Simple Tips for Success in TOEFL Written Exam

Simple Tips for Success in TOEFL Written Exam You might be able to understand English well when you hear it. You might even be able to speak it perfectly. But how well can you write in English? How would you respond to the sample question below? You have 30 minutes to plan, write, and revise your essay. Typically, an effective essay will contain a minimum of 300 words. Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? Always telling the truth is the most important consideration in any relationship. Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer. Don’t panic. Here are some tips to help. Start With An Introduction Your essay must start with an introduction, setting out the ideas you will be developing in the body of the text. Some useful sentences in the introduction are: This essay will set out…Here, I will be looking at…..The idea I wish to develop here is… Know How To Develop A Thesis An essay isn’t a set of random sentences. It’s actually about developing an idea or thesis. To do this effectively i n English you will need appropriate words. These are called connectors. They include: Therefore,For this reason,With this in mind,Consequently,As a result, Use Examples To Support The Thesis Rather than making a set of statements, your thesis will be much better if you can support it with examples and evidence. You can introduce these by saying: Evidence to support this idea is included in…This is borne out by the fact that…A great example of this idea is… Pay Attention To Spelling And Punctuation It’s wonderful to have a great idea for your essay, but don’t get so carried away with it you make a lot of spelling and punctuation mistakes. This will take away from the examiner’s impression of your work. Don’t Overcomplicate Ideas or Grammar It might be tempting to try to develop a complicated theory or idea in your essay but this would be a mistake. By keeping things simple you are less likely to make mistakes. Also, as they saying goes in English, less is more! Conclude Just as an essay needs an introduction and main body, it also needs a conclusion where you sum up the ideas you developed in the texts. Words to lead up to a conclusion include: To finish, To conclude,To resume, Did you find this blog helpful? Feel free to share it on Facebook and Twitter.

Five Soft Skills Every Child Needs for Success

Five Soft Skills Every Child Needs for Success Parents hear often that their children need a solid foundation of academic knowledge to flourish in college and beyond. However, there are many other attributes that help children lead successful, fulfilling lives. When it comes to life and career, most people can attest that technical skills only get one so far. We tell parents regularly that while academic aptitude matters, there are a number of personal characteristics that will set their children apart and help them do well in life. Successful students and people possess these five soft skills and encourages parents to nurture them in their children whenever possible: Communication skills Verbal and nonverbal communication skills are frequently touted as the most important skills in any career. Parents should encourage their children to express their ideas and opinions clearly when writing or speaking, but its also crucial to build careful, attentive listening skills as well. Empathy Empathy is one component of emotional intelligence and something that helps people develop strong interpersonal connectionsa key to success in life. Parents can help their children learn to recognize how their actions and words impact and influence others, both positively and negatively. The ability to understand others feelings is critical for building good relationshipswith friends as well as teachers, classmates, coworkers and bosses. Perseverance Most parents have recited the age-old adage, If at first, you dont succeed, try, try again, to their children before. Without question, life is full of challenges. One of the most important skills children can acquire is that of perseverance. Parents can facilitate the development of this trait by teaching their children to set goals and lay out smaller steps toward achieving those goals and by always talking about challenges as opportunities for learning and growth. Teamwork Students who are able to work effectively with all types of people have a leg up in college and the working world. Luckily for parents, todays teachers often have their students collaborate on a variety of projects. At home, parents can offer their children opportunities to contribute and debate ideas and work with their siblings to complete tasks. Problem-solving Children who take a proactive approach to solving problems and overcoming roadblocks have a big advantage. When facing problems large and small, children should try out different solutions. Parents can support this by encouraging their children to talk about what worked and didnt work with each attempted solution and helping them think through alternatives. Soft skills dont come naturally to everyone, but with effort and practice, parents can foster their childrens development of these personal traits. Soft skills are important throughout school, but they become essential in ones career . Parents who consistently and patiently work with their children to help them become adaptable, hard-working problem-solvers with the critical thinking skills to navigate any issue are preparing them for life success.

