How to Find the Best Home Tutoring Rates

How to Find the Best Home Tutoring RatesFinding the best home tutoring rates can be a frustrating task. The large number of tutoring companies, plus the fact that there are more schools providing them, leave the competition all the more fierce. However, it is not impossible to make a choice for the best one among them.To help you make the right choice, it would be best to look into how much a professional tutor charges. That is the only way to judge how good a service the tutoring company provides, and which type to choose.As you browse around the Internet looking for a program that will give you formal tutoring, what you find is a large range of fees. While there are very high fees for the most prestigious tutoring services, many other low-cost tutoring services also exist.Some of the basic types of tutoring services include speech therapy, online tutoring, tutoring in person, and some even offer direct personal interaction with the student. Each one of these options has its own set of pros and cons.If you do not have the time or interest to spend some time in a classroom, you may opt for a tutoring that offers the only on-line tutoring and personal interaction. This type of personal tutoring is especially good for people who have some time available and wish to have some tutoring.While formal tutoring is generally the most expensive option, it is also the most rewarding. This type of tutoring is geared towards giving you the ability to be an effective tutor, while also allowing you to be a personal friend to your students.The online tutoring is usually the cheapest and the most affordable when compared to any of the other options, and it offers both an array of programs for the student and a personal interaction between the student and the tutor. This is certainly a great way to get your tutoring experience on track and develop a strong, positive student relationship.If you would like to learn more about how to find the best private tuition, you should consid er signing up for the Free Tutoring Newsletter. It has the best information on where you can find the best home tutoring rates and what tutors are best qualified to provide this type of tutoring.

Choosing a College At NC State - Getting Ready For Chem 101

Choosing a College At NC State - Getting Ready For Chem 101If you want to enroll in NC State's College of Natural Sciences, please be aware that you are not only enrolling into a rigorous and challenging program but also enrolling into an environment that has produced many world class scientists. This means that you are going to meet many people who have made significant contributions to science in the world today.NC State has established the department as one of the most highly respected and prestigious programs in the country. NC State Chemistry Department is so called because it is home to more than twenty members of the National Academy of Sciences, which makes the institution one of the top ten chemical universities in the nation. The department is also home to fifteen members of the American Association for the Advancement of Science, which is the leading scientific organization in the world.Before you begin your college career, it would be important for you to understand the m any opportunities that exist within NC State. While most people do not think of applying to college, it is true that this is one of the best choices you will ever make. Once you have made the decision to go to college, you should be prepared to have the time of your life. Besides the fact that you will receive a great education, you will also get to meet some amazing people in this great university.One of the most important aspects of the Chemistry Department at NC State is the staff there. These are all very highly qualified individuals who have a tremendous amount of knowledge about chemical reactions and chemistry in general. These are individuals who know exactly what they are doing and how to be sure that you do not burn anything down while in their care.Your student needs to be prepared in every way possible. Many of the professors at NC State are onsite the entire time you are enrolled in the class.The first thing that you will need to do is to make sure that you understand t he different styles that are present at the college. One style is called liberal arts, which means that the professor will look over the course outline, give you assignments and give you some type of assessment that will help you understand the coursework. Another style is called applied science, which means that the professor will be a chemist or something along those lines, and will be much more hands on.Finally, you will want to make sure that you apply for any grants and loans that you qualify for. These funds can help you pay for books, as well as rent, and also pay for certain expenses. However, you will find that the funds for grants and loans tend to be limited at the college level, so do your best to be as competitive as possible.

