Benefits Of Choosing a Tutor in Edinburgh

Benefits Of Choosing a Tutor in EdinburghA good tutor in Edinburgh can help you get the grades that you want. Tutors come from all walks of life and know all about the city, its people and culture. Tutors in Edinburgh are either native speakers of English or know a few useful phrases for an English speaking audience.Education and culture are another great advantage. Tutors in Edinburgh have several years experience in these areas and can provide guidance to students who lack a proper grounding in them. They also provide a wide range of other benefits to their students.Tutors in Edinburgh use language, literature to help students learn English. They teach the readers how to properly read and understand the English language. Students who have a background in languages, or who have a lot of knowledge of the arts will benefit greatly from tutoring in Edinburgh. It can help them take advantage of the opportunities presented by the Arts in the modern world.The tutor can show you how to rea d newspapers correctly, and can help you improve your comprehension of the English language. Tutors in Edinburgh help students to appreciate their own speech. They help you improve your English voice and pronounciation. This will allow you to speak the language more effectively and confidently.Students have many options when choosing a tutor. They can choose from the large and varied selection of professionals that is available. They can also choose from a number of self-employed tutors that work from home. These are great options for students who are interested in working from home.For students who are interested in studying at their own pace, it can be a useful option. They can still pay for tuition while completing their studies as well as learning from a tutor in Edinburgh.With so many benefits, it is possible to pay for a good tutor. They can offer valuable information and guidance, but they can also help students to better their grade in college, improve their communication sk ills and improve their English skills. By choosing the right tutor in Edinburgh, students can gain important skills and be able to meet their goals.

