How to Adapt Your CV and Cover Letter for Different Jobs

How to Adapt Your CV and Cover Letter for Different Jobs Each Job Application Needs Its Own CV and Cover Letter ChaptersWhy You Need to Adapt Your DocumentsAbout TemplatesA Word on Uploading Your CVAdapting Your CVAdapting Your Cover LetterIt’s just months before your graduation from university and you’ve been cruising Reed and Indeed to find that most elusive of prospects: jobs that you’re qualified for based on your course of study and that your at least mildly interested in.Jobs where the pay is nice and the working conditions aren’t too bad. Jobs that hold the promise of advancement and jobs that could turn out to be your life’s work â€" instead of mind-numbing, soul-crushing, dead-end affairs.You may have even set up job alerts so that, when a position opens up that falls within the parameters you’ve set, you will receive an email with a position description.What will you do when you find that unicorn of the job market â€" the job that demands you apply for it?Naturally, you would send in your curriculum vitae so that you can be considered for hire. Don’t forget to attach a cover letter, too!Oh, wait: here’s another job that Indeed says fits your parameters. And another! Will you send them all the same cover letter and resume?That is the question your Superprof tackles today.That’s true, but only to a point. Students often express frustration over job adverts demanding relevant experience Image by StockSnap from PixabayUniversity students trying to break into the job market are faced with the eternal conundrum: virtually every job advert demands experience but, soon to be out of school, where would you have had time to gain any?Your confusion is understandable and, seen broadly, spot on.Consider this: your university experience and life experiences in general represent so much more than the narrow degree path that you’ve been treading for the past few years.You might have participated in student groups or belonged to a student union or two. Perhaps you played sports â€" activities that attest to your physical and mental endurance.Perhaps you’ve volunteered time and/or skill with a charity or engaged in extracurricular activities. Even these facets of your life can come to bear on the contents of your CV and cover letter.Now, let’s look at things from a different perspective; that o f the hiring manager.As they skim over your application documents, will they see a barely-repressed individual whose hunger for life’s experiences has led them to dabble in many different concerns?Or is that document written by a person whose spirit is so contained that only academic subjects shine through?You must be far more than the sum of your educational experience; nobody will ever know unless you find a way to communicate the whole of your intellect and passion on three A4 sheets of paper.Do you need some tips for writing an outstanding resume? There is no harm in looking at sample resumes online to get an idea of how yours should look Image by Jess Foami from PixabayAbout TemplatesMany job search websites offer resume and cover letter templates; downloading one so you can see how to format your documents is not a bad idea.Have you ever noticed? Those templates are chock-full of experiences, the likes of which you cannot hope to have this early in your working life. So, in a sense, they are misleading; in fact, they may not work for you at all.Templates tend to expect you to conform to their parameters.In all of our searching, even on student CV template websites, we’ve yet to uncover a resume template that doesn’t include a generous space allocation for work experience â€" experience that you may or may not have.While these templates can be useful to an extent, it would probably be far more helpful for you to visit your campus career adviser to get help with formatting your CV and cover letter.Also, cash in on these ti ps to write your most effective cover letter.adapt to every job you’re applying for unless you edit it manually.That means that, if your profile is set to public (because you want employers to see that you are looking for work), your approach is no more evolved than the job seeker mentioned above who sent out 100 resumes in the hopes that one will stick.As millions of job seekers have experienced, that strategy just doesn’t work.One effective strategy for landing an interview is writing thank-you notes! Why not see how you too could benefit from implementing it…Adapting Your CVRight now, while you are presumably still in school, you should create a ‘skeleton’ CV: write your header and your educational background, list your extracurricular activities and any awards you might have won.Don’t forget to list your interests, hobbies and any skills you might have the would be relevant in the workplace.A typical CV is two A4 pages; don’t worry if you have a lot of space leftov er after compiling the qualities you’ve amassed so far.When it comes time for you to start applying for specific jobs, adapting your CV to suit the position advertised starts with reading the advert carefully.Most adverts will list the job’s requirements and skills required to do the job well. Compare what the advert calls for against what you have to offer; are you a potential candidate?Bear in mind that you won’t meet every listed qualification, especially not this early in your working life.However, there is a good chance that you have more than a few of them and you can make them stand out by deleting your skeleton’s listed qualifications that aren’t mentioned in the advert.If it so happens that you are missing quite a few of those skills, you might list similar experiences or any transferable skills you have that would apply.And, as a way of expanding your CV while putting your best foot forward, do consider adding some of those qualities to your CV profile;  it is th e first thing a prospective employer will read.Look here to find more tips on finding your first job… It's never too early to write a cover letter... Image by Luidmila Kot from PixabayAdapting Your Cover LetterResumes and cover letters go hand-in-hand so, if you adjust one, you must adjust the other.A cover letter serves to introduce yourself; your potential employer wants a bit of elaboration of the data you’ve listed in your CV.In the first paragraph, you should list the job title you’re applying for and where you found the advert â€" an online jobs board, your university’s recruitment events or in a newspaper.Your second paragraph should get to the meat of the matter: why you are qualified for this position and how your skills relate to the job posting.Ideally, you should raise these points in bulleted statements, sort of like preparing for a phone interview:As a member of our school’s debate team, I used critical thinking skills to successfully debate a wide range of issues, from sustainable farming to immigrant rights.As I progressed through school, I made myself availab le to underclassmen throughout their first year on campus.I was team captain for our Junior football club.In spite of my academic workload, I nevertheless made ample use of hand tools and power tools during my assays into community volunteering during summer break.You might not think that your accomplishments amount to much but, as you can see, they can certainly be parlayed into relevant skills you could use on any job.The above list is a fine example if you’re applying for a job that calls for leadership skills but what if you’re applying for one that doesn’t â€" maybe a sales job?In that case, your debate team experience serves to highlight your communication skills and helping underclassmen shows what a great team player you are. Do you get the idea now?With a bit of practice, adapting your CV and cover letter for each position you apply for is really not difficult and, once you get the hang of it, you too will wonder why anyone would send out the same resume, over and ove r.Of course, don’t forget to proofread after every update!Now discover how you can prepare for your phone interview…