Student Thoughts on Attending University of WisconsinMadison

Student Thoughts on Attending University of Wisconsinâ€"Madison Alexis earned her bachelors degree in Spanish from the University of WisconsinMadison. She specializes in Spanish tutoring, English tutoring, and a number of other subjects. Below, she shares her experience at the University of WisconsinMadison: Describe the campus setting and transportation options. Alexis: I loved the University of WisconsinMadisons campus when I was an undergrad student. I consider the campus to be urban, as it is located in the heart of downtown Madison, Wisconsin. However, it also offers a lot of scenic areas, such as Lakeshore residential area, Lake Mendota, etc. You do not need a car, but a bike is always nice if you need to get somewhere in less than 15 minutes. How available are the professors, academic advisers, and teaching assistants? Alexis: As long as the student is proactive and putting in the effort to communicate with their professors, academic advisers, and teaching assistants, their general availability is very flexible. Most of my professors had quick response times with emails and were willing to schedule meetings outside of office hours. How would you describe the dorm life rooms, dining options, location, and socialization opportunities with other students? Alexis: I would definitely suggest living in the southeast residential area, that way you are closer to events that are taking place downtown. The dorms are where many students meet their best college friends! There are many options for dining; the dining halls have been recently remodeled and have tons of space. If you arent a fan of the dining hall, try using a Red Card (a meal plan that allows you to shop at the grocery store or dine out at local restaurants). Which majors/programs are best represented and supported? Alexis: The university best represents the school of business or programs related to math and science. I studied Spanish, Chicano, and Latino studies, and gender and womens studies because I am passionate about learning language and better understanding privilege in our society. 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? Alexis: Its easy to meet a lot of new people and make new friends if you are involved in organizations and events on campus. College is the time to push yourself to break out of your shell. Greek life exists on campus, but Greek Row is tucked away so it doesnt dominate the feel of campus. How helpful is the Career Centerand other student support services? Alexis: The Career Center is extremely helpful. I made many trips to their offices to brainstorm future careers. They also hold many career-related events that you can attend. Reputable companies are always looking for UW-Madison students. How are the various study areas such aslibraries, the student union, and dorm lounges? Alexis: There are so many libraries on campus, and they are all easily available and spacious. Describe the surrounding town. Alexis: When you arent in class or studying, lots of fun stuff happens on campus. For example, if you are a football fan, you can see Wisconsin Badger games at Camp Randall or enjoy a walk around the Capitol during the weekly farmers market. How big or small is the student body? Were you generally pleased or displeased with the typical class sizes? Alexis: The student body is about 40,000 students. I did not have any issues with class sizes. Lectures had a lot of students, of course, but there were always discussion sessions that consisted of only 10-15 people. Describe one memorable experience with a professor and/or class. Perhaps one you loved the most or one youregretthe most. Alexis: My most memorable experience was when one of my professors from freshman year reached out to me as a junior and asked if I would like to pursue a grant to do collaborative research with her. I took on the challenge, received the grant, and formed a great relationship with my professor, which made me feel like I truly belonged on campus and better prepared me for the possibility of grad school. Check out Alexiss tutoring profile. The views expressed in this article do not necessarily represent the views of Varsity Tutors.