How to Take an Active Role in Your Pre-Med School Experience

How to Take an Active Role in Your Pre-Med School Experience Image via Pexels Each year, thousands of students enter their first year of college determined to become successful doctors. They’re dubbed pre-med students (not as a major but as a direction for their studies). While many colleges don’t offer pre-med degrees, you could be deemed a pre-med student if your program is heavy with biology and chemistry courses. Many students declare for med school each year because they are passionate about medicine and making a difference in people’s health. And it’s a bit easier if you have the learning chops and stamina. A pre-med degree program is difficult enough just by having so much to study usually within short spaces of time. Knowing how to take an active role in your pre-med experience can help you to learn more and immensely prepare you for taking the MCAT and applying to medical school after you graduate. Here are some ways you can take an active role in your pre-med school experience. 1. Take inventory of your classes As a pre-med student, you will be expected to complete a certain number of courses in math, biology, chemistry, health sciences, and English, among others. The coursework can be tedious and time-consuming, but with good time management, you can do it. Don’t allow the coursework to go in one ear and out the other. In other words, don’t go through your classes passively. Think about the material even after class is over. Find something that interests you if you can and make sure you know what you’re getting into. It would be a waste of time to go through nearly 10 years of schooling only to find out you’re not that passionate or interested in medicine to begin with. Outline your classes and make sure you know what you’re getting into. 2. Get involved in pre-med or non-pre-med student organizations and extracurricular activities While it is true that pre-med school is very demanding, it does not have to take away from your social life or from being involved in useful out-of-the-classroom experiences. Such involvement will help to improve your communication and leadership skills. You will be able to learn from professionals in the field and seek support from students who are traveling the same path. In addition to that, there is the very high possibility of networking and developing lifelong friendships. Not to mention that you may also meet your future spouse at one of these organizations. Beyond that, medical schools do look at your extracurricular activities and use it as a factor in determining admittance. So these opportunities are not to be underestimated. 3. Volunteer at a hospital or medical facility at which you would one day like to work Medical schools want to see that you have the aptitude for the field through your GPA and courses. They also want to see that you’re an empathic person who is willing to listen to people’s needs and take care of them in the best possible way. One way to show this is to volunteer in the medical field before committing to medical school. Volunteering at a hospital or in a surgeon’s office is a  great experience, and at some schools, it is required. However, don’t pick a place just because you think it will look good on your resume. Pick a place where you will feel fulfilled and be able to make a difference. All experience is good but an experience just for the sake of an experience is less useful. You’ll get more out of it  if you enjoy it and are passionate about it. This will also shine through in your medical school applications and accompanying essays. 4. Shadow physicians in a variety of specialties Similar to doing volunteer work is an experience called shadowing. Some pre-med students will shadow physicians to get as close to a hands-on experience as they can in different medical careers. Shadowing is basically following and observing someone closely. Due to rules regarding privacy and confidentiality, some doctors will not allow shadowing. However, many will especially if you’re planning on going into the same field (e.g., a  student planning to be a neurologist shadowing a neurologist). A good place to begin is with your family or personal doctor. Some colleges  have matching programs in which the college has connections with local doctors and hospitals and will help match student to doctor. If nothing else, take it upon yourself to email, call, or visit hospitals and doctors whom you have researched and ask about shadowing policies. 5. Start working on MCAT prep now The MCAT is a cumulative test that covers much of the topics you studied in pre-med school including biology, chemistry, physics, and so forth. By the time most students begin even thinking about the MCAT in earnest, they’ve forgotten or vaguely remember introductory concepts from their freshman and sophomore classes. So, to steer clear of that, start as soon as you can to study the MCAT. Get a MCAT prep book, flashcards, or even a tutor that you meet with for an hour a week. This will keep you in the mindset of taking the MCAT even if it is two years away. College is an incredible time to learn and take advantage of so many opportunities. As you engage with other students and teachers, remember to prioritize your studies. Turn everything into a learning experience and grow, grow, grow. Learn more about Kaplan’s test prep options and start building the confidence you need for Test Day.