Portuguese Lessons Belfast

Portuguese Lessons Belfast Ever Wanted To Learn Portuguese In Belfast? ChaptersStudy Portuguese At UniversityTry Out Portuguese Lessons At A Language SchoolLearn Portuguese OnlineOther Ways To Learn PortuguesePortuguese is a brilliant language to learn. As one of the most spoken languages in the world, with around 200 million native speakers, there are plenty of people you can speak Portuguese with!Regardless of why you might be interested in learning Portuguese, it can be difficult to find a place where you can learn the language, especially if you’re an absolute beginner or an intermediate speaker.This is because Portuguese isn’t typically taught as a modern foreign language at schools, whether that’s at primary school or secondary school. This is because other languages, from French to Spanish and German, are generally preferred.So, if you want to improve your Portuguese skills, you need to look outside the box for a language tutor. This article outlines some of the ways you can learn Portuguese in Belfast.Phonetics;Transport; andThe weather, a mong others.Of course, if you are an advanced Portuguese speaker, or would really like to learn about the language in great depth, then there is the option to apply for a place at university to study Portuguese at degree-level.Queen’s University Belfast can also help in this regard and offers a number of degree programmes that include Portuguese, such as International Business with Portuguese, Spanish and Portuguese, French and Portuguese, and Archaeology and Portuguese.Language schools can help teach you basic greetings in Portuguese (Image Source: Pixabay)Try Out Portuguese Lessons At A Language SchoolIf studying a language at university doesn’t appeal, then you could also try your hand at improving your reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills in Portuguese at a language school.There are a few language schools in Belfast, such as Language Trainers, which offers Portuguese lessons in a number of formats, including:One to one general Portuguese lessons;One to one busine ss Portuguese lessons;Two to one and small group Portuguese lessons.So, whether you’d like to learn Portuguese for work-related reasons, or you want to learn the language for personal reasons (maybe to travel to Portugal or Brazil) you should be able to find a course.To give you a guideline of how much time you would need to commit to learning Portuguese, Language Trainers gives an estimate of the number of hours needed to reach a certain level:An elementary level would take around 30 hours;An intermediate level would take around 150 hours; andAn advanced level would take around 400 hours.Another language school you might like to research in Belfast is Listen Learn, which offers language lessons across the UK and Ireland.Like Language Trainers, Listen Learn offers a range of Portuguese courses depending on why you’d like to learn Portuguese.You can find face to face, one to one lessons for both general Portuguese and business Portuguese, as well as group lessons. Portuguese le ssons can also be held via Skype.Flexibility is emphasised with Listen Learn, as their website states:“You and your group can be trained by our native speaker qualified Portuguese teachers and can meet at your place of work or home at a time convenient to you. Tutorials can take place any day of the week, including weekends, and can be scheduled for the morning, afternoon or evening. If your home or office is not suitable for you, you can attend the lesson at the teacher's offices. You will be provided with all relevant lesson materials.”You might find that having Portuguese lessons in a group setting works better for you (Image Source: Pixabay)Learn Portuguese OnlineIf you’re looking for a more flexible way to learn a language, then you could also consider learning Portuguese, or another foreign language, online.There are plenty of resources available on the internet at price points to suit all budgets.The BBC, for example, offers some language learning resources for Portugu ese, such as “Talk Portuguese” â€" an online language course for beginners. The course covers a range of topics, including, but not limited to:Introductions;Ordering a meal or booking a table when eating out;Shopping for food;Transport and directions; andGreetings.Aside from the BBC, there are other ways to learn languages online or through your phone, with some popular examples highlighted below.BabbelBabbel is one of the most well-known language learning apps available. A paid-for service, Babbel offers:“Lessons crafted by language experts, and voiced by native speakers, [that] will get you ready for real-life  situations.”“Interactive dialogues [that] will give you the confidence to speak, and our speech recognition technology will help you get it  right.”“Curated review sessions [that] will reinforce what you’ve learned by bringing it back in new contexts, committing it to memory so you’ll never struggle for the right  words.”Babbel also offers short, easy to digest lessons, which tend to last 10 to 15 minutes, which is great if you’re time-poor but still want to get better at speaking Portuguese or learning the language more generally.Babbel also offers many different languages, such as Italian, German, Spanish, French, and Russian. So, if you’d like to learn another foreign language alongside Portuguese, Babbel can certainly help.DuolingoAnother popular language-learning resource is Duolingo.Like Babbel, lessons tend to be bite-size, making it easy to learn on the go, whether you’d like to learn about Portuguese grammar, the alphabet, or would like to expand your vocabulary in general.Other languages are also offered aside from Portuguese, such as Spanish, French, German, Japanese, Italian, and Chinese.You can access a free version of Duolingo or choose a paid-for version that removes adverts and offers offline courses, among other things.MosaLinguaIf you’re after something a little bit different when learning Portuguese, you could try MosaLingua.The Portuguese course offers features such as:Over 3,600 vocabulary flashcards;A personalised learning programme;Learning tips; andVocabulary adapted to your level, whether you’re an absolute beginner or an advanced speaker.Apps that offer Portuguese lessons can be a great way to learn more about the Portuguese language (Image Source: Pixabay)Other Ways To Learn PortugueseLanguage apps and online language courses, such as those run by the BBC, can be really helpful if you’re new to a language or want to learn in a flexible way that suits a busy lifestyle.Additionally, while there are certain things you can learn relatively easily through an app, such as learning common greetings and sayings in Portuguese and learning basic vocabulary and grammar, there are some drawbacks.This is because, while an online course can help you improve your reading and writing skills in Portuguese, you might find it harder to develop your speaking and listening skills to the same level, unless the course incorporates exercises that practice these areas.Ideally, when learning Portuguese, you should have regular exposure to the language as it’s spoken, and you should also have the opportunity to speak in Portuguese as well. This is why having a Portuguese tutor that you can converse with while speaking Portuguese can be so beneficial, as a tutor:Can let you know if your pronunciation needs work;Can give you the opportunity to talk about new topics in Portuguese;Can improve your listening skills when you hear them speak to you in Portuguese; andCan make you feel more comfortable overall when listening to and speaking Portuguese.If you’re looking for a new Portuguese tutor to help you take the next step in your language learning journey, then you could consider tutoring websites such as Superprof. Superprof has tutors in Belfast that teach a wide array of subjects and languages, including Portuguese.If you have a particular preference as to whether you lear n Brazilian Portuguese or the Portuguese spoken in Portugal, let your tutor know as well and they’ll do what they can to help you.The benefits of having a Superprof tutor teach you Portuguese is increased flexibility, as you can have more choice when it comes to when to have your lessons, and you also have a greater voice when deciding what you’re taught.So if you’re looking to improve your business Portuguese, want to learn common greetings or basic sayings, want to revise the Portuguese alphabet and basic grammar, or would like someone to practice your speaking skills with, a Superprof tutor could help you.

