Top Online Math Tutoring Websites

Top Online Math Tutoring WebsitesIf you want to have a successful relationship with your child, then you should start to get to know more about the best online math tutoring website. It is important that you find the right website, one that meets all of your educational and professional needs, because without this, you will not be able to do well in mathematics.You must first learn that there are actually four things to look for when choosing a good math tutor for your child. These include professionalism, skill, knowledge and experience. If you can understand these four traits, you will be able to tell what kind of instructor you would like to have, and which ones will meet your needs.The next thing you need to do is find a math tutor that has a certain level of expertise in that subject. Some instructors may have a general knowledge in math, but they would not be well-qualified to teach any specific subjects. Find someone that can teach your child.Another thing you need to look for when finding an online math tutoring website is their level of skill. You need to find a tutor that will help your child learn more than just their elementary level math. Your child should be taught advanced methods of math so that they can apply it in different situations.Finally, you need to look for the best online math tutoring website that offers the best knowledge. An instructor that knows a lot about math is a teacher who will always be up to date on current information in the field. By knowing the latest methods and learning new ways to teach, you will be able to keep your child up to date with the latest information in math.Your child may want to continue on to an advanced level in math, or they may already be in a high school's educator training program. Make sure that the math tutor you choose can provide your child with all of the tools that they need to become an advanced student. You will want to make sure that they are available and will be able to help your child ex cel in their math classes.The last thing you need to look for in an online math tutoring website is experience. If they are experienced, you know that they are qualified to teach every subject and that they are reliable. You need to find someone who has a reputation for working well with different children, especially if they teach at a high school.There are many different factors that you need to consider when looking for the best online math tutoring website. Make sure that the website has all of the qualities listed above, or else you will not be able to find someone who will be able to teach your child. Finding the right tutor for your child is important, so be sure to choose wisely.

Tips For Finding a School Or Program for Chinese Language and Culture

Tips For Finding a School Or Program for Chinese Language and CultureWhile some of the best programs offered by top colleges offer full or part-time Chinese language tutoring, there are many options for aspiring teachers in Colorado Springs. If you're interested in studying Chinese, you'll find that there are plenty of options to suit your needs.In the Denver area, you have a number of schools and colleges that offer degree programs in Chinese language and culture. Chinese Language and Culture are a university offering an Associate's degree in Chinese Language and Culture. Students complete a language and literature course, which include a specific curriculum in Cantonese, Mandarin, and English. Courses within the program are all taught from native speakers.Another language and culture program are the University of Colorado, Boulder's degree program in Mandarin Language and Culture. The Bachelor of Arts in Chinese Language and Culture is a two-year program in which students earn a Ma ster of Arts in the field of Chinese Language and Culture. Students will receive a thorough introduction to the culture and history of Chinese speaking communities in the United States and Europe. Students can also choose from among more than 20 Chinese language courses within the Bachelor of Arts program.Another option for those interested in Chinese language and culture but do not have time to participate in a formal program at a college or university is to pursue a part-time Chinese language tutoring job in Colorado Springs. Most tutors who take jobs like this are hired by private business owners who hire one or two people to teach the Chinese language and culture to their employees. Tutors like this are part-time students who work as a language and culture consultant and often get paid for their work.For those interested in pursuing a career in teaching Chinese to adults, the University of Colorado, Boulder offers a two-year certificate program that allows students to earn a bac helor's degree in education. Students take an introduction to the Chinese language course and then the further Chinese language course within the program. Students then enter into the Chinese language training class and take one of the five professional Chinese language assessment tests given by the University of Colorado. A student who successfully completes the training will earn a bachelor's degree in education.Those who want to teach adult learners but would prefer a classroom teacher experience will be satisfied with the language and culture programs offered by the University of Wyoming. Some of the programs offered include a two-year master's degree in the field of Chinese language and culture, a Certificate in Chinese Language and Culture, and an Associate's degree in Chinese Language and Culture.Regardless of the institution where you choose to study Chinese language and culture, it is important to choose a program that is right for you. A simple Google search will provide y ou with hundreds of resources for finding the best schools and programs in your area.