Mission to Raise Schools Test Scores Nationwide - ALOHA Mind Math

Mission to Raise Schools’ Test Scores Nationwide ALOHA Mind Math Centers are on a Mission to Raise Schools’ Test Scores Nationwide: Center Helps Students Prepare for State Standardized Tests ALOHA Mind Math Centers are on a mission to raise school’s standardized test scores nationwide. The 2013 grade and middle school test scores have been published and the nationwide results are mixed. Only 26% of high school graduates met all four benchmarks in math, reading, English, and science, on ACT’s College Readiness Benchmarks, according to the annual college readiness report by the non-profit organization. Each state sets its own standardized testing and requirements per grade level. Some students may do well in class, but perform poorly on standardized tests. For many students their anxiety overcomes them. Some students may overthink the questions, while others may suffer from what seems like brain fog. At ALOHA Mind Math Centers we see amazing things from students and it is exciting to see them outperform their peers in school. Part of the ALOHA Mind Math curriculum prepares students for standardized reading, mathematics, and writing tests, and works on study skills like focus, memory, cognitive reasoning, problem solving, and quick thinking. While certain types of calculators are permitted in grades 4 through 8 on some state tests, it is not uncommon for ALOHA Mind Math students to calculate with speed and accuracy, solve math calculations mentally without pen and paper, calculator, or other aids. They also develop vital learning skills, study skills, endure and manage stress and pressure in their studies. Five students from the ALOHA Mind Math Center in Simi Valley, California, received a perfect score, 600 out of 600, on the California State STAR testing. “Our kids, their parents, and staff are so excited with their achievement,” stated Nagaraj Raja, Director of Simi Valley ALOHA Mind Math Center. At the ALOHA Mind Math Center in Irvine, California, “Two of our students scored a perfect score on the Standardized Testing and Reporting (STAR) test,” says ALOHA Mind Math Center Director Frany Shah. “In fact, many of our students scored really high in math, placing them in the advanced category on the 2013 California STAR Test.” Perhaps one of the reasons is that we make learning fun. About ALOHA Mind Math The unique academic enrichment programs at ALOHA Mind Math Centers help children 5 years-old through 12 years-old be the best they can be to get ahead in all academic areas. This interactive learning method promotes the development and engagement on both sides of the brain, designed for frustrated learners or high-achieving gifted students. Through instructor-led, small group tutoring sessions, children improve their focus, develop vital learning skills, as well as study and life skills, and advance their self-confidence to excel in reading, math, language arts, and science, to ultimately persevere in the face of adversity to go after their dreams. Discover the genius in your child. ALOHA Mind Math was founded in 1993 and introduced in the United States in 2006. ALOHA Mind Math continues to experience growth beyond their current presence in 18 states, 23 countries, and 4,200 locations worldwide. To learn more about ALOHA Mind Math reading, math, and language arts programs, or to schedule an orientation at a center near you visit www.alohamindmath.com/locations.

5 Tips to Manage School Stress

5 Tips to Manage School Stress School can be a stressful place for any child. Often going back to school after a half-term break or a long holiday can be hard for a child. Getting back into a routine, knowing they will have homework and early nights again can make a child feel stressed. Expectations of children are higher than ever before and let's be honest, if your child is stressed out then you are going to be stressed out too. There are plenty of ways to alleviate stress for both yourself and your child. Here are five tips to help you keep those stress levels at bay. 1. Be an understanding parent As parents we want the best for our children and sometimes we think that by adding a little pressure we will get them to work harder. Encouraging your child to do the best they can is great but if they don't get the grades they, or you, were expecting there is no need to get angry. As long as you know they have tried their best that is all that matters. Also, your child may be complaining about having to go to school. They may be having problems understanding homework they have been set or not coping with their maths work. Listen to your child and try to get to the root of any problems calmly. If they are struggling with their work you could always sit and try and work it through with them and if that isn't enough you could seek the help of a private tutor. Your child could be having issues with bullying or with a teacher that they feel 'doesn't like them'. If you know the problem you will be able to deal with it more efficiently and if your child feels that you understand what they are going through you'll be able to deal with things in a much more understanding way. 2. Make sure kids are in bed at a reasonable time Children need sleep to be able to fully function and it is recommended that they have a good ten hours sleep through the night. By ensuring your children have a good bedtime routine not only are you making sure they reap the benefits of a proper nights sleep but you will also have some wind-down time of your own before heading off to make sure you get a good eight hours sleep. Having a structured bedtime during the week will ensure your child gets into a good routine and as long as you stick to it they will get used to the same time each night being bedtime. Make sure your child finishes any homework or school preparation with plenty of time to relax before they head off for the night. 3. Laugh with your children Laughter really is the best way to alleviate stress. Laughing out loud increases oxygen and blood flow which reduces stress levels. Laughing is easy; tell some jokes, watch a funny TV program together or even have a tickling session! And the great thing with laughter is that is rather infectious. Watching your children laugh lightens your heart and takes away both their and your stresses. 4. Enjoy music In the same way laughter alleviates stress so does music. Just listening to some music together with your child can break down those stress barriers. Putting on some fun music and dancing around the lounge or playing some fun karaoke tunes to see who can belt out Grease's 'Summer Nights' the best will have you both relaxing and shaking off any stress you both may have from the day. 5. Go back to a time without technology Phones, tablets, i-pads, computers and television have taken over our lives like never before. If you are not on social media 'liking' your friends latest picture of their chihuahua, you'll be playing 'words with friends' with a stranger from New Zealand. And at the same time your child will probably be posting their latest Selfie on Facebook, creating ridiculous pictures on Snapchat or playing Mine-craft with their friends. I am shocked at the growing number of toddlers skilfully swiping their fingers over a screen. Technology can often bring on more stress than we realise and take away quality family time. Exercise is a great way of relieving stress and can be fun too. Try taking some time-out from all your gadgets and spend some quality time with your children. A nice walk to the park, a family game of football, a fun board game or just some good conversation will not only mean spending some quality family time it can help melt away stresses and fill your home with a calm and peaceful atmosphere. To conclude Children and stress do not have to go hand-in-hand. The best way to help your child is to be supportive and a good role-model. If your child can see that the stress isn't getting to you it will be a lot easier for them to fight the stress away too, leaving the home (and school) environment a more peaceful one.