Our Advice For Passing An Oral Test

Our Advice For Passing An Oral Test How To Prepare For An Oral In English? ChaptersWhat Is An Oral Comprehension Test: Communication SkillsHow To Prepare For An Oral Comprehension TestHow To Prepare An Excellent Presentation In EnglishStudy Tips To Help With English ComprehensionA Plan Example For Speaking In English ExamsIdeas To Help You Gain Confidence To Pass Any English Oral ExamGeneral Tips For Successful English Oral Exams: Language SkillsWhether it is to judge proficiency on an English speaking test, an oral exam or an important conversation of another kind such as an interview when you know that an English speaking test or meeting is coming up. It is necessary to be prepared and to be confident that you have done your best to gain the outcome that you are looking for.In addition to written tests, there are also often oral tests in English exams to learn English and to verify that the candidate can speak English and has reached a certain level throughout their English classes. Here are some tips for how to prepare for and do your best on an oral tes t and show your English language proficiency. 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) Teacher 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 tutorsWhat Is An Oral Comprehension Test: Communication SkillsWhen you are studying as an ESOL student, there will be times during your course that you will be asked to demonstrate your understanding of the subject. By verbally showing your fluency and accuracy when answeri ng questions or discussing a topic.Studying for an oral examination in English. Photo Source: UnsplashWhile the teacher or examiner will not expect you to be perfect, you will be expected to do your best. Your best is determined by what you have currently been taught and also how you have adapted to the content in the lessons.The ideal outcome in an oral exam is seeing that you have understood the words that you are using and that you are not just repeating what you hear. Using your listening skills, thinking deeply about what it is that you want to say and using that knowledge to communicate. Being creative in your communication is much better than repeating the generic statement which doesn't show a deeper understanding of what it is that you have learnt.How To Prepare For An Oral Comprehension TestThe best way to prepare for your oral exam is, in fact, the same for any exam that you may have on any subject. If you want to pass your exams, pay attention in class and develop good h ealthy study ethics to concrete the things that you have learnt into your mind. If when you are studying English or learning something, you don't look at it again until you have the exam.It is, of course, going to be challenging but if you wisely practise everything that you have learnt on an ongoing basis. You will not have to worry about ‘how to pass an exam' because you would already have all of the skills to do so.The course that you are taking has been specially structured, planned and created to help you to be successful in your chosen subject but the class hours are not enough for you to be successful in any subject let alone learning a language.Be aware that actively incorporating your study into your daily life and allowing what you have learnt to be a part of your focus regularly is the key to pass your oral exam and any other exam that you might have.How To Prepare An Excellent Presentation In EnglishFind out what the requirements are for your exam and how long you must speak for.Ask your teacher for sample exams so that you can learn the format.Prepare your plans in advance and plan your revision around these plans.Speak as often as you can throughout the year allow you to train.Effectively. It also gives you the chance to get open feedback which you can work on. You can also and should aim to meet with native English speakers and not just your teacher to do this.Revise the concepts that you are learning and find your own expression within them so that you can communicate in a way that is natural to you.If you practice every day you will learn English.Make a note of your strong and weak areas.Remember that there is more than one way to say something. 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) Teacher 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 tutorsStudy Tips To Help With English ComprehensionIn our technological age, there are millions of ways available to you, many of them free. To support your learning. Here are some tips to improve your comprehension of English.Listen to English regularly â€" to boost your English language learning.Feel free to listen to the information in English on the BBC website.Listen to songs in English paying attention to the lyrics and trying to understand as much as possible, and you can even look the lyrics up online and read along.Buy an eBook and matching audiobook and have the author read to you in the book of your cho ice.Watch movies or TV series in English.The part of the native English speaker. Photo Source: UnsplashThe compelling thing about listening to native speakers is that you get to learn intonation, pronunciation, vocabulary, grammar and you also get to learn all about things that you enjoy in a fun and engaging way.Top tip: Do not forget to note the new English vocabulary words you are learning. This can serve as a review sheet for your speaking skills.An English test is working over a period of time. Start your work early in the year and work regularly to have time to memorise and progress in English.A Plan Example For Speaking In English ExamsHere is an example of a plan that works every time, but you must adapt this according to your own circumstances:• I'm going to talk about… (present your idea), • Introduction : ? Define the idea, ? Link your idea and the topic • First paragraph : ? Going deeper into the idea • Second part : ? Presenting the link to the topic in depth • Conclusion: The goal here is to recap the two big paragraphs and give your opinionTips For The Day Of Your PresentationSpeak clearly and articulate well when you are speaking EnglishTake your time but do not forget that you only a certain amount of time.Do not panic if you see that you have spent too much time on your first part just do what you can.To stay on time, it is a good idea to practice and train to deliver communication well which will give you the strategies to pass the test.If you want to be fluent in English like your native language you must be actively  preparing to study.Ideas To Help You Gain Confidence To Pass Any English Oral ExamEnglish oral exams do not work in the same way for all schools, but the advice that we give here will help you in any case. Make study cards and group them by theme, this could be the theme of studies such as vocabulary and verbs or interest themes like professional, social, entertainment themes.You may start to realise a plateau in y our English learning. Photo Source: UnsplashWrite and read out loud summaries of English language newspapers or books with either the essential information or a summary with an analytical part. You can practice speaking using the two methods. Participate in an English working group for ESL students, and this allows you to exchange information and improve your fluency. You can also save time by distributing news sheets.Reading and listening must be an integral part of your preparation. This is an excellent way to enrich your vocabulary but also to reuse and adapt the examples that you learn in the process. Watch TV series that have a personal interest for you shows such as House of Cards, The Handmaid 's Tale, How To Get Away With Murder or Peaky Blinders have a certain appeal and interest.While also using different vocabulary and showing off lots of ways to express yourself in English. If you prefer reading then in literature, I recommend Philip Roth, George Orwell or William Faulkn er but any books of interest according to your preferences. Will be perfect for you to grow and improve your English.General Tips For Successful English Oral Exams: Language SkillsDo not smoke before your interview in English. It will affect your English pronunciation.  For any oral, and even for the written expression and written comprehension, it will be necessary to gain in general culture.This involves enriching one's vocabulary through reading and attentive and active listening. Of course, a language study abroad can help if you have the opportunity. You can also take part in an intensive English course during the school holidays. Getting help is not a shame but rather a way to progress faster!The day of the event, it must be punctual and polite. Greet the examiner, ask if you can sit down and thank him as you leave. Stand up straight and avoid stray gestures that may distract your listener and show your stress.Do not look at your notes too much. Look the examiner in the eyes b ut without insistence. And be dynamic, speak a little louder than usual with complete sentences when answering a question. Be clear and fast but without haste. Articulate and manage your airflow, so you do not feel totally panicked.Make sure your words are in clear spoken English Learn to stay focused! It may happen that the examiner seems to be elsewhere, either silent or seeming upset. Do not be destabilised and continue your presentation in English.The main thing about an oral exam is just the speaking, and as long as you are revising and practising regularly, this will be easy for you. Come on, take a deep breath and get ready to speak, it'll be ok.