How Much Does an Acoustic Guitar Cost

How Much Does an Acoustic Guitar Cost Looking to Buy a Folk Guitar? Let's Talk about How Much an Acoustic Costs. ChaptersThe Specificity of the Acoustic Guitar.The Price of an Acoustic GuitarThe Importance of Investing in an Acoustic GuitarSo, How Much Does an Acoustic Cost? It Depends - According to Usage and QualityBuying your Guitar with the Help of ProfessionalsHow to Lower the Price of an Acoustic Guitar?Do you dream of buying an acoustic guitar?For you, no electric guitar, bass guitar, ukulele, gypsy guitar, electric bass, or mandolin… Acoustic it will be!Have you started learning how to play the guitar over the past months, or even years, and now you want to learn new musical styles? Want to record in the studio?This is the time to get started and buy an acoustic guitar!Ibanez, Stratocaster, Telecaster, Gibson Les Paul… Which brand to choose? The truth is that none of these will be helpful in your search for good acoustics. Replace these names with others: Taylor Guitars, the Seagull S6, the Hummingbird, Martin Guitars, Sweetwater, and Tanglewood.    And whilst you're at it, try and get these ideas into your brain: cutaway, dreadnought, grand auditorium, parlor, jumbo acoustic. These all refer to different aspects of the acoustic guitar's body shape.These  are the names you'll need to know - because these are some of the best acoustic guitars around. Acoustic guitarists are often forgotten honestly, in favour of the rock n roll electric guitar player.The acoustic guitar often opposes the classical guitar. However, this is a language mistake since acoustic guitars are all guitars that use a resonance box for single amplification.This differentiates the acoustic guitar from the electric guitar, which uses microphones to diffuse the sound. So we often call a folk guitar an acoustic guitar. The latter is different from the classical guitar because of its round neck and it’s less large than the classical. Its strings are made out of steel while a classical guitar’s strings are made of nylon.Folk, or acoustic, guitars are used to play traditional styles; rock, bl ues, flamenco, hard rock… Indeed, by acquiring a folk guitar you will be able to play any style.But what is the price of an acoustic guitar?The Price of an Acoustic GuitarIt’s often advised to get an acoustic guitar as your second guitar, once you’re at a more advanced level - having started with its nylon string cousin.Don’t hesitate to borrow an acoustic guitar from a friend or your music teacher in order to get an idea about its sound and use. It’s generally easier to strum the strings after playing on a classical guitar for several years. This heightened playability is due to the size of the fretboard, and different size of body and neck.  Once you have decided to buy a folk guitar, you still have several possibilities. You can start by looking at the average price of guitars on the Internet. You can easily find a good guitar that costs around $150.This will be good for you if you don’t have a particular model in mind and you want to discover the joys of the folk gui tar.If you choose to go to a music store, it will be easier to decide which guitar to buy. You can inspect every part of the musical instruments - from headstock to the soundboard to tonewood. On the Internet, there are also many guitars to choose from. However, you can easily get lost in an endless sea of guitars. At a music store you will have just as many options, but with a limited number of guitars to choose from.In addition, the salesperson will be able to give you some tips and tricks!Your first guitar will always be specialExpect to spend on average $300 to $600 to get a good quality guitar without going broke.You’ve been saving for a while now, but your budget is still quite tight?Then check out used guitars.I personally bought my first folk guitar, which was second-hand, in a music store. A Lag guitar that was recommended by the salesperson, that I have absolutely no regrets about buying! I was able to buy it for half of its original price ($200 instead of $400). A great deal when you’re a student… The acoustic guitar, by its most common name, brings a lot of joy to music players. It gives a unique feeling, different from those that you get from buying a classical or electric guitar.Acoustic guitar strings are made out of steel, which helps you hold your fingers on the strings. Steel strings resonate differently from the classical guitar’s nylon strings - due to the material of the strings, yes, but also to the construction of the instrument, from the soundhole to the bridge and the neck.  