A Day in the Life at University of Houston

A Day in the Life at University of Houston The tutors behind Varsity Tutors are not just here to teach theyre sharing their college experiences as well. Pooja is a Houston tutor specializing in Biology tutoring, Geometry tutoring, History tutoring, and a number of other areas. She is currently a junior at University of Houston majoring in Biology and History. See what she had to share about University of Houston: VT: Describe the campus setting and transportation options. How urban or rural is the campus? Did you feel safe on campus? Are there buses or do you need a car/bike? Pooja: The campus is relatively small and easy to navigate, as all the buildings are at a maximum 10 minutes away from one another. The campus is very bike-friendly, and many people are seen biking to and from classes. University of Houston also offers a campus bus route that goes between most of the buildings, as well as to the stadium and parking lots that are farther away from campus. The METRORail was also extended to the university this past semester. It will be operational in the fall, which will be great for commuters! VT: How available are the professors, academic advisers, and teaching assistants? Pooja:Professors are always available during their office hours to answer any questions you may have. Although it may seem intimidating, I have found that professors are much more relaxed during office hours, as well as personable. They love having students visit them, which is what office hours are for, after all! The academic advisers, however, are usually hit or miss. Your meetings with them may only be about 10 minutes long, and they are just to make sure you are on track. I would much rather talk to a professor concerning any academic questions. The teaching assistants are for the most part helpful. They are picked to be in that position because they have previously done well in the course. It really depends on how dedicated they are to their job. I have had great teaching assistants, but also ones who did the minimum, which was very frustrating. VT: How would you describe the dorm life rooms, dining options, location, socialization opportunities with other students? Pooja:There are many dorms on campus, and I would highly recommend partaking in dorm life as a freshman. You meet so many people that you can form close bonds with for the rest of college. There have been studies that show that those who participate in college life tend to graduate happier and more quickly than those who do not, so getting the full college experience is crucial! Most of the rooms are for two people, although some are suites (where two two-person rooms share a bathroom). Many of the newer dorms also have study lounges on each floor, which is a huge benefit when you need to do some late-night studying away from the temptations of your bed! There are also many dining options on campus that fill a variety of cravings and that are open relatively late. 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? Pooja:Bauer College of Business is definitely hugely supported by alumni and is now recognized nationwide. I am pursuing a double major in History and Biology. I picked History initially because I absolutely love the subject. I had a wonderful AP United States History teacher in high school who made me love the material, and it has stuck with me ever since. As for Biology, I decided that I wanted to go into the health field when I am older, and as a result, I realized that I would need to take the MCAT. As I began taking the requirements for medical school, I noticed that I almost had enough hours for a major in Biology and decided to go for that as well. 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? Pooja:Freshman year I went to a school out of state, but I am sure my experience there was similar to what it would have been at University of Houston. Although it may not seem like it, most people are just as nervous as you are about meeting new students. My advice is to take the risk! I went to a new state knowing no one, and the girl who lived across the hall ended up becoming one of my closest friends. College is like a new slate, and you should take every chance you can to meet new people and have new experiences. At my first school, Greek life played a huge role in campus social life, and I myself was in a sorority. However, at University of Houston, Greek life does not play as big of a role as it did at my first school. But there are many fraternities and sororities to join, and there are also tons of other student organizations as well. VT: How helpful is the Career Centerand other student support services?Do many reputable companies recruit on campus? Pooja:The Career Center offers many workshops on interview preparation and how to ramp up your resume! Although I have never personally gone to one of these workshops, I have heard that they are quite helpful. Many reputable companies, especially those in the Business field, do recruit on campus, including Accenture and KBM Group. Many of these companies come to career fairs, so it is a benefit to attend those as much as possible! I have many friends in the Bauer College of Business who have obtained internships and even jobs from these career fairs. VT: How are the various study areas such aslibraries, the student union, and dorm lounges? Are they over-crowded, easily available, spacious? Pooja:Finding a place to study on campus can be challenging, especially during finals. I usually head to the library to study, but I try to avoid the crowded areas. There are sections of the library where there are individual study carrels, and I usually head there since it is much quieter and less distracting. Most of the buildings on campus have ample study space, so it is really just about exploring and finding somewhere that is comfortable for you. 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? Pooja:University of Houston is about a 10-minute drive from downtown Houston. There are tons of museums and restaurants nearby, as well as the zoo and the Toyota Center, where many concerts are held. There are also many coffee shops near campus which I absolutely love! One of my biggest hobbies is checking out new coffee shops as potential study spots, so going downtown is pretty common for me. Besides downtown, nothing else is too close to campus. University of Houston is right off of three different freeways, which makes traveling to different parts of Houston fairly easy. VT: How big or small is the student body? Were you generally pleased or displeased with the typical class sizes? Pooja:University of Houstons student body is quite large, although it does not seem like it, since over 50% of the students commute. Introductory classes are generally pretty packed, but not to the point that it was uncomfortable for me. Professors are always more than willing to answer any questions you may have in office hours if you feel uncomfortable asking in front of many students. As you take more and more upper-level courses, you find that your class size shrinks significantly. VT: Describe one memorable experience with a professor and/or class. Perhaps one you loved the most or one youregretthe most. Pooja:My favorite professor, hands down, was Dr. Vida. The first course I took with him was a genetics lab, and although it was extremely difficult and time-consuming, it really pushed me. Through it, I realized that I was capable of so much more than I had previously thought. Dr. Vida was also not only a professor, but a mentor as well. He deeply cared for all of his students and their success, so much so that he remembered over 300 names and actually took the time to get to know his students. I am taking him again this semester, and although the course is extremely challenging, it is about so much more than just receiving a good grade. Dr. Vida stresses the importance of learning to learn and not just to make an A in the class. He is truly what any educator should be: passionate about the subject and patient. Check out Poojas tutoring profile. The views expressed in this article do not necessarily represent the views of Varsity Tutors.

