How to Help Yourself With College Algebra

How to Help Yourself With College AlgebraCollege Algebra is one of the courses that you will need help with, if you are going to graduate and attend university. Even if you only need help with a single portion of the course, there is still plenty of work for you to do. It is up to you to find the best way to help yourself with your college coursework. The following tips should help you with this task:* Find the right help: Your first step in your search for help with college algebra should be to find the right professional to help you. You can find a wide variety of people willing to help you by using the internet. These individuals can be found in a number of places including in some of the websites dedicated to helping you with homework help.* Learn the rules of college algebra: Algebra is an important subject that you need help with, even when you are just taking your first few college courses. When you learn the rules of algebra, you will be better able to understand the concepts behind it and make progress as a student. Therefore, you need to make sure that you have the best education possible, and this means using the most advanced material that you can get your hands on.* Review the material in college algebra: You should always review your college algebra before you start working on it. This way, you will be able to review all of the basic concepts and how they relate to the main topics. You will also be able to find out which concepts you already know and which ones you need help with.* Set goals: Your goal should be to learn the most by the end of the semester. If you have difficulty doing this, you should look at your goals for this year. Determine what you want to be able to do by the end of the semester. This will help you set realistic goals, so that you will be able to meet them.* Take more advanced math classes: You may be able to take less advanced math classes, but if you are learning college algebra, then you need to take the advanced courses . You can choose from Calculus, Linear Algebra, and Fourier Analysis. All of these classes can be very helpful, and you should make sure that you are taking them, as you study for college algebra.* Avoid distractions: Whether you are working on your own or with a help desk instructor, it is important that you keep yourself occupied when it comes to your homework help. Many students find that they are unable to pay attention when they are trying to work on their college homework help. Therefore, you should be able to find a way to distract yourself so that you will not have to sit down and work. Make sure that you keep distractions to a minimum so that you will be able to focus on your work.Take advantage of the various resources that are available to you. By working together, you will be able to help yourself with your college coursework, and you can be sure that you will be able to succeed. The next time you find yourself struggling with a homework assignment, consider turning to a help desk instructor for help.

The 11 Easiest Languages to Learn Depending on Your Native Language and Learning Style

