont have it all figured out. Some students have had their hearts set on a career path since they were eight years old, while others apply to college with no major in mind. Some students may even choose not to attend college in favor of a trade school or other path. Any of these scenarios is fine. Let your students know that high school and college are their chance to explore. Be yourself. There are many social pressures in high school. Teach your students that fitting in isnt as important as they think. Encourage them to look inward, not outward, to decide who they want to be, and to surround themselves with people who accept them as they are. Theyll be happier in the long run.

Families Say Private Tuition Definitely Helps Improve Exam Grades

Families Say Private Tuition Definitely Helps Improve Exam Grades New research has shown that private tuition does seem to improve grades at GCSE and A-Level. The survey, conducted by First Tutors, asked families with children taking exams this year whether they felt private tuition had improved their estimated grades. Results showed that private tuition increased results by an average of one grade, e.g. from D to C, enough to make a potentially crucial difference to university choices. At both GCSE and A-Level, the biggest potential for grade improvement was shown to be at the lower end of the grade scale (grades U - D), where students improved an average of two grades. Starting early appears to matter, particularly to GCSE candidates where those receiving private tuition for between three and six months lifted their results by an average of one and a half grades, versus just under one grade for those receiving tuition for less than three months. But surprisingly, there was little correlation between hourly fees charged by tutors and grade impact. The average cost of tuition for GCSE and A-level among students surveyed was 22 per hour, with most families choosing one hour per week of private tutoring. Asked whether they felt the grade improvement could be attributed to private tuition, 80% of the 150 families surveyed said they believed tutoring had definitely improved their results. Additionally, 95% of families said they would recommend First Tutors as a way of finding a tutor. Commercial director, Anita Moss, commented, We are delighted to produce preliminary research into the extent to which private tuition improves exam results. However, it is also important to note that whilst getting the grade matters to our clients, improving understanding of a subject ranked almost equally as a key motivating factor in finding a tutor. First Tutors has over 10,000 tutors registered on the website, and tens of thousands of families use the service to locate local tutors every year. This preliminary survey indicates that there is deeper research potential for educationalists and First Tutors hopes this will encourage academic collaboration to explore the data further.