Wildlife Photography Tips and Techniques to Get the Perfect Shot

Wildlife Photography Tips and Techniques to Get the Perfect Shot Use These Techniques to Get the Perfect Wildlife Shot ChaptersComposing Your ShotLook for a Plain BackgroundAim for CrispManaging the LightKnow Your QuarryAny photographer knows that there is a world of difference between snapping a slew of spontaneous selfies on a smartphone and laying in wait for the perfect wildlife shot.Surprisingly though, the same amount of knowledge, skill, planning and timing goes into getting an intimate look at the wildlife you see in National Geographic magazine as does your amateur shots.Let’s say you are an amateur photographer; one knows all about camera settings. You take some pretty good shots but you feel that they all come just shy of the ‘Wow! Amazing!’ mark... and you really want to get there.If so, this article is meant for you.On the other hand, you might have just bought a DSLR camera and taken a photography class to learn all about it... but intuition tells you there is more to quality photography than setting a few dials, pointing and shooting.Photography workshops can teach you all about the technical aspects of your camera and how to use it, but it is that unique blend of technique, talent and timing that invariably scoops photography competition prizes, isn’t it?Whether you aspire to become one of the world’s greatest wildlife photographers or you just want to capture the best shots possible for your personal satisfaction...Your Superprof now endeavours to arm you with some of the best tips and tricks to land you that one-in-a-million shot. AllanPhotography Teacher 5.00 (2) £20/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors NatashaPhotography Teacher 5.00 (7) £55/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors TimothyPhotography Teacher 5.00 (5) £30/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors Anosh nadeemPhotography Teacher 5.00 (2) £20/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors ZangmoPhotography Teacher 5.00 (6) £25/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors RosiePhotography Teacher £12/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors MattPhotography Teacher £20/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors AndyPhotography Teacher £25/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutorsComposing Your Shot Aim for the eyes; it makes the animal more relatable Image by skeeze from PixabayAs a photographer, you surely know that there are two types of shot: the heat of the moment and the one you set up for, wait for the right light for, wait for your subject to adopt the perfect pose for...Both types require the same amount of preparation. Sure, one might squeeze off a lucky shot once in a while but to consistently capture quality images takes a bit of behind-the-lens savvy.One of the most subjective aspects of photography is composition.In composing your shot, you control what your scene, background, focus and perspective should be to achieve the desired outcome.Are you just getting started with wildlife photography?Many beginner photographers believe that centring the focal point is paramount to capturing a money shot but experts agree that balancing provides a much more aesthetically pleasing image.For instance, you might plan your shot so that the animal takes up the lower-left corner of the frame while the upper right corner of your viewfinder is filled with greenery; a tree or shrub.That would leave the opposing corners to capture the fullness of the sky and the ground, creating an exquisite balance of complementary elements.Colour should be another consideration to achieving optimal balance.For instance, if you’re on a quest to capture a tawny gazelle in Serengeti National Park, you should plan your trip to coincide with their rainy season, when green abounds and water is plentiful.Capturing your gazelle in the dry season might make for rather bland pictures without much contrast between your subject and its environment.On that note...Look for a Plain BackgroundNot everybody is keen to stomp around an African national reserve to capture magnificent beasts in their environment.Besides, we have some pretty stunning landscapes and a diverse assortment of photogenic animals available for capture on film, too. The trick is getting them to stand out.If you are pho tographing birds, for example, both the animal’s size and plumage should factor into how you photograph them.For instance, photographing carrion crows and blackbirds â€" two types of feathered friends whose plumage easily contrasts, is vastly different than capturing the shimmering colours of the much smaller starling.The more striking photographs of smaller animals usually depict them against a blurred background; an effect achieved by setting your camera to a shallow depth of field.Another way you could create amazing shots of small creatures would be for you to change your perspective â€" in other words, reposition