The biggest advantage of the folk or acoustic guitar for a musician is the ability to play many different styles!A folk guitarist can adapt to all styles of music!Because no, this guitar is not exclusively reserved for playing folk music. It allows you to play any style with any technique.It is, therefore, a guitar that’s very versatile, allowing the guitarist to have fun with solos, arpeggios, and even gypsy jazz.So why not start out directly on an acous tic guitar?It is quite possible to learn to play on a folk guitar if you wish.However, if you decide to take classes at a music school, the classical guitar will be recommended for its more classical tone and to teach you where to properly place your hands.So, How Much Does an Acoustic Cost? It Depends - According to Usage and QualityWhen choosing your guitar, it’s necessary to be able to define what you will use it for. The price depends on that…Whether you are a professional, an amateur or at the intermediate level, the prices of the guitar you should use will not be the same.As a beginner, you can find a guitar in the $200 to $500 range. You can buy a good guitar from Cort or Yamaha, and also from Stagg, Gibson, Epiphone, or Alhambra. Some of the best acoustic guitar options come from specialists such as Breedlove and Taylor acoustic.  Here are 2 examples of guitars to get an idea of what you can find in a music store:Yamaha F335 â€" $120 With a spruce top, rosewood fingerboa rd and bridge, and meranti back and sides, this guitar will delight folk and country fans. It’s also sold at a reasonable price!Cort Earth 100 NS â€" $175 This Dreadnought guitar is made out of solid spruce for the top and mahogany for the back and sides. It makes a nice guitar to play as a beginner.However, some guitar players will soon want to play onstage in front of an audience. And unless you have one of Yamaha's new TransAcoustic guitars, you will have to amplify your guitar for it to be heard by the crowd.You can invest in an acoustic-electric guitar. It has a device to connect to an amplifier. However, the amplifier makes the price go up.Some guitars can be acoustic-electric.The value of your guitar will also depend on its qualities.It depends on several elements. First, your guitar can be solid wood (two pieces symmetrically glued together) or laminated wood (sheets of wood glued together). It can also be a Jumbo or Dreadnought guitar. And the wood chosen is not always th e same. It’s possible to find mahogany, cedar, cherry, spruce, ebony, etc.So how do you choose one?The choice depends on your tastes. Try out different guitars before choosing the one that suits you best. You will surely be drawn more towards one than the others. Or to a guitar's design…Buying your Guitar with the Help of ProfessionalsMany music stores specialize in guitars.They offer everything:classical guitarsgypsy guitarsacoustic or acoustic-electric guitarselectric guitarsHeading to a music store to purchase your guitar is a very good idea.The salesperson will be able to advise you on which guitar is right for you. You can even test the guitars on the spot. In addition, you will find all the necessary accessories to play the acoustic guitar:strings (how much do guitar strings cost?)tablaturesscorestuning forkeaselguitar casestrapYou can also find an amplifier if you opt to buy an acoustic-electric guitar.Stores also sell learning methods and many picks.Also, consider gettin g a capodaster. This small tool may be needed to play certain pieces. It acts as a clamp that holds down on the strings. It then replaces the last fret on the neck of the guitar and gives a sharper sound.If you buy your guitar on the Internet, you have to be sure of the model you want. Or choose a guitar that can be returned and refunded if it doesn’t satisfy you. You can also call on your music teacher for help.It’s ideal to be able to test a guitar before buying it.In what case should you buy a new guitar and why?When your budget allows, it’s nice to get a new guitar. Then you are sure not to find any scratches or shocks on the guitar. Moreover, you can be sure of where it came from.But it also depends on how you will use your guitar. If you have just started guitar lessons near me and you aren’t sure if you will continue playing the instrument, perhaps buying a new guitar isn’t very wise.A new guitar should be for music lovers wishing to continue playing the guitar for many years to come.How to Lower the Price of an Acoustic Guitar?Are you wondering how you can buy a guitar without spending a lot of money?First, you can look at the prices of used guitars. Check out websites, like Craigslist, that sell used things. Do you prefer to buy a musical instrument from somewhere close to where you live? You can usually  meet with the owner of a pre-owned instrument and examine the guitar.Many stores have music sections where you can easily find a guitar that suits you. Also, take advantage of flea markets, this is one of the best places to be able to negotiate the price.And if you don’t want to take a risk buying a second-hand guitar, you can always wait for a sale. Sometimes you find a golden opportunity that you do not want to miss. Sellers usually lower the prices of models that do not sell because their original price is too high.Wait for sale periods, like Black Friday, to take advantage of discounts. And, while you're waiting, read these tips for b uying a second-hand guitar...