The 11 Easiest Languages to Learn Depending on Your Native Language and Learning Style You Cant Argue with Science: The 11 Easiest Languages to Learn Two roads diverged in a wood, and Iâ€"I took the one that I didnt have to hike, struggle and bushwhack through.When it comes to learning a language to fluency, that could make all the difference.Lets face it, weve all got stuff to do.Theres no shame in hitting that easy button sometimes.We get itâ€"youve got a life.Were all parents, friends, neighbors, small business owners, full-time travelers or artists.But far too  many people never know the joys of a second language because they think they dont have time to learn, that learning is too hard or that they just cant do it.Were here to tell you definitively, thats just not the case.Now, if youre a native speaker of a European language and want to devote yourself to learning the intricacies of a language like  Pirahã, we support you wholeheartedly. But if youre looking for a language thats not gonna require 3-hour evening classes Monday through Friday for the next 10  years, well, we support you just a little more wholeheartedly.And t hats what were here to help with! What Makes a Language Easy to Learn?Theres no such thing as one language thats just plain easier than all the others, but there are a lot of languages that are way easier for you personally to learn.I travel all over the world and one thing Ive noticed is that all 7  billion of us seem to have strong opinions on our native languages.Two people in the same country (even the same city!) will tell you with equal  degrees of confidence that their language is super hard and super easy, that youll never learn it or that its a piece of cake. Theyll swear to you that English was a breeze to learn, or that its the hardest thing theyve ever done.What accounts for these huge differences in opinion? Two things:1. Theres no such thing as a universally easy language.2. The ease of a language depends on the learner.There are generally three major things that make a language easy or hard for any given learner:1. How closely its related to the languages you alread y know.2. How complex its system of sounds is.3. How complicated its grammar is.Some learners struggle more to understand the strange sounds they hear coming out of noses and throats and rounded lips, and others would take a good French nasal vowel over German noun declensions any day of the week. Whatever your learning style is, here are 3  kinds of  easy languages for you to get started with.Keep in mind that the more commonly studied languages on this list are available to learn with fun videos on FluentU, which is designed to make language acquisition as easy and intuitive as possible! FluentU takes real-world videosâ€"like news, music videos, movie trailers and inspiring talksâ€"and turns them into personalized language lessons.You Cant Argue with Science: The 11 Easiest Languages to LearnLinguistic Neighbors: Languages Related to Your Native LanguageWanna see something cool?That  is my house. Dat  is mijn huis. Das ist mein Haus. Dit is my huis.It doesnt take long to crack the code and figure out that these four  lines say the same thing in closely related West Germanic languages  (English, Dutch, German, and Afrikaans, from top to bottom). Maybe some of the words for that are a bit more of a stretch, but how quickly do all the others fall into place when you look at them?This is what its like when you start learning a language related to your own. Youll see cognates, or words that have a common origin and similar meanings, like little hints buried in a foreign language sentence.Learning the languages most closely related to your own is like learning with linguistic training wheels. Here are a few examples of languages that are childs play for certain learners, depending on what languages they already know:1. DutchEnglishs first cousin, the only language more closely related to either one is Frisian. Dutch is full of English cognatesâ€"drinken (to drink), kat (cat), week (week), licht (light) and hundreds more. Once youve got the most basic fundamentals down, you  should be more than ready for basic conversations and childrens books.2. Haitian CreoleAre you a native French speaker, or have you held on to some high school French? Haitian Creole, one of the largest French creoles, is made up of a mostly French vocabulary mixed with indigenous flavors of the new world.3. TagalogThe Philippines is not only one of the fastest-growing destinations for young expatsâ€"its also a country where Spanish-speakers can learn the local tongue with ease. Everyday items are usually similar or exactly the same as the Spanish name.Dont see anything familiar here? Its okay. You dont have to already know a big world language like English, French or Spanish to get started on some easy language learning. Unless you only speak a language isolate like Korean or Basque, there are plenty of long lost linguistic cousins waiting for you to look them up and get in touch!Check resources like the Ethnologue to learn about your languages family tree and what other tongues are most closely related to it.Effortless Phonology: Languages with Painless PronunciationHave you ever overheard a foreign language like Arabic or Cantonese and wondered how all those sounds even make up a  real  language? To some extent, this is just because the speech sounds of unfamiliar languages often sound garbled and meaningless to foreigners.But in terms of phonology (the system of speech sounds in a language), not all languages are made equal: Some have dozens of different consonants and vowels, and some have only a few.Do French nasals or Arabic pharyngeals sound like linguistic nightmares? Dont panic.If learning all the new sounds of a foreign language is your biggest challenge, you should consider starting with a language like one of these:4. SpanishYou saw this one coming, right? Spanish is often the go-to language for Western  learners  because of its small inventory of speech sounds and user-friendly phonetic spelling system. In Spanish, a always sounds more or less like a (even with an accent mark), which we as learners really appreciate. Thanks, Spanish.5. JapaneseJapanese has historically gotten bad PR among language