yourself and your camera such that there are no more background elements to distract the viewers’ focus from your subject.For instance, instead of aiming your camera towards the ground to photograph a garden lizard sunning himself, you might try crouching so that your subject is at eye level or, more specifically, at camera level.That might be a bit difficult to do without startling Mr Lizard; that is why many wildlife photographers use camera traps to capture their most skittish subjects.In fact, some nature photographers consider them essential kit when they plan their photography trips! You can put extra emphasis on your subject matter by blurring the background Image by Pexels from PixabayThe way to produce pictures that appear as though the animal would leap right off the paper (or screen) is to adjust your aperture and ISO values:1/50 to 1/320: you can photograph anything!1/400 to 1/800: this range is ideal for animals walking1/1000 to 1/1250: this range is perfect for running animals1/1600 to 1/2500: this range of settings will capture flying birds faithfully1/3200: really fast, small birds in flightNaturally, these values are just a guideline; you would have to play around with your camera in the environment you intend to work to discover the best settings for your particular brand of artistry and subject matter.Here again, taking a photography workshop would be a good idea, especially if you’ve just treated yourself to a new camera.These days, even simple point and shoot cameras incorporate a range of settings.If you’re into wildlife photography for the fu n and discovery of it, taking pictures of various subjects in any light or setting is a fun way to get good at taking pictures with new your kit.However, if you’re in a bit of a hurry â€" you’re gearing up for a photography competition or don’t care to read the manual, photography tutorials can save you a lot of time and deleted pictures.If photography competitions are your intent, you may measure your kit against what the pros recommend as the best wildlife photography equipment.Managing the LightSome photographers don’t mind shooting in artificial light â€" using fill flash or spotlighting while others plan their shoots to take advantage of natural light.Sunrises and sunsets, when the sun is at a particularly low angle, can give your images a unique, golden hue that would be hard to achieve under any other conditions.Especially in the morning, when the dew sparkles on the ground like so many scattered jewels and the light filters through the trees, you may capture some par ticularly evocative images that would resonate with your audience.The goal of every photographer wishing to stand out is to create a mood that the viewer can relate to or, better yet, wish to lose himself in.Action shots have proved very successful but can be hard to capture. By contrast, the soft, golden light of the sun’s early rays is a surefire formula for impactful, evocative images.Besides, plenty of animals are active during that time: bats and cats, rabbits and ferrets and all manner of insects: what a great opportunity to work on your macro photography!Going hand in hand with this tip is the next one... Planning your shoots to coincide with early or late light will make your photos extra-powerful! Image by Basil Smith from PixabayKnow Your QuarrySeldom does it happen that a wildlife photographer just lucks into a great shot; more likely is the fact that s/he studied his/her subject in-depth.What does it eat? When? What sort of habitat does it live in? What are its rituals for mating, feeding and establishing territory? When are the young born, spawned or hatched? What of behaviour can one expect from such an animal?That last question is especially relevant to your safety; the last thing you want is for your photography session to come to an abrupt end because you have to run for your life with an angry animal at your heels!Admittedly, there is a certain charm in just setting out to photograph what you can but, if you are serious about your craft, you owe it to yourself, your audience and, most importantly to your subject matter to learn everything you can about them.Every animal exh ibits particular behaviours. For instance, some goats fall over when they are startled. And did you know that cows all face either north or south when they eat?Besides the cachet to be had should you capture wildlife doing something remarkable, your work will reflect your depth of subject knowledge, your skill at capturing your subject’s remarkable feats and your passion for the art of wildlife photography.Obviously, this list is far from absolute; in fact, you may know of more tips and tricks for getting the best picture. If so, won’t you share a few in the comments section?Still, we wish you the very best in your quest to capture the perfect image and hope we’ve provided you with a bit of information you didn’t know or hadn’t considered.Now read about the most amazing places for wildlife photography.