16 Super CEFR Placement Tests That Speak for Themselves

16 Super CEFR Placement Tests That Speak for Themselves 16 Super CEFR Placement Tests That Speak for Themselves Do you remember that Kids in the Hall skit about the shopkeeper who speaks no English?If you dont, feel free to take a peek. Ill wait.Hummm-dee-dum-dee-dum…Oh, good! Youre back.You can imagine the frustration of the young man who just wanted to buy a pair of shoes, only to be toldâ€"quite eloquentlyâ€"that his would-be interlocutor didnt understand a word he said.While such an articulate expression of ignorance is rare, its not uncommon for language learners to feel chagrined when trying to describe our fluency.Fortunately, theres no need to stay in the morass of uncertainty.Thanks to the efforts of the Council of Europe, we can now attain a standardized measure of our proficiency in a host of languagesâ€"in Europe and beyond.So lets see how you can use these tests as motivation to grow your fluency and get results! CEFR: A Standard for Standardized TestsGreat moments in linguistic history: How it all beganSo, just what is the CEFR? How did it come about?Nearly thirty years ago, the Council of Europe decided to create an official framework for measuring language proficiency. Developed throughout the 1990s, the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) laid out standards for language proficiency at six different levels, based upon an individuals skills in four areas of communication: listening, reading, speaking and writing.The culmination of decades of linguistic research, the CEFR created a standard to be used not only for language education, but also to help language learnersâ€"and their teachers and employersâ€"better gauge levels of fluency.In many ways, the languages we speak are like an invisible road, connecting us with others who speak them. Its no coincidence that the release of the CEFR coincided with the formation of the European Union (EU) at the turn of the 21st century. Since EU leaders wanted to ensure that people, products and money could move freely through member states, the Council of Europe needed a way to build a solid linguistic infrastructure in a multi-lingual environment.The standardization of CEFR placement tests means that their results give a clear picture of how well someone can communicate in a given language. Thanks to the CEFR, a school in Berlin can accept students from Rome, knowing that they can interact effectively with German-based teachers and students. The Grenoble Institute of Technology can confidently hire a professor from London, since his CEFR placement test shows that he can communicate in near-native French. Rolls-Royce of Derby can welcome an engineer from Barcelona, understanding that shell have no problem discussing designs in English with her team.The CEFR levels: A six-pack of proficiencyThe CEFR is broken down into a half-dozen levels, giving just enough granularity to equate a learners skills with specific capabilities in a language. The six CEFR proficiency classifications can be understood as follows:CEFR LevelsOfficial DescriptionApproximate Proficiency LevelA1 A1Basic UserBeginner to Low IntermediateB1 B2Independent UserIntermediate to Low AdvancedC1 C2Proficient UserAdvanced to FluentWithin each CEFR level, there are corresponding can-do statements for the three primary skill-sets involved in language use: understanding (listening and reading comprehension), speaking (spoken interaction and production) and writing.Finding Your Place: How CEFR Placement Tests Benefit YouAnd now, for the question of the ages: How can the CEFR help you in your quest to study or work overseasâ€"or simply to become a better language learner?Studying abroadCEFR language placement tests can qualify you to study as a foreign exchange student at overseas secondary schools. No matter where you come from or how long you studied, the results of these standardized tests will reassure the admissions officers at your chosen school that you have the linguistic chops to keep up with their programs of study.Sometimes, CEFR placement tests are used to measure the langua ge proficiency of teachers who wish to educate the youth of another country. Even if you plan to teach your native language, you still need to communicate effectively with your students.If youre an academic who wants to perform research at a university in a different country, CEFR placement tests can demonstrate that you have the language proficiency needed to work smoothly with other researchers while conducting complex experiments or evaluating statistical data.Working in another countryIf takin care of business and workin overseas appeals to you, taking a CEFR placement test could be just the ticket to winning your dream job.CEFR is used by many businesses as a standard to measure language proficiency. If you meet the businesss standards via standardized testing, and you have the other needed qualifications for the job in question, you could be well on your way to a rewarding career in the foreign country of your choice.Assessing your learning levelSometimes, when youve been stud ying another language for a long time, its difficult to figure out just how fluent or proficient you are.You might breeze through the daily news reports in Le Monde… but be hard-pressed to get through a contemporary novel. Or you may be able to sing along like a native to all your Fanta 4 albums, but struggle to remember word genders or conjugate verbs.Yes, language learning is a complicated and multifaceted business. Relying solely on unofficial self-assessments to determine your proficiency level can leave you frustrated and confused. Using the CEFR self-assessment grids for the languages youre studying can be a good launching pointâ€"but these grids cant give you the same objective measurement as a placement test.CEFR placement tests can help you assess your language levels realistically, measuring your performance in several different skill sets (such as listening and reading comprehension or writing).Even if you dont achieve your intended level at first, dont despair. These t ests will give you an objective evaluation of your language skillsâ€"so you can see where you need to improve, and get a better idea of how to focus your efforts.Once you have the official report from your CEFR placement tests, you can employ tools like language learning trackers to keep yourself on target.You can also use FluentU as a handy tool to study for future tests and continue advancing your studies. FluentU takes real-world videosâ€"like movie trailers, music videos, news and inspiring talksâ€"and turns them into personalized language lessons. Like the CEFR, FluentUs materials are divided into six levels that you can use to self-assess and learn level-appropriately.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, effective and efficient l earning. 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 complete 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.16 Super CEFR Placement Tests That Speak for ThemselvesCEFR p lacement tests can be extremely useful, whether youre planning on studying abroad, working overseas or just trying to get a grip on your true proficiency in a foreign language.Below, well look primarily at six tests that evaluate your mastery of three of the most widely-spoken European languages. While you cant take them for free, you can prepare for them without breaking the bank. Then, well briefly look at more tests that expand further through Europe and beyond.Well lead you directly to a host of free online resources for savvy learners who want to familiarize themselves with the nitty-gritty of these important tests… so, when testing day comes, youll feel fully preparedâ€"and confident about showing off your skills.FrenchThe two primary CEFR placement exams for French are the DELF and the DALF. Lets look at some of their characteristics.No prerequisites: Everyone is welcome.  Anyone who wishes to do so can take the DELF or DALF exams; you dont need to go to a certain school, r ead a particular text or meet any other prerequisites.Registration: Face-to-face.  Registration must be done in person, at the examination center. At this time, theres no remote alternativeâ€"not even online. You can find approved examination centers both within France and elsewhere in the world. Be sure to check the calendar for the available exam dates in your area. (If youre taking the test outside of France, youll need to select your local examination center first.)Retakes: Try, try again.  There are no limits on the number of times you can take these exams. You can retake them as many times as you need to pass.Diploma: No expiration date.  