learners, but its pronunciation is actually remarkably simple. Of its 19 consonants, only a couple are rare among world languages, and its five vowels are remarkably similar to those in Spanish.6. ItalianIts got a few more vowels than its cousin down in Spain, but Italians big advantage is that most of its consonants and vowels are among the most common sounds found in world languages. That means most learners wont find many words they cant get their mouth around!To see whats out there for you beyond these three, you could start with this list of world languages ordered by number of phonemes (distinct speech sounds) to get an idea of which languages are more phonologically difficult than others.Keep in mind that most of the extremes (languages with very many or very few phonemes) are very old, very isolated languages th at might not be easy or practical to learn, but you can still use the tool to compare whether Greek or Russian is your best choice.Goodbye Grammar Book: Languages with Simple StructuresJust like some languages love to play with  diverse  and complicated sounds, some seem to have an endless love affair with rules and grammar.Ive always shied away from German for this reason.  Its four noun cases,  infinite list of adjective declensions and word order rules are enough to send me running to the nearest biergarten.Other languages, thankfully, arent quite so strict and demanding. You learn some vocabulary and a few basic usage rules, and youre good to go. Here are some of those languages:7. Mandarin ChineseThis is probably the first time youve seen Chinese on a list of easy languages, right? Thats a shame, because structurally speaking, its a cinch. Almost every word of Mandarin has one and just one meaning. It also  generally follows a subject-verb-object word order, common to most of t he worlds larger languages,  so no new tricky syntax for most learners.8. AfrikaansWe mentioned Dutch above, but Afrikaans is like a grammatically boiled-down version of its parent language. Whereas Dutch demands verb conjugations like those in Englishâ€"for instance, I am, you are, it isâ€"Afrikaans doesnt bother you with the details. In South Africa its ek  is  (I am), jy is  (you are),  sy  is  (she is). What could be easier?9. MalayThe language known regionally as Indonesian or Malaysian totals around 270 million total speakers, making it both one of the largest and fastest-growing world languages. Even better, it has no grammatical categories for gender, number or tense. Basically, you learn one form of a word, and you can use it just about whenever you want.10. EsperantoThis language was invented by some linguists who were also great global citizens, and even though its made up, its 2 million speakers, several hundred thousand Wikipedia articles, and organizations worldwide wo uld argue that it still counts.  Esperanto  was designed with you in mind: Minimal grammar, easy rules and as a bonus, lots of things that resemble many other world languages.I confess: I hate learning grammar. Its not just me, right? If youre a free-spirited language learner who cant be bothered with the details, then go for one of these simply structured languages.11. Bonus Easy Language: EnglishLearners across the globe seem to have extreme feelings towards Englishâ€"its the hardest or the easiest language theyve ever learned, they love it or they hate it. But as weve referenced here and there throughout this post, linguistically speaking, it falls somewhere around the fiftieth percentile.My mother tongue has some difficult sounds like interdental th, some phrasal verbs that admittedly make no sense  and a spelling system that makes even less sense. But in general, English doesnt have a lot of inflections, so theres no messy grammar and most, though not all, of its sounds  will b e familiar to speakers of other languages. But theres one other factor that makes English in many ways the easiest language of them all.Its absolutely everywhere. You cant avoid it. Open up your browser, turn on the television, travel to any major city across the globe, and youd need heavy duty earplugs to avoid hearing the Anglo takeover.Its often difficult to learn less widely-spoken languages like Danish, Turkish or Thai, but English decided a while back that its kind of done with national borders, which is good news for language learners. With the wealth of English language media on just YouTube and Wikipedia alone, you hardly need to look anywhere else.Even better: English speakers are absolutely everywhere, which means youve always got a conversation partner! You cant reasonably hope to bump into Hungarian speakers often enough to keep up your language skills outside Hungary, but with English, opportunities to practice are nearly infinite.So Whats the  Easiest Language to Lear n?By now, you can probably guess that theres no such thing.Some of the languages with the fewest speech sounds are the most remote and grammatically complex. Others entirely lack tenses or cases or inflections of any kind and are riddled with guttural sounds nearly impossible for speakers of most languages to pronounce.More than anything, it depends on your mother tongue and the languages you already know. And you also must take into account the sociological and international significance of a language: How much media is available in the language, and how many other speakers are there for you to reasonably practice with?The easiest language for a native Spanish speaker to learn will be totally different than the easiest language for a native Vietnamese speaker, and it can even differ vastly between two native English speakers from the same region but who have different learning styles.With the resources and some of the examples given in this post, you should be able to get started i dentifying your low-hanging linguistic fruits. No matter how busy you are or how difficult you think itll be, theres a language out there for everyone!What do you find challenging about learning a language? Is it the new sounds, the grammar rules, finding chances to practice or something else?Jakob is a full-time traveler, obsessive language learner, and dedicated language teacher. He writes about language, travel and the many places they meet on the road at his blog Globalect.