Know the Difference Between In-Person, Online, and Hybrid Courses

Know the Difference Between In-Person, Online, and Hybrid Courses One of the many perks of college is that, to some extent, you can choose which style of course is the best fit for you. Its important to grasp the difference between in-person, online, and hybrid courses so that when given the opportunity, you can choose the one that matches your preferred learning style. For example, in-person classes encourage a high level of collaboration and in-class participation, while online courses require you to vigilantly keep up with the assignment schedule, and hybrid courses ask a bit of both from students. When deciding what classes to take, its key to know the difference between in-person, online, and hybrid courses. Keep reading to learn more. In-person courses offer face-to-face contact with professors and fellow students In-person classes allow you to interact face-to-face with your peers and professors, and to collaborate with them on a set schedule. Youre probably used to this style of course from your many prior years of schooling, so it can feel comfortable and familiar. In-person classes vary depending on the subject matter and instructor, but typically youre required to meet two to three times per week for a set amount of time. While all classes differ, youll generally be given a participation score for this course that can consist of in-class participation and attendance. Youll also likely have in-class group assignments that may or may not count for a grade. In-person classes foster a more personal connection with your classmates and professor. [RELATED: How to Write an Email to Your Professor] Online courses provide flexibility and foster self-motivation skills Online courses dont always require a set meeting time each week, but they do have weekly required assignments, such as readings or discussion board posts. This class option is appealing since theres no specific time each week that you must be sitting in a classroom. Its important to keep in mind, however, that online courses require a level of motivation that in-person classes may not. In this style of course, its up to you to set aside structured time to complete all required assignments. Be sure to keep up with the syllabus, because you likely wont have an instructor reminding you of deadlines each week like you might in an in-person class. Since you wont be participating in-person, professors often gather participation grades through weekly discussion board posts. Create a calendar for your online course at the beginning of the semester and outline all due dates. If you choose to sign up for an online class, be prepared to stay on track with assignments and due dates in order to s et yourself up for success. [RELATED: 4 Tips for Connecting with Your Online Instructor] Hybrid courses involve aspects of both in-person and online courses A hybrid course brings together the main attributes of both types of classes. Hybrid courses involve online aspects that are meant to complement the in-class portion of the course, such as discussion boards and video-geared assignments. Some of the characteristics of a hybrid course are very similar to online courses; the difference, though, is the online part of the course is not meant to replace the in-person interactions. Its structured in a way so that it adds to and complements what students learn and discuss in-person. With a hybrid course, students still have the ability to interact face-to-face with peers and to make themselves known to their professor, while enjoying some of the flexibility of an online course. Hybrid courses are not offered for every subject, and the structure will vary by instructor and department. If you select a course thats listed as a hybrid, feel free to reach out to the professor to inquire about the planned structure of the course to see if it matches what youre looking for. [RELATED: 5 Benefits of Using Videos to Learn] How to know whether an in-person, online, or hybrid course is right for you Understandably, you dont always have the ability to select the style of course to take for a specific subject matter. When you do have the option, however, its important to choose the one that fits your learning style best. For example: Do you have a difficult time staying focused and motivated when working on assignments on your own time? An online class may prove challenging for you, while an in-person class may fit your needs. Do scheduling flexibility and loosertime constraints appeal to your lifestyle? An online class may be the right match for you. If you like both the personalized aspect of in-person classes and the flexibility of an online course, a hybrid course could set you up for success. Be honest when examining your strengths and weaknesses in terms of class structures, and determine what style of course will help you achieve your educational goals. 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.

7 Most effective tips on socializing for introvert (by Introverts) - Introvert Whisperer