Once youve passed the DELF or DALF, you hold the diploma for life. You never need to take the exams again or do anything to renew the validity of your results.Test information sources: Alliance Française CIEPThe Alliance Française (French Alliance) is the official French-language educational organization that offers preparation for both th e DELF and the DALF tests.Detailed information on the tests themselves is available from an organization known as CIEP (Centre international détudes pédagogiques, the International Center for Pedagogical Studies).DELF:  Diplôme d’Études en Langue Française  (Diploma in French Language Studies)The DELF exams, which span CEFR levels A1 to B2, come in five different versions. These are based upon several factors, including the learners age, background and purpose for taking the test.Here’s a breakdown of the main types of DELF exams and the CEFR levels they cover:Exam NameCEFR Level(s)Intended AudienceAge Range (years)DELF PrimA1.1 to A2Primary school students7 to 12DELF junior*A1 to B2Middle school high school students12 to 17DELF scolaire*A1 to B2Foreign students of French12 to 17DELF tout publicA1 to B2Adults (general)over 17DELF ProA1 to B2Adult job candidatesover 17*The DELF junior and DELF scolaire exams are identical in content. However, the DELF scolaire (DELF for Sch ools) is administered by educational institutions that have an agreement with their local French embassy.Free online resources to prepare for the DELF examsDELF PrimSample papers are broken down into the different skill categories:Compréhension de loral (listening)Compréhension des écrits (reading)Production écrite (writing)Many of these samples can be downloaded and printed. The corresponding audio files can either be downloaded or played in your browser.  Level A1.1Sample 1QuestionsAnswersSample 2QuestionsAnswers  Level A1Sample 1QuestionsAnswersSample 2QuestionsAnswers  Level A2Sample 1QuestionsAnswersSample 2QuestionsAnswersDELF junior/scolaireThe main page for the DELF junior/scolaire prep includes the audio files for the oral comprehension parts of the exam.These test prep materials for the DELF junior/scolaire exams will give you a good idea of what to expect:A1A2B1B2At the beginning of each packet is a summary of the total number of points each section of the exam is wor th, as well as the length of time available to complete it.Theres an answer key at the end of each set of test prep materials.DELF tout publicDesigned to be taken by adults, the DELF tout public tests the French language knowledge of those outside France.The Sample Papers page contains the questions, answer keys, audio files and spoken interaction guides for the DELF tout public at each level.DELF ProAlso known as the Diplôme détudes en langue française, option professionnelle (Diploma in French Language Studies, Professional Option), the DELF Pro is geared toward those who wish to work in France, or who are trying to advance in a French-speaking workplace.Both sample exercises and the corresponding answer keys are available for each level of the DELF Pro:Level A1QuestionsAnswersLevel A2QuestionsAnswersLevel B1QuestionsAnswersLevel B2QuestionsAnswersDALF:  Diplôme approfondi de langue française  (Diploma in Advanced French)Here are a couple things that apply to the DALF specifi cally.Top-drawer design for upper-level learning.  Picking up where the DELF exams leave off, the DALF exams cover CEFR levels C1 C2. These are the highest levels of proficiency described by the CEFR framework.For adults only.  Unlike many of the DELF exams, the DALF tests are designed to be taken by adult learners.Free online resources to prepare for the DALF examsDALF (C1 C2)Like the prep materials for the DELF Junior/Scolaire exams, the DALF sample papers include a breakdown of the test scoring and section durations.At the C1 level, the answer keys and audio transcriptions are included in the same booklets.Since responses at the C2 level are essentially free-form, answer keys are not included. (C2-level audio transcriptions are linked separately.)DALF C1, Sample 1DALF C1, Sample 2DALF C2, Sample 1 (corresponding audio transcription)DALF C2, Sample 2 (corresponding audio transcription)The links to the audio files themselves are on the main DALF sample papers page on the CIEP sit e.GermanGoethe-Zertifikat  (A1 C2)The Goethe-Zertifikat used to be called the Zertifikat Deutsch. The Goethe-Institut adopted the new name around May 2013.Heres what you need to know about it.The full spectrum.  Theres a Goethe-Zertifikat corresponding to each level of the CEFR. You can use this German-language self-assessment tool to get an idea of which Goethe-Zertifikat test you should take.For young and old(er).  Goethe-Zertifikat levels A1 through B1 can be administered to both young people and adults. However, the B2 through C2 levels are for adults only.All-access pass.  Test prep resources include practice materials for those with low vision or other special testing needs.Test information source: Goethe-Institut (HQ in Munich, with offices worldwide)Free online resources to prepare for the Goethe-Zertifikat examsCEFR LevelAge Range/Intended AudienceExam Name (and Link to Resources)A1Ages 10 16A1: Fit in Deutsch 1AdultsA1: Start in DeutschA2Ages 12 16A2: Fit in DeutschAdul tsGoethe-Zertifikat A2B1Young people adults; same testGoethe-Zertifikat B1B2Adults only; for higher ed or employment, especially in the medical fieldGoethe-Zertifikat B2C1Adults only; same goals as the level B2 examGoethe-Zertifikat C1C2Adults only; those who wish to research or study in Germany, or to teach at a German schoolGoethe-Zertifikat C2: Großes Deutsches Sprachdiplom (GDS) (Advanced German Speaker Diploma)TestDaF:  Test Deutsch als Fremdsprache  (Test of German as a Foreign Language) (B2 to C1)Skills, not levels.  TestDaF is a single exam that assesses your CEFR level from B2 to C1, based upon the skill you demonstrate with listening, speaking and writing modalities. To find out if youre ready to take the TestDaF exam, try this brief skills check.Test locally.  You dont need to travel to Germany to take the TestDaFâ€"you can probably do it much closer to home, no matter where else you live in the world.Go to school or go pro.  TestDaF is used for foreign students who wis h to study in German undergraduate or graduate programs. All undergraduate and graduate schools in Germany accept the TestDaF as proof of your German-language proficiency. Although its primary focus is academic, TestDaF can also assess your readiness for German-language career opportunities. (An alternative exam for business professionals is the adaptive Goethe-Test Pro.)TestDaF is forever.  Once youve passed the TestDaF, you will not need to renew it or take it again. Your TestDaF certificate will never expire. And you can take the TestDaF exam as many times as you’d like to achieve your desired score.Test information source: TestDaF-Institut (Bochum, Germany)Free online resources to prepare for the TestDaF examThese practice tests include sample questions, an answer key and a hints and tips guide.Based on the organization of the CEFR levels, sample tests are broken down into Reading Comprehension, Listening Comprehension, Writing and Oral Expressionâ€"just like the real exams.Te stDaF Hints TipsTestDaF Model: Set 02TestDaF Model: Set 03(Please note: There appears to be no TestDaF Model: Set 01 on the TestDaF-Institut website.)SpanishDELE:  Diplomas de Español como Lengua Extranjera  (Diplomas of Spanish as a Foreign Language) (A1 to C2)Spanish in all flavors.  The DELE accommodates all varieties of Spanish, especially starting at the B1 level. So whichever style of Spanish you learned, you can have it fairly tested through the DELE exam.Direct correspondence to the CEFR.  The six DELE test levels are matched directly to the six proficiency levels defined by the CEFR. Use this handy-dandy assessment grid to see which of the six DELE exams would suit you best.Unconditional registration.  There used to be several requirements for taking the DELE. For example, candidates could not be native Spanish speakers, or have had Spanish as a primary language.This all changed in November 2015. Now, anyone who wishes can register for the DELE examsâ€"including native Sp anish speakers.The test is used by both schools and employers to assess Spanish-language proficiency, so it benefits both students and workers in a Spanish-language environment.No expiration date. The DELE certification never expires, and is recognized throughout the world.Taking the test: Papers, please!  