Can I use an indefinite article with a plural noun

Can I use an indefinite article with a plural noun Rule:Dont use indefinite articles with plural words.Incorrect:He hasa muscular arms.Correct:He hasmuscular arms. Rule:Use a partitive structure with words that are never singular.Incorrect:She worea blue jeans. (Other examples: shorts, pants, jeans, leggings)Correct:She worea pair of blue jeans. Exception:Words like series and species look plural, but they are also singular and can be used with an article.Correct:I founda seriesof books at the bookstore that I really enjoy reading.Correct:The Golden Palm Weaver isa speciesof bird in the Ploceidae family. Exceptions that defy explanation:An amazing two days, an awkward ten minutes, a whopping twenty-five pounds, a good many books, etc. Error Correction Exercises:  Find Irregular Plural Errors,  Correct Irregular Plural Errors Please follow and like us:

Helping Your Child Build a Greater Depth of Understanding in Math

Helping Your Child Build a Greater Depth of Understanding in Math Helping Your Child Build a Greater Depth of Understanding in Math You may have heard education experts, researchers or media outlets refer to mathematics curriculum in the United States as being a mile wide and an inch deep. The problem with math education, according to many, is that U.S. math teachers have historically been asked to cover far too many topics in each grade, resulting in students who have only a vague understanding of a lot of areas rather than a deep understanding of fewer, more essential topics. Students are introduced to advanced concepts haphazardly and before they have had an opportunity to master certain basic skills. Of course, the Common Core State Standards are changing all that. Researchers have concluded that mathematics education in the United States must become substantially more focused and coherent in order to improve mathematics achievement in this country, (corestandards.org). As a result, the Common Core State Standards for Mathematics will embody these three key shifts: Greater focus on fewer topics Linking topics and thinking across grades More rigorous overall (educators must help students gain a conceptual understanding of key math concepts, procedural skills and fluency, and application in situations that require mathematical knowledge) How can you help your child learn to apply math and use it as a problem-solving tool? Here are a few tips for parents when helping their child with homework: Have your child talk through math rules. As your child completes homework, periodically have him or her point out to you when a math rule is used and where that rule comes from. Explain the thinking. Even in the simplest math, have your child explain how he or she draws conclusions and why. That cognitive process is becoming more important in math than ever. Try different methods to solve problems. Children should practice using different approaches to solving the same problem and identify similarities among those different methods. Encourage students to visualize math problems. Help your child draw out visual representations of figures or numbers. For example, your child should be able to show what something (a shape, for example) would look like when divided up into fractions. Have your child talk about wrong answers. Just as students should know how to construct viable arguments and critique the reasoning of others (per the Common Core State Standards for Mathematical Practice), it is helpful for children think through incorrect answers and share their conclusions on why a certain answer to a problem is right and another is wrong. Use math in everyday life. Your child should practice writing down mathematical equations and assumptions when trying to solve real-world problems. He or she should use tools to aid understanding whenever it makes sensetools such as graphs, equations and flowcharts. Pay attention to detail. The new standards expect students to be precise when discussing math and working on math problems. Encourage your child to label his or her work, be neat and explain the symbols used in various mathematical equations. Precision and accuracy is important. As the Standards for Mathematical Practice state, students who lack understanding of a topic may rely on procedures too heavily. Although you may not feel equipped to help your child through probability and statistics homework, you can nurture his or her acquisition of a conceptual understanding of math. Encourage your child to make connections between mathematical ideas and life, use reasoning when working on math, and think critically about how math plays a role in day-to-day life. To learn more about the Common Core State Standards for Math, visit www.corestandards.org. About Huntington Huntington is the tutoring and test prep leader. Its certified tutors provide individualized instruction in reading, phonics, writing, study skills, elementary and middle school math, Algebra through Calculus, Chemistry, and other sciences. It preps for the SAT and ACT, as well as state and standardized exams. Huntington programs develop the skills, confidence, and motivation to help students succeed and meet the needs of Common Core State Standards. Founded in 1977, Huntingtons mission is to give every student the best education possible. Learn how Huntington can help at www.huntingtonhelps.com. For franchise opportunities please visit www.huntingtonfranchise.com.