Practical Learning with Online Tutoring

Practical Learning with Online Tutoring 0SHARESShare The term online tutoring is creating a buzz among students these days. Earlier private tuition were limited to those who were not able to concentrate more in class and who were considered weak students, but now with the introduction of online teaching websites, the tuition become a way of practical learning. Students as well as their parents are gradually adopting this way of learning through online teachers. Not only these teachers teach the theoretical aspects of the subject, but also make sure to give live solutions of the subject queries. The live training, though seems tedious online, is effectively carried on by the online tutoring websites. Faculties available on these teaching websites take live sessions with the help of web interactive tools including audio/video chat, digital pen or interactive white board. The whole process gives the feel of a real-time classroom and students grasp the things in an effective and easy manner. [starbox id=admin]

Minor Scales for Guitarists

Minor Scales for Guitarists Learning Music Theory for the Guitar ChaptersWhat Is the Minor Scale?The Natural Minor Scale on the GuitarThe Harmonic Minor Scale on the GuitarThe Melodic Minor Scale on the Guitar“I’m only myself when I have a guitar in my hands.” - George HarrisonIf you’re also only yourself when you have a guitar in your hands, you’ll need to work on your technique if you want to define yourself as a guitarist.Almost everyone in the UK likes music in some way or another.  But if you want to learn guitar and more about scales, you’re going to need to persevere.With pentatonic scales, major scales, chords, modes (Mixolydian, Dorian, Phrygian, etc), there are plenty of things for guitarists to learn.In this article, we're going to look at how beginners can familiarise themselves with the fretboard by learning the minor scale. PeterGuitar Teacher £12/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors EdgarGuitar Teacher 5.00 (8) £30/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors PaulGuitar Teacher 5.00 (12) £18/h1st lesson free!Discove r all our tutors DanielGuitar Teacher 5.00 (3) £40/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors ToddGuitar Teacher 4.75 (4) £35/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors SamueleGuitar Teacher 5.00 (5) £20/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors KurtGuitar Teacher 5.00 (3) £20/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors RyanGuitar Teacher £30/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutorsWhat Is the Minor Scale?The minor scale, after the major scale, is arguably the second most important guitar scale to learn.Make sure you're one with your instrument. (Source: Pexels)It’s the second mode of the major scale. A mode is defined by the intervals separating the fundamental and the different degrees.The interval is the distance between two notes: usually a tone or a semitone. On a guitar, a tone is usually separated by two frets and a semitone is separated by one fret.  To play a scale, you have to apply a mode.The minor relative scale is built from the 6th degree of the major scale. The six th degree of C is A.  To better understand a minor scale, you need to focus on the interval between the tonic (the first note) and the third.In the major scale, there are two tones in the interval whereas there are three semitones in the minor scale.  The minor third gives the minor scale a more melancholic feel whereas a major key feels more optimistic.To be fair, there’s no such thing as the minor scale. In fact, there are several minor modes that produce minor scales.All minor scales have an altered third. The other notes that are altered are the sixth and sevenths.  Each major scale has a relative minor scale, the scale that it shares all its notes with. The difference is in the order of the notes that are played.How Can You Recognise a Relative Minor Scale?The recognise a minor scale, you need to check that there are three semitones between the tonic and the third. When the third is minor, it’s almost always a minor scale. This is true of all minor relative scales.There are three minor scales each with their own structure: the natural, the harmonic, and the melodic, which we’re all going to look at in more detail.  The three minor scales are very similar. There are only a few differences between each of them. They’re very useful for improvising, composing, and also harmonising and making chords.The Natural Minor Scale on the GuitarThe natural minor scale is also called the Aeolian mode. This is the first minor scale you should learn.Work on your guitar playing whenever you can. (Source: FirmBee)Just like the major scale, the natural minor scale is made up of seven notes. There are 6 notes between the first and last notes. Each note is no more than a full tone apart (be it a tone or a semitone). Here’s the structure of the minor natural scale:I to II: A tone.II to III: A semitone.III to IV: A tone.IV to V: A tone.V to VI: A semitone.VI to VII: A tone.VII to I: A tone.There are two ways to remember the scale:1T - 0.5T - 1T - 1T - 0.5T - 1T - 1T2 - 1 - 2 - 2 - 1 - 2 - 2The second of these two methods is the intervals in the scale in terms of frets.  If you remember the structure, you can play the scale in any key. You should need to remember that certain notes will become either sharps or flats and vice-versa.  For example, the A minor scale is the following: A, B, C, D, E, F, G, A.  