10+ Amazing Virtual Field Trips Around Spain Beyond

10+ Amazing Virtual Field Trips Around Spain Beyond Sign up successful Google Maps is a great first stop for a virtual field trip. If you have a list of landmarks and well-known hot spots in the area, use that to start your  tour. In the screenshot above, for example, you can visit Spain and get an up-close look at  the Sagrada Família, a Roman Catholic church and  one of Barcelonas most popular tourist attractions. You can also use the Google maps engine to create your own maps and routes, and add resources at each destination. Try using this to create a fun lesson plan that takes your students all over the country! Finally, check out the Google Cultural Institute, which incorporates Google Maps and additional online resources to showcase various world wonders and historic moments, all easily searchable. 2. Connected  Classrooms Yet another option in the Google suite, Connected Classrooms uses Google Hangouts to connect  and empower educators. Here you can share resources, collaborate, and brainstorm ideas, including virtual field trips and other learning opportunities. Once you join the community, youll be able to  sign up for the upcoming field trips, which are broadcast via Hangouts on Air. 3. City Tourism  Websites Many cities have robust and interactive websites created by their tourism department, aimed at educating and inspiring readers! For Spanish classes, check out the  Barcelona Tourist Website. Theres ton to explore on the website, including details about each of Barcelonas districts (neighborhoods), tourist attractions, and interesting  historical facts.  The website also provides a newsletter in Spanish and connections to their  Twitter and Instagram accounts, for real-time updates on city life. 4. AirPano AirPano  showcases 360-degree views of various cities,  including Barcelona. The website also includes a brief bit of geographical and cultural information for each location. For example, did you know that according to one of the legends, the city was founded by Hercules, the legendary hero of Greek mythology?  Theres also some gorgeous 360-degree videos in the gallery. 5. Spain Virtual Field Trip Spain Virtual Field Trip  is another online visual view of Spanish cities, including Segovia and Madrid. Students  can navigate through the interactive map and click on buildings to learn more about what they are and how they are unique to Spain. 6. 360Cities This website is the largest 360 ° panorama sharing community, featuring thousands of extraordinary locations created by HD virtual reality photographers. Type in the city you want to explore, and check out all the gorgeous panorama photos, like the above photograph of the Plaza de España. 7. Reach the World Reach the World is an awesome  website that offers  students and teachers opportunities to connect and learn from world travelers who are documenting their experiences through  field notes, journal entries, and photographs. Students can explore the journals freely, while the  RTW Full Program includes traveler-to-classroom matching, video conferencing, on-site support from classroom interns, and teacher professional development. 8. Mexico: A Global Trek Activity via Scholastic Spanish-speakers should also be learning about Mexico, of course! Scholastic.com has excellent lesson  plans and resources  for exploring Mexicos history, cultures, and landmarks. Recommended for grades 3-8, students can read all about the country, take a virtual tour, and then write about it in their online  travel journal. Dont teach Spanish? Looking for other lesson plans and virtual field trips outside of Spain and Mexico? Here are some more ideas: Virtual Field Trips for Science Ecology Virtual Field Trip with NASA Electronic Field Trip to the Forest Climb Denali Virtual Field Trips for History Immigration: Stories of Yesterday and Today The Underground Railroad: Escape From Slavery Virtual Field Trips for Other Subjects Inside the White House Interactive Tour Tour St. Peters in Vatican City Google Art Project Readers, what other resources have you used? Let us know in the comments, and well add it to the list! Photo via AirPano 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

Online Tutoring Ultimate Guide to Top Contests and Awards

Online Tutoring Ultimate Guide to Top Contests and Awards 0SHARESShare After K-12 education, the student requires to qualify competitive test to get college admission. The students need to prepare for SAT, ACT, AP, etc. based on the type of course they apply. Tutoring online help students to improve their test scores and thereby increase their chance to get college admission and scholarship at the college or University of their choice. Let’s check out how online tutoring is the ultimate guide to top contest and awards? Tutoring from Experienced and Expert Tutors The tutoring website offer tutoring from experienced and expert online tutor and not just high scoring mentors. They make testing easier with more practice work. They teach valuable test taking strategies and tips that help students to improve their scores. Reduce Test Anxiety and Gain Confidence Often students are more intelligent than what their test score describes them. The students often get fewer score in the test due to anxiety and fear. Online tutors give more practice on real tests help student to attain more familiarity. Tutors make them learn how to pace themselves. They also help them to handle test anxiety and relieve stressful conditions. They make student confident and self-assured. Affordable and Cost Effective                 Online test preparation is always a great option for students running on a low budget. It offers affordable and cost effective test preparation program. However, be aware of written guarantees from online test preparation services to avoid fraudulent. The online test preparation program makes a difference to your child with a comprehensive guide for SAT and ACT test. They are fantastic to learn successful test-taking strategies, time saving shortcut tricks. [starbox id=admin]