Introvert Whisperer / 7 Most effective tips on socializing for introvert (by Introverts) - Introvert Whisperer 7 Most effective tips on socializing for introvert (by Introverts) Life is all about making human bonds. Without bonds and people to share your life with, life would become boring and dull. And with making bonds, I don’t mean to have a huge following on the internet and social media. I mean having the courage to go and talk to people face to face. When we meet new people and bond over shared sorrows or joys, those people become special to us. But there are some people like me, who are introverts and it is a huge task to go and talk to people. We love to listen, but giving our inputs is a huge burden for us. For introverts, it is a huge task to enter a social event and mix with people, especially if they are strangers. Here are some of the most effective tricks and tips that will help all introverts out there. Also, it will help people with social anxiety. What more? These tips will work as only introverts shared these tips. Let’s begin…   Don’t overthink, do it If you overthink about every social outing, you will never be able to make a bond. So, put yourself out there.   Step outside your comfort zone and try to have a face-to-face conversation with people.   Use social media to engage in a conversation to get more comfortable with talking to a person. Also, start looking at all social meetings as a chance to meet new people, an adventure, and it will become easy for you.   Get comfortable Before going to a social event, get comfortable with the idea. Find out who will be there as it will help you get relaxed. Also, to remain calm, watch a funny movie or show before going to that event.   Set realistic and simple goals Don’t over expect from yourself. To become a person who is confident meeting and talking to new people, you should set realistic goals for yourself. You can also make planner of the dos and don’ts.   Set a goal to meet and talk to one person a day. It is a simple goal, right? Totally achievable. Or set a goal to go out by yourself to a mall or a social event and meet people and have fun. Don’t set goals like hosting a whole party, it will only pressurize you.     Take inspiration from your extrovert friends We all know one person or have one friend who loves meeting new people or going out. Take help from that friend and tag along with him/her to a social event or so on. It will help you get out and meet some new people and maybe forge a bond with someone.   Also, your extrovert friend will be at ease and might take the whole room by storm. Don’t let that affect you, keep smiling, and be a part of the conversation. Don’t be afraid of the nerves, it just indicates that you are alive Feeling nervous about a social outing, or going to that family dinner? Good, as it shows that you are a human and can feel.   Even though you feel nervous and scared, don’t let it hold you back. Socializing is a skill and with time and practice, once can grow to become a great conversationalist.   Steer the conversation so that it’s about them and not you As an introvert, we rarely like attention and focus on ourselves in a social setting. It makes us uncomfortable and awkward, and we are ready to flee the scene any minute.   But take a deep breath and steer the conversation so the focus is on them. Ask them questions about their lives, and you will feel relaxed and comfortable. It will also help you open up to them.   Don’t think of yourself as an introvert Stop labeling yourself as an introvert or extrovert. We human beings have a complex personality, with so many talents and skills. Labeling us an introvert, or extrovert, or a person with social anxiety only restricts us.   Instead, go and meet new people, try to have a conversation about a common favorite topic or enjoy each other’s company in silence. Gradually, you will become confident enough to go out and have fun without overthinking.   Being an introvert is not a bad thing, and there is no need to change your personality to fit into the world. The only reason we should encourage ourselves to go out, and be with others is to enjoy our one life.     Author Bio : Kavita is Outreach Specialist cum Content writer. When not glued to her laptop, she can be found making travel plans that rarely happen

English Tutors - Expository Critique

English Tutors - Expository Critique Expository critique enables the students to read the works of authors in order to recognize facts and opinions that are expounded and to establish the correctness of the evidence of the authors conclusions. Further, the learners are able to construct sensible statements about the text that they analyze by supporting their findings with accurate citations. Evaluating Critique Expository critique also identifies the baseless conclusions, false reasoning or even unfounded information to promote a cause in a specified text. Additionally, the bias and stereotyping of people or events if any in a given text will be discussed. With expository critique, the learners become skilled in assessing the cohesive quality of a written work, logical reasoning, uniformity in the substance illustrated including the pattern of structural design of a work of an author. Hence, the students practice to evaluate the authenticity of the source of details and the intention of the writers, which might impact the trustworthiness of a writer. What Expository Critique Involved? Expository critique involves the learners capacity to predict and address the possible concerns of the readers by appealing to ethos, pathos and logos (reason, authority, emotion and logic). Any expository critique should have a clear thesis, body paragraphs that support the thesis with evidence and conclusion that sums up the whole exposition and restatement of the thesis. The objective of expository critique is to inform, instruct and explain what the learner has discovered in reading a specific work of an author.

The Cost of Ballet Clothing