italki now supports Google Hangouts, FaceTime and QQ!

italki now supports Google Hangouts, FaceTime and QQ! We are very happy to announce that italki now supports Google Hangouts, FaceTime and QQ as alternative VOIP / Instant Messenger / Chat software programs. Why should I add Google Hangouts, FaceTime or QQ? italki wants to provide our users with the greatest, most widely accepted range of VOIP / Instant Messenger / Chat software programs. While SKYPE is the most popular choice, we want to give our users the full benefit of choice so that they are not limited to just SKYPE. We also know that in some regions, certain chat software have better connectivity than others. For example, when trying to call Chinese users, QQ is the software that has the best connectivity. So go ahead and update your communication software choices and connect with the world! italki supports the following Voice Over IP /  IM / Chat software: SKYPE The preferred method of communicating on italki.   Download SKYPE here Google Hangouts Googles default messaging service offering video and voice chat. Download Google Hangouts here FaceTime Apples iOS   Video Conferencing Service.   FaceTime is pre-installed in  all iOS products QQ Chinas most popular IM Service.   Download QQ here (International Version) To add different  Voice Over IP /  IM / Chat programs 1. Hover over your small Profile Picture icon on the upper right hand corner of the screen and click on Edit Profile 2. Scroll down the page to the  Contact Information section.   Click on it which will open up the sections where you can  input different Voice Over IP /  IM / Chat user account information. 3. Enter your Voice Over IP /  IM / Chat user account information for the programs or services which you use. italki now supports Google Hangouts, FaceTime and QQ! We are very happy to announce that italki now supports Google Hangouts, FaceTime and QQ as alternative VOIP / Instant Messenger / Chat software programs. Why should I add Google Hangouts, FaceTime or QQ? italki wants to provide our users with the greatest, most widely accepted range of VOIP / Instant Messenger / Chat software programs. While SKYPE is the most popular choice, we want to give our users the full benefit of choice so that they are not limited to just SKYPE. We also know that in some regions, certain chat software have better connectivity than others. For example, when trying to call Chinese users, QQ is the software that has the best connectivity. So go ahead and update your communication software choices and connect with the world! italki supports the following Voice Over IP /  IM / Chat software: SKYPE The preferred method of communicating on italki.   Download SKYPE here Google Hangouts Googles default messaging service offering video and voice chat. Download Google Hangouts here FaceTime Apples iOS   Video Conferencing Service.   FaceTime is pre-installed in  all iOS products QQ Chinas most popular IM Service.   Download QQ here (International Version) To add different  Voice Over IP /  IM / Chat programs 1. Hover over your small Profile Picture icon on the upper right hand corner of the screen and click on Edit Profile 2. Scroll down the page to the  Contact Information section.   Click on it which will open up the sections where you can  input different Voice Over IP /  IM / Chat user account information. 3. Enter your Voice Over IP /  IM / Chat user account information for the programs or services which you use.

The Benefits of Hiring a Free Typing Tutor

The Benefits of Hiring a Free Typing TutorIf you are a computer student or an experienced typist, there is no doubt that you can benefit from learning how to type, even if you do not have enough time to attend classes on a regular basis. If you are a typist and you are looking for a way to improve your typing skills, you should consider hiring a typing tutor to help you improve your typing skills.Typing is not only a skill that is important in computer applications but it is also a skill that everyone can use. We all use keyboards, pens, and mouse nowadays in different forms. Whether you are a writer, an architect, a medical professional, or an IT specialist, using a typing tutor can greatly improve your typing abilities.Typing is not just a skill that you use on the computer but it can also be used on the Internet. This is an area where typing can really make a difference and a typing tutor can really help improve your typing skills. If you are having trouble with your typing and yo u are a beginner, you can try using an online typing service to help you improve your typing skills. You can find these types of services in many different ways on the Internet, from the local businesses and online institutions that offer typing assistance to the self-help guides available on the Internet.Typing is also very useful when it comes to college as you need to present your class work. You need to make sure that you present your assignments correctly and you also need to type this work so that you can get your assignment completed faster. With the help of a typing tutor, you can learn and improve your typing skills and then you can present your assignments properly.If you want to learn how to improve your typing skills, you can start by using an online typing service. This type of service will teach you about typing etiquette, some tips on grammar, and also will help you learn typing techniques. Using an online typing service can also help you save money since the typing s ervice will charge you a nominal fee for the services they provide.There are also free typing tutors available online who offer free of charge lessons. These lessons can include things like how to spell words correctly, how to use the right key combination to achieve a certain task, and how to write properly. With the help of a free typing tutor, you can learn how to write properly and you can also learn the correct way to use the computer.Typing has become such a major part of our lives and typing can help you to improve your typing skills. You can either choose to improve your typing skills by paying a small fee or you can learn and improve typing skills by spending a few hours a day working on your typing skills.

What is Organic Chemistry?