25 things you didnt know about italki 2014 Infographic

25 things you didnt know about italki 2014 Infographic 2014 is over , and  we have prepared an infographic that shows 25 interesting statistics about language learning at italki during the past year. 27 years of language lessons hours!!!  Well done italki students! If you want to  kick-start your language learning in 2015, just 20 hours are enough with the italki language challenge. Dont forget to sign up for yourself and check what other students have to say about previous challenges. Do you like the infographic? Share it on your site! a href=http://blog.italki.com/2015/01/25-things-you-didnt-know-about-italki-in-2014-infographic target=_blankimg src=http://blog.italki.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/italki-infographic-20141.jpg alt=2014 italki Language Learning Statistics Infographic width=640px border=0 //apWhen sharing pleaseinclude attribution to italki.com/p 25 things you didnt know about italki 2014 Infographic 2014 is over , and  we have prepared an infographic that shows 25 interesting statistics about language learning at italki during the past year. 27 years of language lessons hours!!!  Well done italki students! If you want to  kick-start your language learning in 2015, just 20 hours are enough with the italki language challenge. Dont forget to sign up for yourself and check what other students have to say about previous challenges. Do you like the infographic? Share it on your site! a href=http://blog.italki.com/2015/01/25-things-you-didnt-know-about-italki-in-2014-infographic target=_blankimg src=http://blog.italki.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/italki-infographic-20141.jpg alt=2014 italki Language Learning Statistics Infographic width=640px border=0 //apWhen sharing pleaseinclude attribution to italki.com/p

You Can Be the Perfect Language Learner by Honing These 7 Traits!