My Experience at Stanford University

My Experience at Stanford University The tutors behind Varsity Tutors are not just here to teach theyre sharing their college experiences as well. Michael is a San Francisco tutor specializing in Algebra tutoring, ACT prep tutoring, Writing tutoring, and many other subjects. He graduated from Stanford University in 2013 where he earned a Bachelors degree in Management Science Engineering. See what he had to say about his time at Stanford University: VT: Describe the campus setting and transportation options.How urban or safe is the campus?Are there buses or do you need a car/bike? Michael: The Stanford University campus is incredibly beautiful, from the tree-lined paths, to Lake Lagunita, to Palm Drivevery few universities can compare. Stanford Universitys campus is also incredibly safe, with very few crimes committed on a regular basis. It is very well lit, and there are safety beacons every quarter mile around the majority of the campus. While there is a free bus system that is relatively comprehensive, for the day-to-day commute from dorm to classroom, a bike is highly recommended. The campus is very bike-friendly, with bike racks outside every single building and classroom. It is also very car-unfriendly, and while parking is not that expensive, the time it will take you to drive to classes and park is non-trivial at best and much longer at worse. A car is useful to explore the surrounding suburbs, as apart from Caltrain, public transportation is minimal. VT: How available are the professors, academic advisers, and teaching assistants? Michael: The teaching community at Stanford University is top notch, and professors, advisers, and teaching assistants are readily available to help with anything and everything. From homework help to starting your own company, Stanford Universitys culture prides itself on being readily amenable to the student body and changes over time. However, you must actively seek those resources out. As a freshman, you will be initially guided toward them, but you must seek them out on your own accord if you truly desire them. VT: How would you describe the dorm life rooms, dining options, location, socialization opportunities with other students? Michael: Stanford University students are characterized as being victims of the Duck Syndrome, which stands for someone who looks calm and collected on the surface and who will tell you everything is fine, while under the surface/water, they are paddling furiously to keep up with the demands of school. As a former Resident Assistant, this is entirely 100% true, and it can be a good thing in a certain way. Stanford University has such a wide variety of clubs, academics, and social functions that put demands on your time that the university will stretch you beyond what you have previously encountered. Problems arise when students take it too far, which tends to happen mostly during freshman year. The saying too much of a good thing is extremely applicable here. Dorm rooms are typically very well maintained, dining has some of the healthiest food options in the country, the location of the campus is incredible if you are interested in technology and Silicon Valley, and there are regular opportunities to interact with unbelievably talented peers. 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? Michael: I was a Management Science Engineering major, and the engineers at Stanford University are by far the best-supported students on campus. During my time at Stanford University, 2009-2013, that trend became even more pronounced as Computer Science and startup culture became central to the School of Engineering. There are incredible resources available for those interested in the humanities, but the schools natural focus has shifted toward engineers and startups. 