DELE exams are still taken on paper. Theyre administered in over a thousand test centers throughout the world, in over a hundred countries. If youre taking the test within Spain, you can register over the internet. However, if youre taking it in another country, you must register in person at the test center.Test results: Allow 12 weeks for delivery.  Exam results are sent to candidates via email three months after the exam date. The exams are graded by Instituto de Cervantes, and candidates can also see their certification through a secure online portal.Test information source: Instituto de CervantesFree online resources to prepare for the DELE examDELE A1 A2/B1 para escolares ( Students 11 17 years old)DELE A1 C2 (Ages 16 and up)SIELE:  Servicio Internacional de Evaluación de la Lengua Española  (International Evaluation Service for the Spanish Language)A test for the 21st century.  Introduced in 2015, the SIELE is similar to the DELEâ€"with the significant difference that the SIELE is administered on a computer. While SIELE assesses candidates based on the six CEFR levels of proficiency, it does so using one adaptive test. Skills are tested in five different categories (each explained below with its own video summary):Listening comprehensionReading comprehensionWritten expression interactionSpoken expression interactionRegistration is online, no matter where you take the test. (Like the DELE, the SIELE is administered in official examination centers around the globe.) Youll receive your results electronically within three weeksâ€"as opposed to the three-month waiting period for results from the traditional DELE.Dont panicâ€"its pan-Hispanic.  From t he beginning, the SIELE was designed to cover all types of Spanish, regardless of which variety the candidate speaks.Choosing your SIELE Exam: Four-course meal or à la carte.  Go gourmet with the SIELE Global Exam that uses all assessment modalities (reading, writing, speaking and listening) to test your Spanish-language mastery… or try the à la carte model, with the Independent Modalities (S1 through S4) exams. The S1 through S4 tests measure your performance in various combinations of the assessment modalities:Test NameModalities TestedS1Reading Compression + Listening ComprehensionS2Reading Comprehension + Written Expression InteractionS3Listening Comprehension + Spoken Expression InteractionS4Spoken Expression InteractionTheres even a newer S5 option, that covers Written Expression Interaction and Spoken Expression Interaction. Depending on why youre taking the SIELE exam, just one of these combinations might cover every skill set you need to test.Flexible scheduling.   Although you need to take the SIELE at a designated test center, you can choose which center to use, and you can select a test date that works for your schedule.Dont forget to renew.  Unlike the DELE, which is permanently valid, the SIELE certification you earn will need to be renewed every five years.Test information source: Instituto de CervantesFree online resources to prepare for the SIELE exam(Official) Guide to Sitting the SIELE Exam (PDF)SIELE Objective: Online Preparation Materials (test registration required for full access)Instituto de Cervantes makes these materials available for free when you register to take the SIELE exam. These resources are organized by test format (Global or S1 S4 Objectives), or by modality (speaking, writing, etc.). They include interactive practice activities and a practice test.European Languages and BeyondAlthough were focusing in on testing for three of the more prominent European languages, CEFR has become a standard of testing and classific ation for students of many languagesâ€"even those languages based outside of the European Union.Tests using the global CEFR standard (or an equivalent standard) are now available for many languages, including these seven.Chinese:  HSK Exam?The HSK Exam from the Confucius Instituteâ€"known in English as the Chinese Proficiency Test or the Chinese Standard Examâ€"doesnt correspond precisely to CEFR standards. However, the Hanban agency, who administers the test, has made some effort to match up their levels to CEFR standards, starting with HSK Level 1.English:  TOEFL?,  TOEIC?,  IELTS??There are three major CEFR placement tests for the English language:TOEFL is the Test of English as a Foreign Language, intended for the evaluation of non-native speakers. It corresponds to the CEFR levels, starting with the Speaking and Writing components of level A2.TOEIC is the Test of English for International Communication. Its purpose is to assess the English-language skills of speakers who use En glish to communicate with people from many lands. Like the TOEFL, scores on the TOEIC can be understood in the context of the CEFR levels.IELTS, the International English Language Testing System, is accepted largely by academic institutions in Canada, Australia, New Zealand and the UK, as well as a few thousand schools in the United States. It’s also used for visa and immigration purposes in Britain, Canada, New Zealand and Australia. Its scoring doesn’t match directly with the CEFR levels, but there are reference materials available to help you understand the correlation of IELTS scores to the CEFR.Italian:  CILS CELIYour Italian-language skills can be tested by one of two major exams, the CILS or the CELI. There are many online resources you can use to prepare.The CILS (Certificazione di Italiano come Lingua Straniera, or Certification of Italian as a Foreign Language) exam is headquartered at the Università per Stranieri di Siena (the Foreigners University in Siena). Corres ponding roughly to the CEFR levels, its accepted by the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and helps visitors gain admittance to Italian universities:CEFR LevelCILS QualificationA1CILS A1A2CILS A2B1CILS UnoB2CILS DueC1CILS TreC2CILS QuattroThe CELI, or Certificato di Conoscenza della Lingua Italiana (Certificate of Knowledge of Italian Language), is administered by the Università per Stranieri di Perugia (the Foreigners University in Perugia). Like the CILS exam, its considered an official qualification by the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and can be used to qualify for study in Italian institutes of higher education. (The CELI is also accepted by the Italian Ministry of Education and Research.)You can take the CELI exam at test centers throughout the world. Like the CILS, it matches up to CEFR levels:CEFR LevelCELI QualificationA1CELI ImpattoA2CELI 1B1CELI 2B2CELI 3C1CELI 4C2CELI 5Japanese:  JLPT? (Japanese Language Proficiency Test)Japanese speakers can test their linguis tic know-how with the Japanese Language Proficiency Test. Following the Japan Foundation standard, the JLPT uses six levels of can-do statements to correspond to the CEFR standards.If you want to test yourself first, try this online self-evaluation.Korean:  TOPIK? (Test of Proficiency in Korean)TOPIK, the Test of Proficiency in Korean, basically mirrors the CEFR standards:CEFR LevelTOPIK QualificationA1TOPIK IA2B1TOPIK IIB2C1C2TOPIK results can be used for secondary school admissions in Korea. The test is also used for immigration purposes, and is a qualifying factor for career opportunities (including teaching).(European) Portuguese:  CAPLE (Centro de Avaliacao de Portugues Lingua Estrangeira)The Centro de Avaliacao de Portugues Lingua Estrangeira  (Center for the Evaluation of Portuguese as a Foreign Language, or CAPLE) administers a series of five tests, corresponding to the CEFR A2â€"C2 levels:CEFR LevelCAPLE QualificationA2CIPLE (Initial Certificate of Portuguese as a Foreign L anguage)B1DEPLE (Elementary Diploma of Portuguese as a Foreign Language)B2DIPLE (Intermediate Diploma of Portuguese as a Foreign Language)C1DAPLE (Advanced Diploma of Portuguese as a Foreign Language)C2DUPLE  (University Diploma of Portuguese as a Foreign Language)Russian:  TRKI? (also called TORFL)Russian speakers, rejoice! You can evaluate your language skills with a test that sounds tricky, but matches up fairly closely to the CEFR levels.The TRKI, or ???? ?? ???????? ????? ??? ???????????? (known in English as TORFL, or Test of Russian as a Foreign Language), corresponds to the CEFR as follows:CEFR LevelTRKI/TORFL QualificationA1ElementaryA2PreliminaryB11st CertificateB22nd CertificateC13rd CertificateC24th CertificateAs more and more language placement tests jump on board the CEFR bandwagon, we language learners can come to a better understanding of our own linguistic proficiency. We can demonstrate our fluency in ways that help us get jobs, study abroad or simply satisfy our o wn learning goals.And thats a boon to us allâ€"shopkeepers, shoe seekers and everyone in between.