The Cost of Ballet Clothing How Much Does a Ballet Outfit Cost? ChaptersHow Much Does a Leotard Cost?How Much Do Tights Cost?How Much Do Ballet Slippers Cost?Cost of the Whole OutfitAccessories and Other ItemsWarm-Up ClothingDance Accessories“The dance can reveal everything mysterious that is hidden in music, and it has the additional merit of being human and palpable. Dancing is poetry with arms and legs.” - Charles BeaudelaireIf you’re going to do ballet, you’re going to need the gear. In some cases, the correct attire is obligatory due to the dance school whereas in some cases, you can wear almost whatever you want.The leotard-tights combo is pretty ideal since it’s tight, allows you to move, and lets the teacher see exactly what you’re doing. Furthermore, it stays in place, unlike looser clothes that you’d have to regularly adjust throughout the lesson. Of course, this does mean that when you first take up ballet, you’ll need to set aside some money for it.In this article, we're looking at how much getting ballet clothing will cost you. SeamDance Teacher 4.96 (24) £25/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors JamieDance Teacher 5.00 (6) £50/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors ErickaDance Teacher 5.00 (1) £25/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors SamuelDance Teacher 5.00 (4) £100/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors FlavioDance Teacher 5.00 (7) £25/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors HakimDance Teacher 5.00 (5) £50/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors HannaDance Teacher 5.00 (4) £30/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors ClareDance Teacher £30/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutorsHow Much Does a Leotard Cost?You’ll find leotards at all prices depending on the brand, size, material, and style. A girl’s leotard tends to cost less than a woman’s leotard. They come in lycra, microfibre, cotton, or even viscose and each material has its pros and cons. There are plenty of different types of leotards for all budgets. (Source: luxstorm)A leotard can have thin straps, thick straps, short sleeves, long sleeves, etc. It can be backless, with straps, with a plunging neckline, crew neck, or boat neck.  Some styles may be better than others for your body type. We recommend that you always try a leotard before buying it, especially if it’s your first one.You can also get a tutu, which is a leotard with a little skirt sewn into it. In some cases, you can get the tutu separately if you’d like different colours but it’s not essential.  The most famous brands for leotards include Repetto, Wear Moi, Bloch, and Temps Danse. If you’re on a limited budget, Domyos, Decathlon’s brand, includes plenty of ballet clothing.A leotard can cost between £10 and £60 depending on the style and brand you go for. Here’s a selection of leotards you can pick up:Domyos Women’s Crossed Strap Ballet Leotard: £12.99. Available in black or blue, sizes 6 to 16.Wear Moi Abbie: £20. Available in 17 colours, sizes XS to L.Wear Moi Ballerine: £29. Available in 11 colours, sizes XS to L.Ladies Kato Printed Mesh Back Sleeve Leotard: £33. Crew neck, zip fastening, floral back. Available in “Maple Print” or “Pacific Print”, sizes Petite to Large.Gaynor Minden Juliet: £39.50. Available in black, sizes XS to L.Temps Danse Combishort Majestic: £42. Available sizes XS to XL.If you prefer, you could go for a unitard, a full-body jumpsuit with long sleeves and covered legs. You can get decent unitards from between £30 and £60.Don’t hesitate to buy a few leotards so that you can change when your mood does.How Much Do Tights Cost?You can expect to pay between £10 and £30 for a pair of ballet tights. Keep in mind that you need to wash them after every class so you’ll want to go for quality rather than having to buy several pairs throughout the year. Ballet tights are important so you can't have them laddering at the slightest movement. (Source: fgmsp)Ballet tights need to be more resistant than everyday tights. You’ll need to go to a specialist shop for them as you don’t want them to ladder at the slightest movement. You should invest in at least two pairs of tights.There's a choice of between 5 types of tight:Footed tightsFootless tightsStirrup tightsConvertible tightsBody tightsHere’s a selection of tights to get you started. Here’s a selection of a few different styles:Domyos Women’s Ballet Tights: £3.99 from Decathlon. Available sizes XS to XL.Capezio Essentials Transition Tight: £7. Available in sizes SM/MED or L/XL.Capezio Essentials Stirrup Tight: £7. Available in sizes SM/MED or L/XL.Wear Moi DIV01 (footed tights): £9. Available sizes XS to L.Capezio Body Tight: £19. Available in sizes SM/MED or L/XL.You can choose dance tights according to taste.How Much Do Ballet Slippers Cost?Every dancer will need some ballet slippers when they first start doing ballet. You’ll have a few decisions to make: full sole, split sole, canvas, leather, etc. While pointe shoes are more expensive, you need to reach a certain level before you can even consider wearing them. (Source: lynnea)Depending on the type of sole and material you pick, you can pay between £15 and £50. On average, you’ll pay around £25 for a pair of ballet slippers that will go the distance.If you’re just starting, opt for full sole ballet slippers as they’ll give you better stability as you build strength in your heels.At Decathlon, you can get a pair of full sole ballet shoes for £5.99. You can get full sole ballet shoes from Repetto for £24. They’re in leather and go up to size 11.Once you’ve got a bit of experience, you can move up to full sole shoes:Split sole leather demi-pointes from Decathlon: £12.99. Up to size 6 ½.Dancez Vous Nina canvas split-sole ballet shoes: £11. Sizes 2 to 11.5.Wear Moi Vesta soft stretch canvas split-sole ballet slippers: £21. Sizes Children’s 6.5 to Adult’s 10.Make sure you’ve got some elastic to sew on over th e top of the shoe to help keep it on your feet. You can get this elastic from Decathlon for a couple of quid.Once you reach an advanced level, you can invest in some ballet pointes. A pair of pointe shoes that are suited to your foot and your level can set you back upwards of £50. Don’t buy second hand as pointe shoes will adjust to a dancer’s foot. SeamDance Teacher 4.96 (24) £25/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors JamieDance Teacher 5.00 (6) £50/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors ErickaDance Teacher 5.00 (1) £25/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors SamuelDance Teacher 5.00 (4) £100/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors FlavioDance Teacher 5.00 (7) £25/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors HakimDance Teacher 5.00 (5) £50/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors HannaDance Teacher 5.00 (4) £30/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors ClareDance Teacher £30/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutorsCost of the Whole OutfitNow that we’ve seen e verything you need, here’s the total cost:Leotard: £20 on average.Tights: £10 on average.Ballet slippers: £20 on average.This makes for a total of £50.Accessories and Other ItemsSometimes, you’ll need items and accessories that we didn’t mention previously. The leotard and tights aren’t for everyone even though they are essentially the ballet dancer uniform. Depending on your body type, you may feel more comfortable in less revealing clothing.  