What is Organic Chemistry?If you've never taken a chemistry class in your life, it's safe to say that you don't know the first thing about the subjects of Chemistry and Organic Chemistry. These two are the same thing, but for different people. But what exactly is the difference between these two subjects?Let's start by talking about chemistry. At its very core, this subject is all about the chemical bonds and their creation and destruction. This has taken science from the rigid form that it was with scientists studying the periodic table of elements to a much more flexible and welcoming study, where a student can now be taught how to apply those same techniques to other science and technology fields. One of the keys to success in this field is having a solid foundation of knowledge about the basic chemistry concepts. Not only will you be able to construct structures out of chemical reactions, but you'll also have a good understanding of some very powerful and useful tools in the stud ent's toolbox.Now, let's take a look at Organic Chemistry. Organic Chemistry deals with the properties of matter that are being studied, such as vitamins, hormones, plastics, and other substances. There are many chemicals that might be found in common use today, such as vaccines, aspirin, and food additives, but in the end, all are just chemicals.To explain further, chemicals are made up of atoms and they break down in a chemical bond. There are known as 'actives'inactives'. These two properties are often used to calculate how well a substance can absorb or give off certain chemicals depending on their state of being.Although these two subjects are two completely different subjects, they do have a lot in common. The study of chemical reactions is very similar to studying the chemical bonding of an atom. This is why many students who are studying Chemistry as a field of study, don't mind learning the subject from the old school method, just as long as they do get the 'meat' of it in one semester.Still, there are some great reasons to learn more about Organic Chemistry, especially when it comes to explaining reactions and evaluating how effective these reaction methods are. Organic Chemistry is all about understanding the chemistry of the world around us, which includes, for example, the many compounds we find in foods, medicine, and the environment. It's important to understand how these substances affect our bodies, our health, and the earth we live on. You can find examples of organic reactions in the food we eat, how medicine works, and the products we use every day.Of course, learning about Organic Chemistry is not just about understanding the chemical bonding. Students also need to understand the limitations of the bonds and how different substances react to the same substances. The subject allows them to gain insight into how new chemistry and scientific principles will evolve in the future. It also helps them understand just how essential and valuable th e compounds we put into our bodies are, even as we eat them.