You Can Be the Perfect Language Learner by Honing These 7 Traits! You Can Be the Perfect Language Learner by Honing These 7 Traits! A dash of study scheduling.Mix in some authentic target language media.And dont forget a heaping cup of learning motivation.The recipe for language learning perfection is easier to follow than you think!Now, its true that you dont have to be a perfect language learner in order to learn a language. Many people who are fluent now will tell you that they made mistakes in their learning process, whether it was wasting time on learning tools they didnt need or procrastinating important but difficult grammar concepts.But at the same time, the closer to perfect you are, the easier itll be to learn a language.You can learn a language nearly anywhere, whether you do it traveling abroad or through  language learning websites. Regardless of where you learn the language, though, your approach, attitude and unique traits make a difference.Were going to help you find the ingredients for language learning perfection within yourself.By adopting the seven key traits discussed below, you can get as cl ose to perfect as possibleâ€"and fluency wont be far behind. Why Should You Aim for Language Learning Perfection?In language learning (as in life!) improvement is almost always possible. If you just settle into the same old language learning methods, your motivation will quickly plateau. Instead, continually assess how you can tweak your language tools and study style to better suit your goals and keep pushing you forward.One reason youll want to perfect your language studies is to save time. The right approach and attitude can shave valuable time off your studying. Seeing more progress in less time isnt just enjoyable, itll motivate you to keep going.Additionally, being the perfect language learner will help you reduce stress. If youre using the wrong techniques, approach or attitude, youre wasting time without seeing as much progress as youd hope, and thats inherently stressful (and pretty disappointing).Not only will this improve your learning outcomes, itll also make your lear ning journey a more rewarding overall experience.You Can Be the Perfect Language Learner by Honing These 7 Traits!Ready to learn how to achieve perfection in your own language studies? Here are seven key traits you can cultivate in yourself to improve your language learning process and get fluent in less time and with less stress!The Perfect Language Learner Is1. Enthusiastic for Language StudiesNo matter the subject, learning is easier when you enjoy what youre studying. To perfect your language learning regimen, its important that you actually enjoy studying your target language!Easy enough when youre watching hilarious movies, cooking or learning vocabulary thatll help you flirt. But what about dry grammar rules or boring but essential words?Natural curiosity cant be faked, but you can enjoy learning languages more by homing in on the study methods you most enjoy.With technology, theres a huge selection of different programs and tools thatll help you learn a language. You might u se computer software, audio programs or even more traditional textbooks, depending on your learning style. The trick is to find what you enjoy most. If you enjoy the process, youre more likely to keep doing it, which in turn leads to more learning.FluentU makes it easy to be enthusiastic about learning languages from music videos, commercials, news, inspiring talks and more.With FluentU, you hear languages in real-world contextsâ€"the way that native speakers actually use them. Just a quick look will give you an idea of the variety of FluentU videos on offer:FluentU really takes the grunt work out of learning languages, leaving you with nothing but engaging, enjoyable, effective and efficient learning. It’s already hand-picked the best videos for you and organized them by level and topic. All you have to do is choose any video that strikes your fancy to get started!Each word in the interactive captions comes with a definition, audio, image, example sentences and more.Access a comp lete interactive transcript of every video under the Dialogue tab, and easily review words and phrases from the video under Vocab.You can use FluentU’s unique adaptive quizzes to learn the vocabulary and phrases from the video through fun questions and exercises. Just swipe left or right to see more examples of the word youre studying.The program even keeps track of what you’re learning and tells you exactly when it’s time for review, giving you a 100% personalized experience.Start using FluentU on the website with your computer or tablet or, better yet, download the FluentU app from the iTunes store or Google Play store.2. Motivated to LearnThe right motivation  can make or break the learning process. The perfect language learner is motivated by a variety of factors. For instance, motivation can come from preparing for a trip abroad, professional opportunities or interest in learning about other cultures. Regardless, something should be driving you forward in your language ed ucation.Personal motivation varies, but its impossible to perfect your language learning without sufficient motivation. If youre learning a language just because its required, that isnt the sort of motivation thatll lead toward fluencyâ€"thats a recipe for quitting.So how can you hone your motivation?Think about what you want to get out of your target language down the road. How will it benefit you? Wholl it help you communicate with? What do you find interesting about the language? Even if youre taking a language for, say, a school requirement, you can find advantages thatll personally impact you.Still not motivated? Consider planning a trip to a country where your target language is spoken. Look at the beautiful sites. Consider what foods youd eat. Make a list of everything youd like to do in that country. Whether or not you ever actually take that trip, imagining it whenever you study will serve as fuel for your motivation.3. Committed to Daily Use of the Target LanguageDaily stu dy is important, and perfect language learners know this. If you only study every few days, youll lose some knowledge between each study session, slowing your progress significantly. Daily studying is an efficient way to prevent knowledge loss and thus speed up the learning process.Home immersion is one key way to incorporate your target language into your daily life.  