Don’t hesitate to look at ballet bottoms and leggings if you don’t feel comfortable. Aside from your outfit, there may be some other accessories still to buy. (Source: Skitterphoto)Perhaps you’d prefer to dance in a t-shirt?You can also get flowing dresses or long tunics. The possibilities are nearly endless!For decent dance leggings, expect to pay around £40.Tops can cost between £15 and £60.A suitable bra can cost around £20.A long tunic can cost around £50.Warm-Up ClothingIn winter, you might also want to invest in clothing to use whilst you warm up. This could include:Bloch Ladies Warm-Up Jumpsuit: £42.Capezio Legwarmers: £18.Domyos Wrap-Over Top: £5.99 at Decathlon.Repetto Warm-Up Boots: £49.Decathlon Women’s Stirrup Leg Warmers: £5.99.The possibilities are nearly endless! You can also get a jumper to keep warm as your muscles get ready.You may also need dancer’s makeup.Dance AccessoriesWhen it comes to dancing, there are a few accessories you need:Bags: you can find bags for all budgets depending on the brand and style.Hair accessories: pins, ne ts, bobbles, etc.Toe protectors if you get pointe shoes: silicone, foam, toe spacers, etc.A pouch for your ballet shoes or pointe shoes.Rosin for your pointe shoes.Tutu for your end-of-year show.Don’t hesitate to ask your dance teacher for what you need to buy for your ballet classes. Once you’ve got your leotard, tights, and ballet slippers, you’re pretty much ready to go.If you need more help with ballet, think about getting in touch with the talented and experienced tutors on Superprof. You can get either face-to-face tutorials, online tutorials, and group tutorials and since each comes with its pros and cons, make sure you carefully consider which one will work best for you, your preferred learning style, and your budget.Face-to-face tutorials tend to be more costly than the other types of tutorials but they're also the most cost-effective since you're getting a bespoke service with a personal tutor.Online tutorials are usually cheaper but aren't as effective when it comes to hands-on subjects like dancing. However, if you're on a budget or are struggling to find tutors in your local area, online tutors could save the day.Group tutorials are cheaper per person per hour since you're all sharing the cost of the tutor's time. If you and a few friends would like to learn how to dance, group tutorials could be the way to go. Furthermore, you won't always have to dance with the same person.Similarly, many of the tutors on Superprof offer the first hour of tutoring for free. Make use of these free hours to see if you get along with the tutor and whether or not they're right for you.

The Finals Week Survival Guide

The Finals Week Survival Guide With finals week already or almost upon us, you mightjust about be hitting your breaking point. Luckily, there are ways to avoid thisstressand emerge relatively unscathed from the week (believe it or not!). Youre in the homestretch of the semester make sure you finish it strongly with this finals week survival guide: Stay organized Gather all your materials from each class that youll have an exam in. This includes class notes, lecture handouts, worksheets, printed-out readings, assignments, and study guides. If youre going digital, put all documents and PDF files into one folder. Check your syllabus to make sure youre not missing anything, especially if you had any absences this term. By doing this, youll have all your resources in one place when you go to study. This is also a great time to make a schedule for your weeks ahead, on paper or digitally. Block out your exam times and project due dates, as well as other commitments during that week, to have a clear visual of when youre free for study time. [RELATED: Stress Management Tips for Busy Students] Prioritize your tasks according to your best hours Think about what times of day you work the best. Is it in the very early morning when no one else is awake? Late into the night after youve completed your day? In the afternoon before dinner? Make sure you schedule study time for the hours that youre the most on. If you have a mix of papers to do and exams to study for, you might also consider when in the day you write vs. read more easily. Consider the task at hand when planning for these specific hours. Vary your study techniques This can help prevent monotony and provide your brain with different ways to cement and access the information. If you generally just read and reread material, consider rewriting lecture notes or important concepts from the textbook. Make flashcards, which are great to take with you when youre on the go and whip out whenever you have a spare moment or two. You might also create diagrams, draw pictures, and make up mnemonic devices to help you retain information. Have some fun with it all! Bonus tip: A recent study in Science Magazineshowed that frequent testing practice helps decrease the negative effects of stress students often feel, so continually using practice testsis a reliable method to keep the study material fresh in your mindandto help you stay calm and collected during finals. Find a study group or study buddy Dont underestimate the power of this! Find someone in your