Boxing Lessons Belfast

Boxing Lessons Belfast Where to Find Boxing Classes in Belfast ChaptersMMA With SBGKickboxing at the Home of ChampionsJoin the Fighters at Sloan’s GymBoxing in BelfastTo the uninitiated, boxing is tantamount to sanctioned violence.Few think about the years of training and the mental toughness required to voluntarily engage with an opponent whose sole intent is to punch you as hard and as often as they can until they knock you out.So popular is the art of boxing that it has expanded to include kickboxing, muay thai, Brazilian jiu-jitsu, savate and other like sports. Some might say these relatively new hybrid sports actually overshadow traditional boxing.In heaping praise on combat sports, our intent is not to provoke bouts of bare-knuckle fighting in the streets.We point to the fitness aspects of the disciplines and how, over time, they have become open and accepting of all practitioners, including women and children.Come with us now as we scour the gyms, dojos and fitness clubs in and around Belfast to bring you the very best boxing lessons ou r city has to offer.the global leader in functional martial arts as well as self-defence.Don’t you want your whole family to train there?Their youth program starts with fighters as young as four (called Cheeky Monkeys!) and progresses into Growling Gorillas who ultimately become Teens MMA.These names are a reflection of their mascot, not what they think of children.Do gyms in Liverpool do as much for their young boxers?They leave no one out! Their female MMA classes are remarkable both for their energetic routines and their loyal following.You mustn’t assume that everyone who trains as a mixed martial artist will one day enter the octagon and fight in front of a rabid audience.MMA is a way of life, a way to maintain optimal physical fitness and continue to challenge your boundaries.When you put it that way, it is no wonder that people in Birmingham also seek MMA fitness...Thai boxing started out as a form of weaponless hand-to-hand combat Image by Sasin Tipchai from PixabayKickb oxing at the Home of ChampionsKickboxing got its start in Japan in the late 1950s. It is considered a hybrid martial art that incorporates elements of various traditional styles of fighting, including boxing.Kick boxing combines kicking and punching to make for an energetic sport that millions around the world now practise as a total body workout. Few practitioners have any intention of competing.In fact, so popular has this sport become that it has mutated into targeted workouts with specific purposes.Cardio kickboxing will work your heart while Thai kickboxing, also known as Muay Thai, that originated as a form of weaponless hand to hand combat conditions your entire body.Mancunians love Muay Thai; find out where they go to practise and compete...Prokick is Belfast’s premier kickboxing facility. They contend that, if the most you’re looking for is a great workout, you have set the bar way too low.Prokick regularly launches kickboxing courses for different levels â€" beginners and more advanced. They also conduct fitness boot camps for anyone who needs a jumpstart on their fitness training.Besides those classes, you will find:sparring classes for kids and adults (not sparring together, of course)circuit classes: the perfect balance between strength training and endurance buildingYellow Belts: a no-contact class that follows the Advanced Beginners’ courseOrange Belts: contact only with the heavy bag and focus padsWith this kind of training and development, it’s no wonder Glaswegians also seek out kickboxing classes!Prokick has a very generous class schedule and they are just waiting for you to realise your fitness ambitions. What are you waiting for?Did you know that Cardiff also has well-attended kickboxing classes?Join the Fighters at Sloan’s GymLocated on Chapel Lane in the heart of the city, Sloan’s has a fitness program for everyone.This family-run business boasts a gym packed full of exercise equipment, but that’s just the start of things.F rom their high-intensity workouts to their healing yoga sessions, they are prepared to help you meet your every fitness goal and then some.While personal training and getting fit are all great, we’re really interested in their boxing classes.How do fitness classes in Nottingham compare? We went and found out all about them...These are not boxing lessons in the traditional sense but a fitness regimen that blends elements of boxing with circuit training.With enticing names like ‘ground and pound’ or ‘box and push’, you might wonder what kind of workout this would be.Attending such a session will answer all of those questions for you but you’d better beware: this is a punishing routine that will leave you in agony... unless you are in peak physical condition.You could get that way by first putting all of their fine exercise equipment to work.Do Loiners love getting fit? Find out in our Boxing in Leeds article...No need to shadowbox in the alleys of Belfast, the City Council promotes the sport! Image by Harut Movsisyan from PixabayBoxing in BelfastNow that we’ve covered all manner of sports related to boxing - if only tenuously, let’s get to the meat of the matter.Belfast and boxing have enjoyed a longstanding love affair; the truth is, boxing is good for Belfast and her citizens.Boxing is a great way to relieve stress and discover strengths you didn’t know you had.  It can help you build self-confidence and, quite frankly, get you in the best shape you’ve ever been.The art of boxing is suitable for men, women and children of all ages â€" well, at least those old enough to have a measure of control over their muscles.To that end, the Belfast City Council has endorsed the sport and has even created a means of making boxing accessible to everyone.How does London compare in their boxing promotion strategies?From their page, you can find a boxing club close to you, learn which age groups it trains and what type of boxing they will train you for.You can find clubs for other sports too, such as ice hockey, weightlifting and even taekwondo.They also work in conjunction with the Irish Athletic Boxing Association, which arranges events and helps coordinate fighter training.Nowhere else in the UK will you find such a team dedicated to promoting the sportsmanship of boxing.In spite of our city’s historic reputation and all thoughts of The Troubles aside, boxing is as good for Belfast as making a personal commitment to fitness and health is good for individuals.Isn’t it great that the two dovetail so nicely?Young or old, male or female: the city of Belfast makes boxing and related combat sports available to all and your Superprof has just handed you a roadmap to the best boxing classes to be had in our city, so grab your boxing gloves and get moving!Headed to Edinburgh any time soon? No need to interrupt your workout; find the best boxing classes in that city!