By stocking up your home with target-language content and committing to only reading, thinking or surfing the web in your target language while youre home, youll have no choice but to work toward fluency.Making a schedule can also help. For instance, you might try listening to podcasts in your target language whenever you shower. Maybe youll read the news in your target language as you eat breakfast. Developing a schedule like this will make using your target language an important part of your day that youll never skip, and this will help launch you to perfect learner status.4. On the Hunt for Diverse Target Language MediaPerfect language learners use a lot of different media in their target languages. Why, you ask? Because every type of media targets a different language skill.For instance, books offer formal reading practice. Blogs or magazines offer practice reading less formal language. Movies and TV shows provide excellent listening practice and can even teach regional variations of a language. Learning videos like  BBC Languages  provide learners with accessible, unintimidating content. Even  language learning apps  help perfect learners see their target languages in a new light.Luckily, this is an easy trait to hone in yourself. All you have to do is consume more media in your target language. Dive into books. Read magazines. Watch movies and TV. Listen to music. And if youre looking for a particularly useful media resource, try FluentU.FluentU is a media-rich tool thats perfect for language learners. It offers authentic target language videos like news, music videos, movie trailers and m oreâ€"with a twist. Each video has annotated captions that give you easy access to any words definition, example sentences and an associated image.Plus, you can click any word to see how its used in other videos. That means youll get instant exposure to a diverse range of target language content, all while actively building your vocabulary.The best part is that you can take all this learning media on the go with the FluentU mobile app for iOS  or Android!5. Actively Participating in StudiesThe perfect language learner doesnt just sign up for a class, kick back and expect to become fluent.Instead, try to figure out how to turn your weaknesses into strengths. This means putting in extra work outside of traditional studies, but it pays off.To be a perfect learner yourself, participate actively in your education. How this looks will vary from person to person, so experimenting with different techniques and strategies is key.If youre taking a formal class, the fact of the matter is your teacher probably doesnt know exactly what you, personally, need to work on. If youre using educational software, it cant fully assess your individual skills and background. But if you think about it, chances are you do know your weaknesses. Think about the areas in which youre least confident and work on them.If youre still not sure of your own weaknesses, you can take an assessment through language proficiency tests like Dialang, which offers assessments in reading, writing, speaking, structures (a.k.a grammar) and vocabulary. Once you have your scores, you should have a clearer idea of what areas need the most work.Wondering how youll ever find time for all this outside of what youre already doing? Well, think back to Trait 3. Theres almost always space for target language engagement during your day, whether its those few minutes between meetings in the afternoon, your car ride home, your lazy Sunday morning, etc.6. Aware That Setbacks Will HappenLearning a language isnt a smooth road. There will be bumps along the way. However, the perfect language learner doesnt fear setbacks. Recognize that through hard work, you can overcome any obstacle you face.You can hone this trait in yourself by not being easily deterred. When learning a language, full fluency can seem impossible. Native speakers talk more quickly than you could dream of understanding. Tricky grammar rules seem impossible to apply consistently. Luckily, the longer you study, the easier these things get.If you keep in mind that learning a language is a marathon and not a sprint, you can stay on the right path and become a perfect learner.7. Not Afraid to Ask for Help!Perfect learners are not afraid to reach out for assistance, whether that be from tutors, teachers or other learners. Even though theyre skilled at learning languages, they encounter things they just cant figure out. It may be a grammar rule, a difficult pronunciation or even a particularly tricky vocabulary word.To improve your languag e learning process, you should do the same when you need help. Dont hesitate to ask questions of your teacher or professor, seek assistance from a native speaker or discuss the issue with friends who are learning the language.You can also reach out for assistance online. For example, services like Verbling can connect you with native speakers who are qualified language teachers. You can browse thousands of teacher bios to find the tutor whos best for your skill level, language goals, schedule and budget. Its an awesome tool to get your specific language questions answered, all in a friendly, supportive environment.These traits are naturally occurring in some people. Even if you have to put a little work in to develop these traits in your own life, though, its worth the extra effort to become a perfect language learner!