class who is studying for the same test, join an already established group, or gather classmates for a group help session before the exam. Whichever way you decide, working with others is a great way to pool resources and share insights that can benefit everyone involved. Keep in mind, however, that working with someone else can also be distracting; set some guidelines for yourself to keep side conversations to a minimum. If you feel yourself getting too off track, it might be best to return to solo studying, or to switch groups. [RELATED: 6 Hacks to Make Finals Week Less Stressful] Seek out comfortable study spots You might already have favorite study spots: in your house, at your dorm, at your school, at your local library, or in the nearby coffee shop. There might be student centers with late hours that you could check out as well. Dont be afraid to switch up your study locations, too. Once youve worked in one place for awhile, you might need a change of scenery to keep your mind fresh! Schedule downtime Some students forget about this one amidst the chaos of finals week, but its just as important as the rest. Make sure to schedule breaks in between study sessions. They dont have to be very long; in fact, shorter, more frequent breaks are excellent for giving your mind and body a rest while still keeping you in study mode. It can be as simple as stretching, taking a walk, getting a snack, or trading a few texts with a friend. Treat your body well In addition to taking breaks, make sure you get enough rest and eat well. Try to sleep at least eight hours a night, if you can, and eat a balanced meal before your study sessions and your tests! This should help you recharge and not get burnt out during a long week of back-to-back exams. Finals week is inevitably tiring, but it can be less so if you use these tips. You might even want to think of a specific treat a meal out, a movie night, etc. to help you look forward to post-finals time and keep you motivated during the week. Break is nearer than you think! 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 Your Opinion On......

What Is Your Opinion On...... Giving Your Opinion In English Giving Your Opinion In EnglishGiving your opinion in English and any language is important. You can give an opinion on the taste of a sandwich, the color of someones hair or why you think that a person should be the next president of your country.One of the most controversial environmental topics recently has been about poaching. Poaching is when people illegally hunt or catch animals such as rhinos and elephants. This is often done because the animal has something valuable that can be sold for lots of money, like  ivory. Can you think of any other animals that are poached? Why? Let us know by writing in the  comment section so we can see how many different animals are poached around the world.Poaching can be a topic that people have very strong opinions about, which is why we are going to use it as an example for todays class. The video below will tell you a story about the African elephant, so go ahead and watch it.Listening for Opinions In EnglishThat was a difficult video to watc h. Here are some questions about the video. Can you answer the questions or fill in the blank? As always, write your comments below, and well respond!Elephants are one of the most ___________ creatures on this planet.and they are highly ___________, social beings.What is the largest land animal in your country? Can you tell us anything about this animal? Is it social or unsocial? What does it eat? Does this animal have any problems with humans, such as poaching?African elephants have been here for a million  and a half years, and now human intervention is literally changing the face of this incredible creature. In this sentence, what do you think the narrator means when she says that elephant faces have been changed by humans? Write your ideas below so we can see your interesting thoughts.Dr. Tammie Matson said that elephants are a keystone species, meaning they play a very important role in the natural environment. Can you name the two actions that elephants do in the wild that can  change the natural environment?Their ivory tusks are basically just large ____________, but for centuries theyve been used in _______, ornaments, jewelry, even _________ keys.Why do you think that the price of ivory is so high? Do you think a higher price will stop poaching or make more poaching happen?Forms Of Giving Your Opinion In EnglishNow that we have listened to the video, here are  the various ways to give, ask and summarize your opinion: Lets try and put these into practice.  Im going to ask you for your opinion on a topic. Can you write your opinion in the comment section below? Try to use an expression to state your opinion, and summarize using another one of the expressions from the table above.What do you think about poaching endangered animals such as elephants?Practice Giving Your Opinion In EnglishNow lets look at some current news topics. Below there are 3 pictures from current news events. First, think about what the picture could be about with the help of a clu e in the parenthesis  ( ), then write your opinion in the comment section below, using the expressions we looked at earlier.(United Airlines Passenger)2.(North Korean Missile)3.(Easter)Great work! Now we can make our opinion even more interesting by adding how much you agree or disagree with someone/something. Below you can see another table with expressions to show you how to reinforce your opinion.Can you think of something that you strongly agree with and something you strongly disagree with? Wed love to hear  your opinions!Now you can show people your opinions in English, which will allow you to engage in conversation about a variety of topics. We hope you enjoyed todays blog post. If you are interested in taking English classes with native English speakers, sign up today to book a trial class!