Learning Classical Guitar Developing Your Right Hand Technique

Learning Classical Guitar Developing Your Right Hand Technique Suzy S. Learning classical guitar requires a high level of coordination in both hands. Polish your right hand technique with these tips from guitar teacher Thomas C. Many classical guitarists run into issues when developing with right hand technique. Common issues such as insufficient accuracy, poor tone, counterproductive tension, or lack of speed may all be countered with patience and knowledge working towards a more efficient and relaxed movement. In order to fix any of the above issues, it is important to determine what technical barrier is between you and your goal. Most of these problems will be easy to fix with close attention to detail of the right hand joint movements (knuckle and middle joints), and relaxation. Positioning the Thumb For developing thumb (P) technique, it is essential that the guitarist moves from the wrist joint, or joint closest to your wrist. In doing this, you are able to get much more power and volume. The thumb should then follow through to around the middle joint of your index (I) finger. Many guitarists will make the thumb movement with only the tip joint of the thumb. By using the wrist joint, you are now able to create a much louder, fuller sound and increase speed with continuous motion. The string should come in contact with the spot directly between the flesh of your thumb and the nail to create the best sound. Positioning the Fingers The right hand fingers (IMA) should be practiced so that the tip of each respective finger follows through to the palm of your hand. Make sure that your wrist is aligned parallel with your forearm (with a slight, comfortable arch). Start by preparing I (index), M (middle), and A (ring) on the 3rd, 2nd, and 1st string of the guitar. Start with the I finger, making sure to leave the M and A fingers prepared on the 2nd and 1st strings. The I finger should meet the string, just as the thumb does, simultaneously touching the nail and flesh. Make sure that the I finger is following through to the palm and the sound is not being created by the outwards pulling of the string away from the guitar.  Your wrist should not move, as the joints of the fingers are creating the motion. Repeat the same process for the M and A fingers (with M, I and A should be prepared/when playing A, I and M are prepared. Just as with P and I, the M and A fingers should meet the string right between the nail and flesh. It is good to practice with proper follow through to develop the correct movement, but when playing a piece, especially at higher speeds, the finger will not make contact with the palm. The aim is an efficient, accurate, and relaxed motion. Remember to practice slowly â€" developing the correct motion is more important than speed when youre learning classical guitar, at least at first! Hold out one chord with your left hand and practice playing a P-I-M-A pattern with your right hand. When this becomes easy, try playing P-I-M-A-M-I as a pattern. For an example of what it looks and sounds like when youve mastered this right hand technique, check out Thomas video below: View this post on Instagram Practicing pimami arpeggios #guitar #classical #music #arpeggios A post shared by Tom Clippinger (@tclippinger) on Nov 7, 2014 at 11:30am PST Thomas C. teaches guitar, classical guitar, music theory, and audition prep in Baltimore, MD.  He is studying classical guitar performance at the Peabody Institute of the John Hopkins University, and he also plays guitar in the band Wait For It. Thomas has been teaching for 4 years. Learn more about Thomas here! Interested in Private Lessons? Search thousands of teachers for local and live, online lessons. Sign up for convenient, affordable private lessons today! Search for Your Teacher Photo by Jason Bachman

What is an Average PSAT Score

What is an Average PSAT Score As you prepare to take the PSAT, it is good to have a broader context in which you may view your PSAT score. First, its important to be aware that youll get your PSAT score back in a few different ways. An average PSAT score is made up of several different scores, such as your total score, section scores for Math, Reading, and Writing and Language sections, and your Selection Index. Looking at the combination of scores, it may initially be difficult to determine how well you did on the PSAT. Once you understand how the PSAT is scored, youll have an easier time determining an average PSAT score, and seeing where you fall on the curve. Keep reading to learn more about what makes up an average PSAT score. [RELATED: How to Manage Your Time on the PSAT] The different PSAT scores In your packet of PSAT results, youll see a lot of things. Among them will be your scaled total scores, which range between 320 and 1520. Half comes from the Math sections, while the other half is garnered from Evidence-based Reading and Writing. Youll also receive scaled section scores for each of the categories listed above, between 160 and 760. Then, youll get section scores, which include one for Math, one for Reading, and one for Writing and Language, which fall between eight and 38. Your subscores will also come as a part of your results, and will be between one and 15. Theyll indicate how you performed on certain types of questions in these categories: Command of Evidence Words in Context Expression of Ideas Standard English Conventions Heart of Algebra Problem Solving and Data Analysis Passport to Advanced Math Youll get your raw scores for each PSAT section that represent the number of questions you answered correctly. The range will vary by section, though 48 is the highest raw score for Math, 47 is highest for Reading, and 44 is a top score for Writing and Language. Youll have your Selection Index, which is one score anywhere from 48 to 228 and is the sum of your section scores multiplied by two. This is used to determine National Merit Scholars. [RELATED:What to Know About the Updated SAT Suite of Assessments] Finally, your packet will contain your percentiles, which is your ranking as a percent compared to others who took the PSAT. If you scored in the 70th percentile, it means you scored the same or better than 70% of students who took the test. Sifting through your PSAT scores Some scores are bound to be more important than others, and it is key to know what youre looking for in your quest to identify an average score. Look to your scaled total score and your section score. If youre competing for status as a National Merit Scholar, youll also want to look at your Selection Index. If you wish to retake the test or better understand your own capabilities as a test taker, the other sections can provide valuable insight and direction as you plan your next course of action, which could include PSAT practice tests and more focused study. Your PSAT goals Because an average score can vary from year to year, it can be helpful to identify your own PSAT goals. What do you hope to accomplish? If youre hoping to be a National Merit Scholar, your definition of good might look a little different than someone who is taking the PSAT as preparation for later tests. A good way to set a goal is to research what SAT scores your top schools want. Figure out what it is you hope to accomplish and go from there. Percentiles and your PSAT score Students who score in the 99th percentile do not have perfect scores. In 2016, students who received a 740 scored in the 99th percentile in both Reading and Writing and Math. Scores versus percentiles can even vary within the same test; 700 in Math may be enough to put you in the 99th percentile, but it will take a 740 to get you there in Reading and Writing. To determine what an average PSAT score is, rely on percentages. What score ranks you higher than most other test takers? How are you defining average? Look at your percentage to find where exactly you fall. [RELATED:What is an Average SAT Score?] In 2016, you would have needed a score of 540 in Reading and Writing and a score of 540 in Math (a composite score of 1080) to score in the 70th percentile. Of course, if youre aiming for National Merit Scholar status, youll have to adjust these numbers. Whats next after the PSAT? A good approach would be to look at the required score of the college you hope to attend and work toward that. The PSAT is a good indicator of your preparedness for the SAT and can give you valuable insights into your test-taking strengths and weaknesses. If your score was a little below average, dont sweat itinstead, make adjustments to make sure your SAT score shines bright. Good luck! Any topics you want to know more about? Let us know! The Varsity Tutors Blog editors love hearing your feedback and opinions. Feel free to email us at blog@varsitytutors.com.