These are exactly the same notes as in the C major scale.How to Practise the Natural Minor Scale on the GuitarIf you’re a beginner, focus on the fingering from the pentatonic scale, learning the rhythm, the basic chords, and barre chords. Come back to minor scales after you’ve studied the guitar for a while. It’ll be simpler!You'll need to study a bit to get the hang of scales. (Source: Free-Photos)Start by learning the structure of the natural minor scale.  Then try playing the scale by starting from any note on the neck, then across one or two strings, then on three, working your way up until you can play it across all six strings.  It’ s a great way to practise using your plectrum and your fingering with your left hand (the reverse if you’re left-handed).To improve your guitar playing, here’s a way to remember the C natural minor scale:1T - 0.5T - 1T - 1T - 0.5T - 1T - 1TC D Eb F G Ab B CThe reason we don’t say D# because you can’t have two Ds in the same scale, that’s why you say Eb (they’re the same notes, after all).  Try to do the same starting from F (answers at the end of the article).The Harmonic Minor Scale on the GuitarThis is the second most common one. You’ll inevitably come across a style of music that you’ll want to play and want to learn how to improvise and compose. In this case, you’ll want to learn a scale as useful as the minor natural scale.The minor harmonic scale is built on the minor natural scale.  There are three semitones between the tonic and the third. The main difference is that there’s a semitone difference on the seventh.  By starting from the A minor scale, the G will be altered: A B C D E F G# A.Here’s the structure of the minor natural scale:I to II: A tone.II to III: A semitone.III to IV: A tone.IV to V: A tone.V to VI: A semitone.VI to VII: Three semitones.VII to I: A semitone.To better understand, here are two ways to remember it:1T - 0.5T - 1T - 1T - 0.5T - 1.5T - 0.5T2 - 1 - 2 - 2 - 1 - 3 - 1This is a little complicated to remember but if you remember that it’s just the minor natural scale with the seventh raised by a semitone.You can also learn more about the chromatic scale.How Can You Practise the Minor Harmonic Scale?The principle is the same for the minor natural scale. You need to just keep practising at a slow pace with the help of a metronome and work your way up.  Your brain will take a bit of time to assimilate your new knowledge.Start with the C minor natural scale, here’s the C harmonic minor scale and adding a semitone to the seventh note: C D Eb F G Ab B C.Try to do the same starting from F (answers at the end of t he article).The Melodic Minor Scale on the GuitarThe minor melodic scale is even rarer in pop and guitar rock music it’s pretty common in metal, jazz, and even blues music.The melodic minor scale is useful in a number of different genres. (Source: dotigabrielf)To work out the minor melodic scale, you need to start with the minor melodic scale and augment the sixth.By starting with the A minor harmonic scale: A B C D E F# G# A.  The structure changes again:I to II: A tone.II to III: A semitone.III to IV: A tone.IV to V: A tone.V to VI: A tone.VI to VII: A tone.VII to I: A semitone.Here are a few ways to remember it:1T - 0.5T - 1T - 1T - 1T - 1T - 0.5T2 - 1 - 2 - 2 - 2 - 2 - 1In comparison to the minor natural scale, the minor melodic scale has the sixth and seventh notes raised by a semitone.  It’s quite easy to remember the minor natural scale and then transform it into the minor harmonic scale and the minor melodic scale.You could also get guitar lessons London!How Can You Prac tise the Minor Melodic Scale?The minor melodic scale is very similar to the major scale.Consider the A major scale (A B C# D E F# G# A) and the A minor melodic scale (A B C D E F# G# A).  It’s almost the same! The only difference is that the third is a semitone lower in the minor melodic.You can work on the minor melodic alongside the major scale.  For the C minor melodic scale, start with the C minor harmonic scale, and increase the sixth by a semitone. You’ll end up with: C D Eb F G A B C.Try to do the same starting from F (answers at the end of the article).  Practise transposing scales to other keys. Work on them regularly and don’t forget to never give up.If you want to become an expert at the guitar, you just have to keep practising!Here are the answers from earlier:F minor natural scale: F G Ab Bb C Db Eb FF minor harmonic scale: F G Ab Bb C Db E FF minor melodic scale: F G Ab Bb C D E FDid you get it?Whether you're interested in playing guitar solos, want to play guita r in a band, do a few licks, or create better chord progressions, every guitar player should learn to play scales.Whether you want beginner guitar lessons, to study intermediate guitar techniques, or master some blues licks, there are plenty of great online guitar resources to get you through learning scales and improving your guitar playing.Additionally, if you need help with a chord progression, fingering, strumming, or how to read tablature, you should consider enlisting the help of a private guitar tutor.Private tutors tailor their lessons to their students so if you whether you want to learn blues guitar, jazz guitar, or rock guitar, your tutor can focus on the guitar licks and riffs that can help you learn how to play guitar in the style that you're interested in.A lot of the tutors on Superprof offer their first guitar lesson for free. Use this free guitar lesson to see if you get along with the tutor, work out whether you want to focus on music theory, improvisation, rhythm guitar, etc., and agree upon the conditions of your lessons.