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? Michael: Your ability to meet individuals on campus through your dorm, as well as clubs, is limited only by the amount of time you have to go to those activities. As Stanford Universitys academic load is incredibly demanding, your time will need to be balanced accordingly. On the other side of the coin, students are typically incredibly open and welcoming to new individuals in whatever group they are in. I regularly joined new groups and organizations throughout my time at Stanford University. VT: How helpful is the Career Centerand other student support services?Do many reputable companies recruit on campus? Michael: Stanford University students are some of the most sought after students in almost any area of study, but particularly in engineering. While the Career Center can be helpful for basic questions, a large portion of the best opportunities come through the personal network that Stanford University allows you to develop. These can come naturally through your clubs/organizations that you join or pre-professional organizations that promote a certain career path. VT: How are the various study areas such aslibraries, the student union, and dorm lounges? Are they over-crowded, easily available, spacious? Michael: The libraries have almost every possible book, movie, video game (yes, we have a video game archive), database, or magazine in the world, and if they do not, you can typically request it and have it delivered shortly thereafter. The Green Library (the main library at Stanford University) can get relatively crowded during finals periods, but you can always find a desk somewhere. Wireless Internet is plentiful and fast, and it covers the entire campus, so students are frequently seen studying (or not) out on the many acres of lawn around campus. 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? Michael: The only downside to Stanford University is that Palo Alto, the town just off the campuss boundary lines, is not a great college town. Things are generally relatively expensive. However, the Marguerite and/or Caltrain can transport you to San Francisco or Mountain View where plenty of adventure awaits in under an hour. I would highly recommend exploring these areas if possible, and getting off campus if you can. Most students do not take advantage of this nearly enough. VT: How big or small is the student body? Were you generally pleased or displeased with the typical class sizes? Michael: Each undergraduate class is typically around 1,600 students, with about 7,000 undergraduates overall and approximately 9,000 graduate students across the many graduate schools Stanford University also has on campus. Introductory classes are typically large, often in the hundreds, but as soon as you hit sophomore year and you begin courses in your major, this number decreases dramatically. Discussion sections are also typically very small (about 10), which lowers the average class size. While some classes are large, I never felt as though it impeded my learning experience. VT: Describe one memorable experience with a professor and/or class. Perhaps one you loved the most or one youregretthe most. Michael: One of my favorite classes at Stanford University was one I took senior year that focused around venture capital and brought in speakers each week that discussed in detail one aspect of the industry. It was incredibly interesting, and it gave a fascinating perspective on an industry that I had been very interested in for a long time. It was relatively small and every student in the class was able to ask several questions each session. Check out Michaels tutoring profile. The views expressed in this article do not necessarily represent the views of Varsity Tutors.