Rhono Interspace Tutoring

Rhono Interspace TutoringWhen it comes to choosing the right next step for your child, there are several options that are available, which include the Rhono Interspace Tutoring System. The Interspace program is designed to help children gain an understanding of reading and spelling by being at a piano-based age. However, the Rhono Interspace system is designed specifically to reach out to those students who have learning disabilities. Many parents of students with learning disabilities have already used this system and had great success in teaching their children.Parents who are concerned about their child's ability to read have some choice when it comes to the Rhono Interspace system. Some schools may only offer this technology program to students who are attending these specific schools. Others have programs that are meant for children who have been reading for many years.Since the curriculum for Rhono Interspace tutoring begins at a young age, many parents feel that they can be mo re involved in the process and tailor the program to meet their child's needs. However, this program does not require the child to have any prior experience reading. Instead, it is meant to teach the child how to take in the material needed to be able to do well on his or her test papers, while using a different approach than what they were being taught at home.Most schools use the music at the beginning of the lessons as a way to bond students together before the actual curriculum. This gives parents and teachers the opportunity to talk about the material, which will help students identify things they have learned. It is also used to ensure that the students can identify various reading methods, without needing to have any prior experience.The program itself is extremely popular, and parents who are interested in using this service for their children have a number of options. These include the FIVE personal training sessions per week, five sessions a month, and the five interactive sessions a week. The way these sessions work is that the teacher will contact parents about the program, and they will get access to the five interactive sessions for free. Those who cannot attend the sessions may send the information to the teacher who will offer them the option of watching the online materials or listening to the audio CDs.The system allows parents to use the programs in the privacy of their home, with the teacher handling all the testing and homework assignments. Many parents have found that they can complete the tasks with no problems, so long as they practice what they have learned from the lessons. When children are used to having control over a program like this, they tend to learn much faster and more efficiently.Many people who have used the Rhono Interspace Tutoring System have found that the results speak for themselves. They have noticed a big difference in their child's progress when they have used the system, and their children have also talked about their abilities to do well on the tests they took. All in all, parents have found that this program provides a platform that makes it possible for students to learn at their own pace and to excel at whatever subject they choose.

What is Industrial and Engineering Chemistry?

What is Industrial and Engineering Chemistry?Industrial and Engineering Chemistry can be a scary subject, when people are just beginning to understand it. There are so many different terms to learn in this field, not to mention the fact that it is all about making something from raw materials and using chemical processes in order to create it.This discipline covers all aspects of our man's civilization that involves the use of chemicals. It has many components and can be very complex. This makes it almost impossible for a layman to get into it in one or two years.Different countries have different systems of grading what is called the General Science classes, which are then referred to as Industrial and Engineering Chemistry. In the United States, they give out grades from A to F that include some specific questions that they ask to see if you have a good knowledge of the class.The reason that there are different grades in this field is because not every chemical process is used in e very other field. Some processes are very specific and only used in certain industries. Some processes cannot be found anywhere else and are used exclusively in this field.There are many other fields that also use this chemical process. Some of them are as follows; micro-bio-chemical process, polymerization process, thermodynamics, biology, drug-discovery, nano-technology, and life sciences. These are just a few of the many other areas that can be studied in this discipline.In addition to this, students can even receive several certificates and degrees depending on their academic performance. These can include; Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Chemistry, Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering, Certificate in Chemical Engineering, Master of Science in Chemical Engineering, and Doctor of Philosophy in Chemical Engineering. This is why a lot of time and effort is put into this science field.For this reason, there are many different fields that are intertwined with this one. Peopl e with the right knowledge will surely find the right career to pursue.