9 Places to Buy Cheap Work Clothes

9 Places to Buy Cheap Work Clothes pexels.com Professional clothes are a must for most people. At some point in your life, you are probably going to need to suck it up and put on some slacks and a blazer every day for work. This might be hard, especially if you have never had to wear professional clothes before. It means figuring out what you like and what you look good in all the while trying to save money on a new wardrobe. The great thing about work clothes is that there is a big market for them, so a lot of stores carry affordable professional wear. Here is a list of a few places to help get you started on your hunt for professional clothing. Goodwill Goodwill should be your first stop if you are shopping on a budget. If you are committed to digging through the racks, you are sure to find some gems. At Goodwill, you could possibly get an entire work outfit for under $20. It’s an awesome store but because all of the stock is donated, you have to be ready to dig around to find something you like and in your size. Cut out a big chunk of time one day and dive into the racks of Goodwill for a super cheap way to get work clothes. Forever 21 Forever 21 is a great store to get cheap clothes, professional or not. You could potentially get your entire work wardrobe at Forever 21 if you do some digging. They have a wide array of trendy blazers, professional blouses, and slacks it just takes some searching! They also have a great selection of dresses that range from casual to elegant. However, you get what you pay for. Don’t expect your new pair of sleek, black boots you got for $12 to last you three years. HM HM is an awesome place to get your work clothes. It’s inexpensive, and the quality of the clothes is a lot better than a lot of its competitors. The clothes at HM tend to lean more towards professional style, so it’s not hard at all to find a few full work getups. The men’s section is also full of professional wear if dresses aren’t your style. You can find dress pants, button-downs, and blazers all for an affordable price. Target Target’s clothes section continues to get better and better. Their clothes are surprisingly on trend and cover a wide array of styles and elegance. Both their Men’s and Women’s sections are full of affordable professional wear that is of good quality. Don’t expect to leave Target with just a couple shirts there is something about that store that compels you to buy everything you don’t actually need. Zara Zara is a great place to get professional clothes that are sleek and stylish. They have blazers for days that are affordable and come in a variety of different cuts. They also offer up a wide selection of professional dresses and slacks. While a bit pricier than some of the other places on this list, Zara has a great variety of professional wear that is sure to last you a very long time. Old Navy Old Navy is an underrated gem when it comes to affordable shopping. They have everything and it’s all extremely affordable. It’s a great place to pick up nice blazers that are sure to give any outfit a flare of professionalism. From shoes to jewelry to shirts, Old Navy has everything you could need to compile your work wardrobe, and it won’t break your bank! pexels.com Macy’s Macy’s has an awesome selection of affordable work clothes, especially for men. They have a huge selection of ties, suits, and dress shirts all for affordable prices. Their ties sit at around $15 each which is a huge money saver. They also run frequent sales including their monthly One Day Sales where you can get your work wear even cheaper. Gap Gap is a great place to find alternatives to more expensive brands. A lot of their clothes mimic JCrew which, for a lot of people, is way too expensive. Thanks to Gap, you can get JCrew style professional wear for much, much cheaper. The clothes at Gap are on the more casual side, so if you are looking for something more elegant, try Gap’s sister store Banana Republic for affordable elegant wear. Amazon Shopping for clothes online can be a little bit risky, but Amazon has a huge variety of clothes that you can wear to work. If you have Prime, shipping is super fast and returns are super easy. Before discounting online shopping, scroll through the pages of Amazon and just see if there’s anything that catches your eye. Online shopping is often cheaper than shopping in-store (depending on where you are shopping), so it’s worth it to just take a look around.

6 Electronics Every Student Needs

6 Electronics Every Student Needs GIFsec.com 1.  Power strip This may seem like a boring one, but it will likely be the most important electronic you purchase. Dorm rooms are notorious for skimping out on outlets a power strip will take care of this issue. As a student who relies on your laptop, phone, e-reader, and tablet for class, it’s vital that you are able to charge them all at once so they are ready to go when you are. There’s nothing worse than trying to time when you need to switch out your electronics from using the outlet so that you can hopefully get everything you need charged up before class. Opt for a surge protecting power strip over one that isn’t this will protect you from any electrical surges that can damage your devices. 2. External hard drive Again, it’s not the most exciting electronic you can get, but it will really save your life. As students, our lives are on our laptops this is a large burden for our laptops to carry. We are constantly filling our hard drives with papers, presentations, videos, photos, and music and, eventually, our laptop can break under the pressure. This is where an external hard drive has your back. Losing all of your files because of a crash is DEVASTATING to you as a student and as a young person. An external hard drive is the best way to protect your important files from getting destroyed in the event of a crash. 3. E-reader An e-reader is a great product to have as a student. Books are an unavoidable part of school  but there are ways to make buying books cheaper and easier. E-readers are great because you can buy not only novels on them but also sometimes entire textbooks. Having all your textbooks on one device will save you from scoliosis caused by lugging massive textbooks around campus. E-books are often cheaper than buying the physical copies so the money that you spend on the e-reader will be made up in the money you save on books. giphy.com 4.  Laptop This one almost goes without saying. It’s near impossible to be a student these days without a laptop   they are great for note-taking, writing papers, editing media, and just surfing the web anywhere you want. Depending on your major, you might want to pick a computer that is capable of supporting what you do. If you just plan on using your laptop for writing papers and surfing the web, a Samsung Chromebook is a solid, cheap option for you. However, if you are going to be doing more extensive video editing or downloading heftier software, something like a Mac or Samsung Notebook might be a better bet. There are a ton of resources out there to help you choose the right computer for your needs do your research before buying one! 5.  Headphones Almost anywhere you go on campus, there will be people with  headphones  and earbuds on. Whether you’re walking between classes or studying in the library, headphones are an important part of your day. There are all kinds of headphones and earbuds to choose from at varying price points. If you are someone who likes to listen to your music a lot throughout the day, maybe opt for a slightly more expensive pair  that is likely to last longer and produce better sound. If you just use your headphones in your room, you might do fine with a cheaper pair. Take a look at your lifestyle to make the right choice! giphy.com 6. Smartphone apps This one is less a physical electronic, but just as necessary. There are THOUSANDS of apps made specifically for college students for both academic and enjoyment purposes and most of them free! Whether you need to brush up before your Spanish exam or try to balance your academics and your health, there’s an app for that! There are even apps for your more uninhibited nights out. Thanks to our smartphones, you can have food delivered to your dorm and keep your homework schedule on track using the same device. It goes without saying that you will need a smartphone in order to use any of these apps. If you don’t have one already, there are a multitude of options to choose from.