Learn Spanish Grammar Intro to the Subjunctive Mood

Learn Spanish Grammar Intro to the Subjunctive Mood Sign up successful So, whats next once  you can communicate the basics comfortably and confidently? Advanced students who want to take their knowledge beyond basic communication can now begin learning about the Spanish subjunctive, usually taught in the third, fourth, or fifth  year in schools or universities. To speak Spanish well, knowing when to use the Spanish  subjunctive is indispensable. Why the Subjunctive is Important to Learn It’s ubiquitous in the language. Using it makes you sound like you really know how to speak Spanish competently. It enables you to tune into and express beautiful subtleties of the language that aren’t so clear or simply don’t exist in English. It allows you to express your point or opinion with more specificity. It has been referred to as a key indicator that distinguishes a fluent speaker who merely “gets by” learning the language from  one who speaks it well. You cannot speak as proficiently as native Spanish speakers without learning it. So, What is the Spanish Subjunctive? Although its commonly referred to as the subjunctive tense in Spanish, its actually more of a mood, which acts as a category of tenses. Youll know when to use Spanish subjunctive when youre trying to imply an uncertainty about a given situation (more on this below). Conjugating the Spanish Subjunctive Conjugating the subjunctive is  similar to forming  formal commands  in Spanish. The steps are outlined below: Additional Examples To clarify and provide a reference point, let’s compare subjunctive verb conjugation to present indicative (normal) verb conjugation. Here are some key examples: hablar (to talk) vivir (to live) Here’s another example with the  slightly irregular verb llegar, meaning ‘to arrive.’ Here the a  turns into  ue,  instead of just e. (See my previous post on Spanish stem-changing verbs to clarify this.) llegar (to arrive) When to Use  the Present Subjunctive Llegar  will be the example used throughout the following 10 key contexts for using the  present subjunctive. Context #1:  When the subordinate clause has elements that express doubt or negation Es difícil que lleguen a tiempo. (It’s hard for them to arrive on time.) No creo que lleguen a tiempo. (I don’t think they’ll arrive on time.) Dudo que lleguen a tiempo. (I doubt they’ll arrive on time.) Context #2:  When the subordinate clause has elements that express desire, fear, judgment, or other emotions/feelings Ojalá/espero que lleguen a tiempo. (I hope they arrive on time.) Temo que lleguen a tiempo. (I’m scared they will arrive on time.) Es triste que lleguen a tiempo. (It’s sad they arrive on time.) Estoy feliz de que lleguen a tiempo. (I’m happy they arrive on time.) ¡Qué bueno que lleguen a tiempo! (It’s good they arrive on time!) Quisiera que llegaran a tiempo. (I would like them to arrive on time.) Es raro/extraño que lleguen a tiempo. (It’s odd they arrive on time.) Context #3:  When the subordinate clause has elements that express possibility Es probable que lleguen a tiempo. (It’s probable they arrive on time.) Es posible que lleguen a tiempo. (It’s possible they arrive on time.) Quizá lleguen a tiempo. (Maybe they arrive on time.) Puede que lleguen a tiempo. (It could be that they arrive on time) Note:  Many competent Spanish-speakers don’t employ the subjunctive in these contexts to consciously or unconsciously communicate less doubt in the possibility. Context #4:  When the subordinate clause has elements that express need Es necesario que lleguen a tiempo. (It’s necessary they arrive on time.) Necesito que lleguen a tiempo. (I need them to arrive on time.) Es preciso que lleguen a tiempo. (It’s essential they arrive on time.) Context #5:  When the subordinate clause has elements that express an expected pattern Es normal que lleguen a tiempo. (It’s normal that they arrive on time.) Es lógico que lleguen a tiempo. (It’s logical that they arrive on time.) Es frecuente que lleguen a tiempo. (It’s frequent they arrive on time.) Es razonable que lleguen a tiempo. (It’s reasonable they arrive on time.) Context #6:  When the subordinate clause has elements that express specificity Quiero una novia que sea guapa. (I want a girlfriend who  is pretty.) Context #7:  When the subordinate clause refers to a past event before it occurred [past subjunctive] Ya supe eso antes de que viniera Juan. (I knew that before Juan arrived.) Context #8:  When the subordinate clause introduces depends on the main clause Eso depende de qué hora lleguen. (That depends on what time they arrive.) Context #9:  When the subordinate clause directly causes or affects the main clause El clima hace que no lleguen a tiempo. (The weather makes them not arrive on time.) El clima permite que lleguen a tiempo. (The weather allows them to arrive on time.) Context #10: In some cases, when the subordinate clause introduces a fact El hecho de que lleguen a tiempo significa que  son  punctual. (The fact that they arrive on time means they are punctual.) It’s important to note that there are other important contexts where the subjunctive mood is employed that I didn’t mention here. Also, the subjunctive follows a whole new set of rules in the past tense (i.e. the past subjunctive). My goal here was to highlight the most common contexts for using the present subjunctive. A Spanish tutor  can really help you master this tricky yet indispensable aspect of the language. If you’ve learned the Spanish subjunctive, you clearly know your Spanish! Post Author:  Jason N. Jason N. tutors in English and Spanish in Fairfax, CA.  He majored in Spanish at UC Davis, lived in Mexico for 3 years where he completed a Masters degree in Counseling, and studied Spanish Literature and Psychology at the University of Costa Rica. Learn more about Jason here!   Photo by  Bill Dickinson 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