What is it Like to Attend Ball State University

What is it Like to Attend Ball State University The tutors behind Varsity Tutors are not just here to teachtheyre sharing their college experiences as well. Phylecia earned her bachelors degree in electronics art and animation from Ball State University in 2011. She specializes in english tutoring, as well as a number of other subjects. See what she had to say about her time at Ball State University: Describe the campus setting and transportation options. Phylecia: Ball State University (BSU) is a midsize coeducational university in Muncie, Indiana. The university has roughly over 20,000 students, is near affordable transportation, and is located in a traditional rural town. BSU offers several safety services, such as public safety advisories, public crime logs, and free on-campus transportation known as Charlie Charter. How available are the professors, academic advisers, and teaching assistants? Phylecia: The professors are always available. Many instructors provide a syllabus that includes their contact information (email and phone) and their office hours. Additionally, students are encouraged to schedule meetings with their academic advisors and teaching assistants. How would you describe the dorm liferooms, dining options, location, socialization opportunities with other students? Phylecia: I highly recommend that students live in a dorm during their first year at Ball State University. Dorm life enables freshmen to socialize with others, make lifelong friends, and most importantly, experience something worthwhile. BSU offers students several opportunities for them to socialize at events, such as Late Night and the Ball State Carnival. Which majors/programs are best represented and supported? Phylecia: Ball State University is known for its amazing teaching program. The Teachers College is ranked as one of the best professional education programs in the nation. The general education I received at BSU motivated me to continue my writing certificate at UCLA Extension. 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? Phylecia: It is fairly easy to make friends and meet people at Ball State University. BSU provides several activities, events, and organizations for students. Although Greek life is important, students are able to meet people through several student-run organizations, such as Black Student Association and the Excellence in Leadership Program. How helpful is the Career Centerand other student support services? Phylecia: The Career Center is a great place to find jobs on and off campus. The advisors provide various services, such as career counseling, interview training, and internships for students. Additionally, the Career Center also holds several fairs for specific majors every year. How are the various study areas such aslibraries, the student union, and dorm lounges? Phylecia: Study areas such as libraries, the Student Center, and dorm lounges are easily available and extremely spacious. My go-to study space is the gorgeous Bracken Library. Describe the surrounding town. Phylecia: Muncie, Indiana is considered a college town. Students can do various activities, such as going shopping, eating at five-star Yelp-rated restaurants, and drinking coffee at beautiful cafes. Muncie Gras (a Mardi Gras event) and the Ball State Carnival are fan favorites among students. How big or small is the student body? Were you generally pleased or displeased with the typical class sizes? Phylecia: Ball State University is considered a midsize school. Lecture class sizes range between 75100 students, whereas smaller class sizes are between 2530 students. Most classes take place in smaller classrooms. Describe one memorable experience with a professor and/or class. Perhaps one you loved the most or one youregretthe most. Phylecia: My favorite art instructor was Mr. Johnson. He was the head printmaking professor at Ball State University. Mr. Johnson was the first teacher to admit me into the highly rigorous art program and helped me nurture my skills. Check out Phylecias tutoring profile. The views expressed in this article do not necessarily represent the views of Varsity Tutors.