Phylum Chordata Characteristics Online Biology Tutors Tutorpace

Phylum Chordata Characteristics Online Biology Tutors Tutorpace Phylum Chordata is the most advanced animal phylum. Chordata are animals which possess a notochord at any stage of their life .They are most adaptable, most successful and most widely distributed animals showing diversity of form, habits and habitats. General characteristics: 1. All chordates are bilaterally symmetrical 2. They are true metamerically segmented animals. 3. They are triploblastic animals having organ system grade of body organizations. 4. Post anal tails are usually present in chordates 5. They are true coelomate animals 6. Notochord is present at some stages or replaced by back bone or ring like vertebrae forming the vertebral column. 7. Gill clefts are present at some stages of life. 8. Alimentary canal is placed always ventral to the nerve cord. 9. Anus is well differentiated and opens before the last segment. 10. Heart is placed ventrally, blood flows towards the posterior direction in dorsal blood vessel. 11. Hemoglobin, a respirator pigment is present in red blood corpuscles 12. Hepatic portal system is present in chordates 13. Respiration is either by gills or by lungs. 14. Nervous system is hollow; brain is located dorsal to the pharynx in the head. 15. Nerve cord is single, dorsal, and hollow without ganglia. 16. Dorsal and ventral nerve roots are separate. 17. Mostly sexual reproduction occurs in chordates 18. They are cold blooded as well as warm blooded animals. Phylum Chordata is divided into three subphyla, subphylum Urochordata or Tunicata, subphylum Cephalochordata or Acrania and subphylum vertebrata. The first two subphyla are considered primitive and often referred to as protochordates or non-vertebrate chordates. All of them are marine and possess notochord but never form vertebral column.