Apply now to teach in Los Angeles!

Apply now to teach in Los Angeles! Looking for teaching jobs in the US? If you’re certified to teach in the United States, you could be teaching in sunny Los Angeles, starting August 2016. We currently recruiting for several positions with Birmingham Community Charter High School in the San Fernando Valley, Los Angeles County, where you’ll enjoy competitive salary and benefits. Compensation Benefits $53,324.10 - $84,819.40 annually depending on verified experience and educational units Comprehensive benefit package including medical, dental and vision Pension Plan â€" California State Teacher’s Retirement System (STRS) More about Birmingham High School Interesting fact: The high school has been used as the backdrop for numerous commercials, television shows, and music videos -- including Gwen Stefani’s “Hollaback Girl” Notable alumni include Mossimo Giannulli (clothing designer, founder of Massimo), David Gregory (journalist), Terry Gilliam (director, actor - Monty Python), Sally Field (actor), Linda Lingle (governor of Hawaii from 2002 to 2010), Mychal Rivera (NFL player) More about San Fernando Valley Located in Los Angeles County, the San Fernando Valley is home to 1.8 million people The cost of living in the valley is significantly cheaper. $2,000/month can get you a studio in the Westside… or a two-bedroom, two-bathroom, stainless steel appliances and amenities in the East Valley. The Valley is considered a nicer overall place for families, with better parking and less traffic, and is a better place to raise children. Apply now: Chemistry Teacher Medical Terminology and Medical Assistant Instructor Special Day Class Math Teacher Resource Specialist Teacher

Great Ideas For Paper Airplanes Tutoring

Great Ideas For Paper Airplanes TutoringPaper airplanes are a lot of fun to work with. You can find them at many different hobby stores or book stores as well as at many of the toy stores.Teaching your students how to make them is actually quite easy. You can also help them in other ways as well. These things make a great interactive and enjoyable activity for your children.Paper airplanes can be made using various materials. They can be made out of plywood, cardboard, or even a plywood base filled with clay. Another great idea is to use ordinary construction paper or ordinary hobby paper and cut out shapes to put on the surface. You can cover this with scrap wood or even newspaper for insulation.Kids are going to love working with these. It can help them get into the project. You can teach them basic construction or even be imaginative and do something completely different from the usual. With a few different ideas they can pick something unique and do something that you never thoug ht possible.Some of the other things that can be included in the project are an instruction sheet to help your kids learn to do the project in a systematic manner. Or you can have a set of tools to make the project easier. This will really help them.Paper airplanes can also be a fun project for teachers. When the students are asked to design their own paper airplanes for the class and hand it over to their teachers, they can get creative and use some great looking paper airplanes to pass out as part of the curriculum.Paper airplanes tutoring will have them building the airplane, building the parts, and putting them together. All that extra time spent will be a lot more than just sitting around doing nothing because these are so much fun to teach your kids how to do.

Tips for Using Typing Tutor Platinum

Tips for Using Typing Tutor PlatinumTyping Tutor Platinum is the new version of a well-loved typing tutor application. It is able to be downloaded from iTunes store in the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom for free. In case you want to download it for free, here are some basic tips for this.The first thing you have to do is to sign up with your own iTunes account. Just click on 'Settings' from the 'My Computer' menu, then click on 'I Agree'. If you don't have an iTunes account, you can start using an alternative one or create one for free through iTunes account which is offered by Apple. If you already have an iTunes account, the same option is available under 'Accounts'.After you sign up for your iTunes account, go to the Settings menu, then click on the 'Tutoring Preferences' tab. Check the box that says 'Use My iTunes Account', then click on 'Save Changes'. When you click on 'Save Changes', you can select 'My Documents' as your home folder from where you will load the typing tutor application. Now, you are ready to use the application.On opening the typing tutor application, you will see that it has several tabs available. Each tab is a section to access the various options available within the application. Tap on the tab for the feature that you would like to utilize. There will be an option in the same button to choose an extension.If you want to use the typing tutor application on another device, just select the device you want to use it on. If you are downloading the application from the iTunes store, there will be an option to use other devices instead of your computer. You may also enable 'Allow other devices to be used'.If you are looking for an application that is more portable than typing tutor Platinum, you have to look for such applications. They are more flexible in terms of how they are used. They allow users to work on their preferred platform.Even if you don't want to download typing tutor Platinum for free, you can still try it. Y ou can try it until you like it or decide not to. The only thing you need to know is that you need to make sure that you have selected an appropriate platform before installing it.