5 Tips for Learning a Foreign Language

5 Tips for Learning a Foreign Language The following piece was written by Tiffany Sorensen. Tiffany is a professional Spanish and SAT tutor for Varsity Tutors. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Spanish Language Literature from Stony Brook University. Contrary to popular opinion, there is no simple solution to quickly learning a foreign language. As with other academic subjects, the degree to which you understand and improve is proportionate to the amount of time and effort you expend. When it comes to learning another language, attitude plays a key role in how easily your brain absorbs information. Consider the below suggestions as approaches, not shortcuts. Keep these five points in mind as you begin or continue on your foreign language journey. 1.If you believe mastering another language will prove to be an effortless undertaking, youre in for a large shock. Beware of advertisements with taglines such as, Learn Italian in 48 hours! You can be certain that these claims are false. Unfortunately, theres just no way around the truth truly understanding a foreign language is a long, tedious process that may take several years. But dont be discouraged. The ability to converse in more than one language brings with it an incredible sense of accomplishment. In other words, its worth the struggle! 2.One of the most common errors that foreign language learners make is remaining silent so as to avoid mistakes. The sooner you realize that youre going to make errors and lots of them the better off youll be. Its okay to be incorrect. If you ask any foreign language teacher, he/she will tell you that it is exponentially better to say something incorrectly than to say nothing at all. Imagine how painful French class would be if no one dared to participate. The fact of the matter is that we learn best when making mistakes. Corrections may be uncomfortable, but youll likely never commit that same error again. Whats worse is to continue believing you know the right way to phrase something when you really dont. 3.Study after study has proven that the ideal way to learn another language is via total immersion that is, spending extensive periods of time in a country where the language is spoken. You can achieve this in a variety of ways: taking classes overseas through your college, working or volunteering abroad, or merely traveling for pleasure. While formal foreign language classes are useful for literacy purposes, only real-life interactions will prompt you to put what youve learned into practice. Until you converse with native speakers of another language, everything youve studied is purely theoretical. Also, reaching an advanced level of oral fluency in another language can only be achieved by consistently using it. Think of foreign language as a muscle; the more it is exercised, the stronger it becomes. 4.Dont limit yourself to just one variety of a foreign language. For instance, if you choose to learn Spanish, you should possess, at minimum, a general understanding of several dialects of Spanish. Language varies greatly from one geographical region to another. For example, consider how British and American English have wildly different sounds and expressions. The Spanish of Spain is drastically different from that of Mexico, and the same can be said of Chilean Spanish when compared to the Spanish of the Caribbean. These differences include variations in pronunciation, vocabulary, sentence structure, and slang. To focus entirely on any one dialect is impractical, as it limits the number of people with whom you can effectively communicate. 5.The English language has a reputation for readily assimilating foreign words into its vocabulary. This is beneficial to English speakers when learning other languages, especially the Romance languages, because there are many words that look alike and have similar meanings. Cognates, such as intelligent in English and inteligente in Spanish, are words derived from the same roots. Occasionally, it is obvious when two words are related, while at other times, it requires deeper analysis. At first sight, it may seem that the Spanish word for hand mano has no connection whatsoever with the English word, hand. However, consider the adjective manual, as in manual labor (labor performed with the hands). Noticing links between words will greatly help you to remember vocabulary. Nonetheless, there are several false cognates. These are words that look alike but actually signify entirely different things. For example, decepcin in Spanish actually means disappointment. So be certain to proceed with caution! Happy language learning!

Top Useful English Phrases connected with New Year Resolutions

Top Useful English Phrases connected with New Year Resolutions What is it about New Year’s Eve that persuades us to make promises we have great difficulty in  keeping? I have been making New Year Resolutions for more years now than I care to remember (I  would prefer to forget!). I can count on one hand  (there are not many) the number of resolutions  that I succeeded in keeping by accident or design  (by choice or simply by accident). We usually start with a list of things we would like to achieve such as: losing weight, going to the  gym more often, change jobs or some other life changing action (something very significant). To  stick to  (continue to try) or to give up  (stop trying) depends on our own personal motivation. Usually  the support of a partner (husband or wife or a family member) is really necessary to be  successful. Setting realistic goals  (targets) is also an essential requirement  (important factor) if you  are going to fulfil your dream.So many people quit  (give up) at a very early stage so if you can get over  (get past) those first few  weeks then you have a much greater chance of success. So whether you are cutting down  on (reducing) or cutting out  (giving something up completely) then set yourself many short term goals  measured in days or weeks and then it may not be such a struggle (so difficult). For example, if your  goal is to give up smoking for a year it might seem or appear a lo ng way off  (a long way away). Why  not give up for a month and then when you achieve that goal look for another month and so on until  you accumulate your overall goal (final goal). I tried this many years ago (one of the few resolutions I actually  achieved) when I decided to give up alcohol for 1 year. I measured it each month and did not think about the entire year until I got to September and then it was only another 3 months. It worked for  me!So if you have overindulged (eaten or drunk too much) over the Xmas and New Year, try shorter  term goals to get that resolution in the bag  (completed successfully).Good luck with what ever you set out to do  (what ever you attempt) and hopefully you have not  given up already!! Useful English Phrases connected with Resolutions life changing action   something very significantto stick to   to continue doing something that you have planned to do and not change your mindto give up   to stop doing somethinggoal   targetrequirement   important factorto quit   to give upto get over   to get past, to overcome (a difficulty)to cut down   to reduceto cut out   to give something up completelystruggle   forceful effort