Brooklyn`s Diverse Population is United in its Outstanding Schools

Brooklyn`s Diverse Population is United in its Outstanding Schools We have to thank the Dutch people for putting Brooklyn on the map when they created the small settlement of Breuckelen on the East River shore in 1646. Only 18 years later the English conquered the New Netherlands and with it Brooklyn. The town formed, together with five other Dutch settlements, the new Kings County. In the beginning of the 19th century Brooklyn was a quaint town with Colonial Style houses, many chimneys and horse carriages being the backbone of transportation. Francis Guys painting Winter Scene in Brooklyn provides a glimpse back into that time. The town sprang up when a reliable steam ferry service across the East River allowed its citizens to work on Wall Street by the thousands. The middle of the century brought manufacturing and ship building to Brooklyn. The famous USS Monitor the first ironclad warship commissioned by the US Navy was built here. In 1883 the Brooklyn Bridge was opened fusing New York city and Brooklyn together.  Learn more about Brooklyns history from one of TutorZ history tutors. Today Brooklyn is the most populous of New York Citys five boroughs, with about 2.5 million people a vibrant construction and service industry as well as a niche in manufacturing, such as furniture. High-end food has found a home in Brooklyn too, including and not surprisingly high end pet food. Although not quite Wall Street, Brooklyns 21 credit unions and 37 banks make the town a center of finance. Brooklyn is famous for its diverse populations. Irish, Jews, Pakistani, Russians, Ukrainians live mostly peaceful with Hispanics, Caribbean, Italian, Asian and African Americans. The 2010 census data by Bloomberg showed that Brooklyn as a part of New York surpassed Los Angeles as the most ethnically diverse American city. To better blend into Brooklyn learn Russian, Italian or Spanish from local tutors. If you ever visit Brooklyn there is no way around seeing the famous Brooklyn Bridge. Should you arrive from Newark Airport then you drive over it as you take the 78 freeway into Lower Manhattan. The Brooklyn Bridge is a picturesque Industrial Age wonder that found its portrait on millions of postcards. After leaving the bridge turn right into Brooklyn Heights Promenade. This six-block long, flagstone-covered walkway along faces lower Manhattan and has been the setting for dozens of movies and television shows. Get lost among the stylish land-marked 19th-century row-houses in Greenpoint, one of Brooklyn historic district.  If you still dont have enough of broad walks check out the one in Coney Island on the south tip of Brooklyn. There you find Denos Wonder Wheel Park, the New York Aquarium and Pauls Daughter restaurant. This is were you also find Kingsborough Community College , a junior college, located in Manhattan Beach. Education in Brooklyn is provided by a vast number of public and private institutions. Brooklyn Tech located across Fort Green Park is the largest specialized high school for science, mathematics, and technology in the United States. The high school is noted for its famous alumni, including two Nobel Laureates, and the large number of graduates attending prestigious universities. Brooklyn College was the first public coeducational liberal arts college in New York City and is ranked in the top 10 nationally in Princeton Review’s 2006 guidebook. SUNY Downstate Medical Center is the oldest hospital-based medical school in the United States. The Medical Center comprises the College of Medicine, College of Nursing, School of Public Health, among others. The Nobel Prize winner Robert F. Furchgott is a member of its faculty. Especially if you are a banker, health food buff, wood expert, pundit or Nobel laureate, Brooklyn might the perfect city to live.  Or just come to Brooklyn to learn from qualified  local tutors.