Valedictorian Title Losing Its Prestige

Valedictorian Title Losing Its Prestige For years, the valedictorian title has been for a schools best academic performer. There was only one student who received this top honor. However, many high schools are beginning to honor multiple valedictorians, according to an article in The New York Times. The prestige and honor that has always come with the valedictorian title is fading quickly as more schools pick up on this trend. Teachers and administrators are now giving the title to every straight-A student, instead of picking the best individual out of the class. Principals and administrators are offering multiple valedictorian titles in efforts to reduce competition and pressure among students. They believe that its not fair to better honor the top student over the 5th best student, especially when the differences in their GPAs are miniscule. Parents love to see their kids honored as the top performers in their high schools. However, some believe that it has gone too far, stating that this is another ploy by high schools to inflate and over exaggerate their students abilities. Critics of this trend state that, although it honors more students, it takes focus away from the single best student of that high school class. This then lessens that schools actual valedictorians chances of getting accepted into elite colleges. Those who favor this trend and the critics both agree that it is a blatant effort to increase a high schools notoriety. Its honor inflation, said Chris Healy, an associate professor at Furman University. He also said that honoring too many students as valedictorians could leave them ill prepared for the competition in college and the work field. I think its a bad idea if youre No. 26 and youre valedictorian. In the real world, you do get ranked. Some high schools are honoring up to 94 students as valedictorians. Other schools are honoring as high as 6.5% of the graduating class as valedictorians. This increases students chances of being honored, and most students like this trend. Some schools are recognizing every student who receives straight-As throughout high school, regardless of the level of their classes, as valedictorians. Other schools weight grades, showing favoritism to students who take harder, upper-level courses. Recently, many high schools have tried to increase their notoriety by adding more Advanced Placement classes and allowing more students to take them. High schools have altered their GPA scales; so students can receive a 5.0 instead of a 4.0 in certain advanced classes. This can drastically increase a students overall GPA. High schools are trying to make their students look better than other, competing schools, in attempts to place more students in the nations elite colleges. However, most high schools continue to claim that they are not lowering the bar by making classes easier. So, students are not learning less in an effort to look better. Most education administrators and officials place credence in this claim. It is expected that these trends of inflating students abilities will continue. High schools are beginning to understand that they need to do so in order to compete and place students at top colleges.