Using English Dictionaries

Using English Dictionaries Why Should You Use an English Dictionary? ChaptersThe History of English DictionariesDictionaries for Different PurposesChoosing a Dictionary to use When Learning EnglishDictionaries are a fundamental tool in learning a language, whether it be your native tongue or you're learning English as a foreign language.You can use them to check your spelling, look up a definition, and verify etymological variations of a word, as well as find out the equivalent term in another language.But there is so much more to the world of dictionaries than meets the eye.English dictionaries, in particular, have a rich history from their origins as glossaries or ‘word lists’ which were used by churchgoers to translate biblical texts from Latin into English, to their more recent history concerning regional variations in vocabulary and the entry of new words and phrases.There are also several types of dictionary, which are compiled according to a certain purpose.Some dictionaries are purely for checking spellings and whether words exist, and so, they don’t feature any kind of definition alongside the featured words, whereas others show a detailed definition with examples of usage.As you learn English, it may be helpful to use a monolingual English dictionary alongside as a bilingual one. This will help you move away from learning new words as translations, and broaden your understanding of the English language in the target language.Of course, the type of dictionary you choose to use will likely be different to those of other English learners, as your choice will depend on your needs and goals.So here is a guide to English dictionaries: their history, their uses, and how each type may be useful to you as a learner of English as a second language. JulianESOL (English) Teacher 4.00 (1) £20/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors EugeneESOL (English) Teacher 4.90 (58) £22/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors HelenESOL (English) Teacher 5.00 (20) £32/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors SuzanneESOL (English) T eacher 5.00 (2) £45/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors NatashaESOL (English) Teacher 5.00 (8) £55/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors SamuelESOL (English) Teacher 4.83 (41) £15/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors JoanneESOL (English) Teacher 5.00 (43) £25/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors MarkESOL (English) Teacher 4.76 (17) £20/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutorsThe History of English DictionariesThe first ever dictionaries are thought to have come about in what is now Syria, in around 2300 BC.These tablets were, in fact, bilingual word lists, but they are nevertheless classed as dictionaries.This is because such word lists which were used to help readers translate and understand texts in the same ways that modern dictionaries are used in English today, until the publication of the world’s first formal dictionaries thousands of years later.In medieval Europe, Latin glossaries were among the first books to be printed and became widely adopted as a tool to aid in the interpretation of the bible.Both monolingual and bilingual dictionaries and word lists became popular across the world for a range of different purposes.Dictionaries: older than the printed word ¦ source: Pixabay - wilheiAccording to Wikipedia, the earliest English dictionaries were compilations of words from Latinate languages and their translations into English, however, entries were not listed in alphabetical order until later on in Robert Cawdrey’s A Table Alphabeticall, an English monolingual dictionary which was written in 1604.From this publication, the world of English dictionaries began to develop over the years that followed as others put forward their suggestions and ideas of what a dictionary should be.Versions of everything ranging from general glossaries to etymological reference books came and went as each author tried to earn the glory of having their publication accepted by the British population.However, it wasn’t until 1755 - 150 years after Cawdrey’s work - that a simpler, more trustworthy dictionary came to the fore with the publication of Samuel Johnson’s A Dictionary of the English Language.This work was a sort of ‘best-of’, taking the most useful characteristics from the proto-dictionaries that came before it such as alphabetical organisation and textual references.Because of its usability and helpful features, Johnson’s Dictionary became widely regarded as the standard in its field.Sadly, for Johnson, however, his masterpiece did not stand the test of time, and the Oxford University Press stole the limelight with their take on the English Dictionary, which began to be published in short volumes from 1884.This masterpiece known as the Oxford English Dictionary, which was 50 years in the making and finished in 1928, is still regarded as the most comprehensive and reliable work of its kind today.This enormous guide to the language from the Early Middle English period to modern slang was revised and r e-published in 1989, and a new revision is currently under way.The OED has also stayed up-to-date and taken advantage of modern technologies by developing an online presence and promoting itself as a go-to online resource for English speakers everywhere.Whilst the Oxford English Dictionary is the respected dictionary of the English-speaking world, regional variations do exist. The most major of these is probably Merriam-Webster, which claims to be America’s most trusted dictionary.In 1806, Noah Webster, a US citizen, published his first American dictionary.His goal was to reform English spelling to simplify it for the English learner as well as the native English speaker.Although relatively few of his suggestions made it into everyday US English writing, his legacy lives on in Merriam-Webster, which bears his name.Dictionaries for Different PurposesThe origins of the modern-day dictionary as bilingual word lists and biblical glossaries to suit the needs of their users are still pr esent in the dictionaries of today.Modern dictionaries are split into their own families depending on their purpose, the information they provide, the way in which they deliver the information and where their information is taken from.Firstly, dictionaries belong to one of two categories: prescriptive and descriptive.Prescriptive dictionaries define words and explain how to use them based on what is considered proper â€" that’s to say that even if words take on slightly different meanings or English grammar rules based on the way they’re used, prescriptive dictionaries will focus on the original meaning and usage.Descriptive dictionaries, on the other hand, define words