Italys Top 5 Student Destinations

Italys Top 5 Student Destinations Learn Italian at Italy’s Top Universities ChaptersDiscover the Best of Italy in MilanLearn Italian in Bologna for a Truly Unique ExperienceRome, the Italian CapitalStudy in Florence for an Exquisite Cultural ExperienceItalian Language TutoringIf you’ve decided to take a leap of faith and study abroad in Italy, whether it’s for just one semester or your full degree, your Italian speaking will improve significantly.But when you’re looking for somewhere to study, you may feel as if you’re in the dark.So, how can you be sure you’re choosing the right university? What factors do you need to take into account? And which cities are the most student-friendly?Well, Superprof is coming to your rescue.We’ve chosen our 5 top Italian universities for British students learning Italian as a new language.Before you take a trip to Italy and set your decision in stone, there are a few things to think about â€" so here are 5 important factors to take into consideration before you make your choice final:Academic ratings of Italian u niversitiesDiversity of the student populationQuality of lifeEmployer reputationFinancial supportWe also advise that you look into contacting some members of the Italian student population in your city  or ask someone else who has studied abroad there before.You should also look into the availability of Italian language classes you could take during your time in Italy to ensure that your language learning stays on track and that you don’t fall into bad habits when speaking Italian fluently. DanielaItalian Teacher 5.00 (9) £50/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors LuciaItalian Teacher 5.00 (4) £17/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors MarilùItalian Teacher 5.00 (8) £22/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors MarcoItalian Teacher £15/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors AntonellaItalian Teacher 5.00 (2) £14/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors GiusyItalian Teacher 5.00 (3) £25/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors EnricoItalian Teacher 5.00 (2) £20/h1 st lesson free!Discover all our tutors FedericaItalian Teacher 5.00 (2) £30/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutorsDiscover the Best of Italy in MilanAs the fashion capital, Milan is a great city in which to study and learn Italian for beginners.Milan is Italy’s best student city according to Top Universities, which puts the fashion capital in 33rd position.A popular tourist destination, Milan is home to some of Italy’s most prized cultural treasures.Football fans will have plenty to do in their spare time, with two of the best Italian clubs - Inter Milan and AC Milan â€" calling the city home.If you’re a shopaholic, Milan will be like a shopping dream for you!As the capital of fashion, the city is full of boutiques where you can get your fashion fix.The nightlife is also something to look forward to, and you also shouldn’t leave Milan without having visited the stunning La Scala opera house.Marvel at the intricate Italian architecture in Milan ¦ Visualhunt - cococcWhen it comes to Italian cuisine in Milan, be sure that you don’t miss a chance to taste veal Milanese, Milan’s very own dish.Veal Milanese is a veal escalope, traditionally cooked in butter or olive oil and usually served with salad or chips. Milan is the second Italian city, after Naples, to receive a place in the Michelin Guide.In addition to your Italian language lessons, you’ll also be able to take advantage of Milan’s cultural riches.And there are two campuses which are particularly well-liked: ·               Bocconi, the best place to learn business ItalianIf you’re heading towards a business career, studying at Bocconi University will give you the language skills you need. Bocconi is one of the best European schools in its field and an ideal place for foreign students to study International Business, for example.Over the course of your studies, Bocconi will offer you many opportunities for business placements and other ways to gain professional experience whilst workin g towards fluency in your Italian. Discover the benefits of Italian for business professions. ·               Politecnico for engineeringThe Politecnico di Milano is the largest technical and scientific college in Italia, with over 40,000 students in 2016.Founded in 1863, it is also Milan’s oldest higher education institution. Politecnico offers teaching from undergraduate level to postgraduate courses in engineering, architecture and design.This university is also regarded as one of the best engineering schools in Italy.Learn Italian in Bologna for a Truly Unique ExperienceThe University of Bologna (or the Universita di Bologna for the keen Italian speaks amongst you) is one of the world’s oldest universities, founded in 1088.The university is home to 86,000 students who are spread across 11 schools and 33 faculties.Its campuses are located in the towns of Ravenna, Forli, Cesena and Rimini.In 2010, the QS World University Rankings classed Bologna University 176th in the world a nd 32nd for its law school.And how could we not talk about one of the classics of Italian cuisine: bolognese sauce?Bolognaise sauce comes from the Bologna area and is made from a base of tomato purée, onion and beef mince.This sauce is known all over the world and is traditionally served by the Italians with tagliatelle, however, spaghetti is the pasta of choice for the rest of the world. DanielaItalian Teacher 5.00 (9) £50/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors LuciaItalian Teacher 5.00 (4) £17/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors MarilùItalian Teacher 5.00 (8) £22/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors MarcoItalian Teacher £15/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors AntonellaItalian Teacher 5.00 (2) £14/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors GiusyItalian Teacher 5.00 (3) £25/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors EnricoItalian Teacher 5.00 (2) £20/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors FedericaItalian Teacher 5.00 (2) £30/h1st lesson free!Discover a ll our tutorsRome, the Italian CapitalThe country's leading university, is best known by its second name, ‘La Sapienza’ which translates into English as ‘wisdom’ or ‘knowledge’. It owes its name to the church Sant'Ivo alla Sapienza, which was built as a chapel for the university.It, too, is one of the world’s oldest universities, and was founded in 1303. With 150,000 students, it is also one of the largest universities in Europe.Walk in the footsteps of the Romans by studying in Rome ¦ source: Pixabay - SungRae_KimYou no longer have any excuse to put off learning Italian in Rome, as you’ll be surrounded by students who speak Italian as a native language from the university’s 21 faculties.It’s worth knowing that the majority of Italy’s ruling class studied at La Sapienza.Its most famous faculties include its faculty of architecture, which was founded in 1920, as well as the faculty of economics, which hosts more than 10,000 students.As it is home to so many peo ple, and a lot of them being students, Rome guarantees a fantastic Italian learning experience through cultural immersion and appreciation for the Italian culture and heritage in Italian.Cultural immersion is the process of being surrounded by a totally new culture and language. This means that if you're learning how to speak Italian, going to Italy will help cement your language skills and improve your Italian listening comprehension as well as your speaking proficiency.Taking an Italian course in Italy will give you all you need to know about the local dialect, so you can learn to speak the language with better Italian pronunciation.Its historic centre is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site with monuments such as the Colosseum, the Trevi Fountain and St. Peter's Basilica, the papal enclave within the city.Study in Florence for an Exquisite Cultural ExperienceIf you’re a chilled-out person who prefers a relaxed lifestyle, you’ll be in your element in Florence.In the heart of Tusc any, Florence is a magnificent city where you can learn a lot about Italy’s language and culture.Classed as one of the world’s most beautiful cities by Forbes magazine, Florence was given world heritage status by UNESCO in 1982.The city is full of galleries and museums where you can marvel at its cultural riches and fascinating history.As the birthplace of the Renaissance, Florence is home to many buildings from this period, the most famous being the Sant Maria del Fiore cathedral.There is also a fabulous student population in Florence.There are plenty of Erasmus associations to put you in touch with other students, so you can find a native speaker of Italian to help you with your Italian vocabulary and improve your conversational Italian to a point where you become fluent.Florence’s university, known as UniFI (Università degli Studi di Firenze), has nearly 60,000 students.Combine business with pleasure and visit the city with native Florentines to learn the Italian language for free, while discovering the secrets of the most beautiful monuments!The two most famous students to graduate from UniFI are without doubt:Matteo Renzi, former Prime Minister of Italy, who graduated with a degree in Law in 1999Mario Draghi, Italian economist and President of the European Central Bank, who taught Political Sciences in Florence between 1981 and 1994Italian Language TutoringThe five fantastic universities are, themselves, five great reasons to learn Italian!But in preparation for your stay in Italy, we advise that you take Italian lessons before you leave.Even if you only know basic Italian grammar, being able to faultlessly conjugate the most common Italian verbs (including conjugation of irregular verbs) and hold and Italian conversation will get you far in terms of your spoken and written expression.Perfect your Italian language skills surrounded by Florence's beauty ¦ source: Pixabay - ZsuzsiBogarYou’ll also need to get to grips with some common Italian words and phrases so you can get by in Italy â€" so forget the phrasebook and get practicing  your Italian expressions!You should also make sure you’re practicing your second language and learning new Italian words every day. This may seem tedious, but you’ll thank yourself once you arrive in Italy.We would also advice that you make a special effort to befriend native Italian speakers once you reach your destination. It can be tempting to gravitate to other English speakers, but this does no good for your foreign language skills.Here are a few ways you can get in some daily Italian practice:Talk to native Italian speakersTake Italian language courses in a group or hire a one to one Italian tutorSign up to Italian cooking classesVisit a language school that offers Italian lessonsWatch Italian films, or even English films with Italian subtitlesLearn Italian onlineWhy not also look into language exchanges? For example, you could learn Italian from a native speaker and offer to help them with their English in return.Interacting with someone this way will help you learn more about Italian as it is really spoken, including Italian slang words and different registers of language. Popular searches on Superprof include Italian classes London, Manchester and Birmingham.If you don’t have a lot of free time, you can also use interactive systems such as CD roms or podcasts to practice at home.