based on their popular usage, even if it is not deemed ‘correct’.Today, the majority of popular English language dictionaries are regarded as descriptive, and usually indicate proper use alongside modern alternative definitions marked as ‘informal’ or ‘vulgar’.Dictionaries are also either bilingual or monolingual, and this is a large part of their purpose.Bilingual dictionaries provide translations of words and may feature information on their gender (for nouns) as well as their transitivity (for verbs). Some dictionaries go as far as pointing out irregular verbs â€" which is particularly helpful for language learners.Monolingual dictionaries, however, only feature information on the vocabulary of one language. Given the fact that no translation is needed, monolingual dictionaries can go into further detail in their definitions, providing information on synonyms, variants, and pronunciation.Surprisingly, monolingual dictionaries often feature words which are borrowed from other languages yet are in common use in their language. For example, the French word ‘cliché’ may appear.So, here are some examples of types of dictionary as well as the type of information they provide and how it can be used for different purposes.General Purpose Dictionaries General purpose dictionaries are the most popular types of dictionary, as they can deliver a wide range of information on day-to-day language.While some general dictionaries provide comprehensive definitions for each word, including information on etymological roots and pronunciation, others are more basic and focus on providing a concise definition for each word.When it comes to polysemy (words which are spelt the same but have different meanings), some dictionaries list several definitions under the same entry while others have several entries, each with their own definition.The choice of general dictionary is ultimately down to the user.Many people keep a more comprehensive and detailed dictionary at home and use a pocket dictionary for their day-to-day use such as checking spellings.However, with the rise of the World Wide Web and online dictionaries, it’s becoming far easier to access a range of information at the touch of a button.ThesaurusThesauri are all about synonyms and are generally used by peopl e looking for a ‘better’ word to use in a given situation.They provide a list of words with identical or similar meanings under each entry and are particularly useful for finding a word of the same meaning which may be more or less formal.Specialist DictionariesSpecialised dictionaries are not so common in everyday usage, as they exclusively feature specialist terminology for use in a specific field.For example, medical dictionaries may be used to check usage of medical terms in certain publications.The world of dictionaries is vast ¦ source: Pixabay - StockSnapSpecialised dictionaries may also bilingual as well as monolingual, so they can be used in the world of specialised translation.GlossariesGlossaries can be likened to a very basic version of a general dictionary, where words only have a definition.Their purpose is to provide a reference for its users in context.However, they may also be similar to specialised dictionaries, since they may define a specific area of languag e or the vocabulary from a certain publication.Monolingual Learner’s DictionariesSince learning a language is about more than learning words as translations of those of your native language, monolingual learner’s dictionaries are a valuable tool for those who have a good enough knowledge of the target language to be able to use monolingual resources.Using a monolingual dictionary provides an opportunity for each English learner to get the information they need as a non native speaker whilst learning how to learn to speak English in English.Choosing a Dictionary to use When Learning EnglishThe first English dictionary you encounter will likely be bilingual, since you will only have a knowledge of basic English. A great tool for eradicating mistakes in spelling.As you improve your English vocabulary and language skills, you can move on to a monolingual English dictionary.Learn from the best sources whilst having fun! ¦ source: Pixabay - PexelsThe first important point to make whe n it comes to choosing a monolingual dictionary is the type of English you wish to use.Due to regional variation in spelling and usage, most notably between UK and US English, it is important to choose one system and stick to it to ensure consistency in your English writing.Your choice may depend on your situation as well as personal preference.English learner’s dictionaries aren’t hard to come by, and the giants of the dictionary world lead the field.Both Oxford and Cambridge Dictionaries have their own online resources specifically for English learning, and the OED even offers language learning apps!Apps provide the perfect opportunity to learn English Spelling and practise your English skills including pronunciation, fluency and knowledge of idiomatic expressions through grammar exercises, quizzes and mini exams to assess your comprehension so you can improve your vocabulary, spoken English, writing skills and listening skills to eventually speak English fluently.So, the dict ionary you choose is down to your preferences and your goals. As you study English to a more advanced level, your needs will change in line with your proficiency and new dictionaries will become appropriate.Are you looking for a tutor to give you some extra support for your English lessons? Browse our range of private tutors on Superprof  or look for english lessons online.

How to Study - Tips That Include a Study Break! - Private Tutoring

How to Study - Tips That Include a Study Break! BobbiM Sep 19, 2015 Want to learn how to study?  Well, we cant study 24-7.  Its just not gonna work no matter how last minute you are or how under the gun you might be.  After a certain point in time your body and your brain or going to say Enough!  And theyll stop processing, shut down and you are likely to be in a worse place for your exams, homework or projects than you are right now. Thats why learning how to study and studying well is important to figure out.  Unfortunately, not the same things work foreveryone but weve come up with a ton of ideas and how to study tips that ought to help you figure out the ones that will assist you in reaching your academic goals.  And these tips arent just for homework or a test.  You can use them for just about anything you study as well as exam and studying for entrance exams like the GRE, SAT, ACTs, GMATs and so much more. So check out the different ideas weve come up with, use the ones you like, try a few others and let us know which work best.  Share your successes and ideas with us here and on Facebook or Twitter as well.