SAT Subject Test Prep What You Need to Know - Private Tutoring

SAT Subject Test Prep What You Need to Know Anna L Jul 15, 2019 Part of getting ready for applying to colleges includes taking several tests, and usually requires some SAT subject test prep as well. College applications can be stressful, and they can be made even more so by deciding which of the many tests you should take in order to give yourself the best shot at acceptance and success. To many, the SAT subject test may seem like just another to test to take and get worried about. However, SAT subject tests are a great way to show off your skills and strengths to potential colleges. That being said, they still require adequate preparation. Keep reading to find out how to sky rocket your SAT test prep to get the results your are looking for. SAT Subject Test Prep How to Get the Best Results The first step in your preparation is to actually choose your subjects. The SAT subject tests are the only national admissions tests that you get to choose which topics you will take â€" so it’s wise to select subjects that showcase your strengths. Check in with your guidance counselor and teachers for their advice, but also make sure to consider these three tips as well: Your interests â€" if you like something, you are generally pretty good at it. You are also likely to be prepared to spend time revising content and practicing questions on topics that you enjoy. College requirements â€" some colleges and courses will require you to have completed a specific SAT subject test. Make sure to check if any of your schools do have requirements and what they may be. Your classroom experience â€" if you have taken the subject and completed the recommended course work, you are far more likely to succeed when taking the subject test. Some schools even have part of the course time spent on covering the tests. You Might Also Be Interested In: How to Study for the New SAT at Home â€" In a Week to a Month The SAT subject tests are offered six times within the academic year, with the exception of Languages with Learning. This test can only be taken in November. The subject tests take place on the same days as the SAT, but not all subjects tests may be offered at every center on every date. Therefore, it is wise to do your research to find out exactly when your preferred subject tests are given and where its possible to take them. You can sit for up to three subject tests on any give day, but cannot sit the SAT and an SAT subject test on the same day. Getting confused? Basically, decide what subject tests are best for you, look at the test timetable, take into consideration when you’ll be sitting the SAT, and go from there. You can find more accurate information regarding dates here. How to Decide When to Take SAT Subject Tests Aside from any restrictions due to test availability, you totally have free choice as to when you can sit your SAT subject tests. Naturally, there are many factors to consider, so here are three tips: Take the test as soon as possible after you have completed the course and all the recommended work. This is because all the information is fresh in your mind, and you can get the test out of the way in order to focus on the many other tests you will need to take. The only exception here are languages. Thats not a test to take after one year of studying the language. Keep working on your language skills for a couple of years to really refine your understanding   in order to successfully take the test. Make sure you meet any application deadlines. Some colleges have different deadlines, especially if you are applying for early action. Do your research early to allow yourself time to prepare for the test, take it AND have the schools receive it before they review your application. Check you calendar! Work around existing commitments. Take into account any major sporting tournaments, other tests and general coursework, and even social engagements! Planning ahead is key to allowing yourself enough time, spread your workload across the whole year to avoid any unnecessary stress. The Best Subject Test Preparation Every student studies and learns differently, which means there is no ‘one size fits all’ model when it comes to test preparation. However, there are a few general hints and tips that seem to work for just about everybody. Here they are: Hire a tutor â€" if you’ve heard it once, you’ve heard it a thousand times! A tutor is an invaluable way to get the extra support, and sometimes motivation, you need to to succeed on a test. Find a qualified tutor that specializes in the SAT subject tests that you are sitting. Don’t be afraid to shop around to find one that suits both your learning style and your budget. For a comprehensive list of SAT subject   test tutors in your area, check out Private Tutoring at Home. Make the most of your textbooks â€" because the content covered in the SAT subject tests is based on the content covered in your high school courses, you can easily use your existing textbooks to review. This is a good way to save money as you don’t have to buy extra any extra resources. Understand the format and topics covered in each test â€" your tutor will be able to help you here, but you can also check out information on each subject that you are considering Use an SAT subject test prep book â€" when working on your own, using an SAT subject test prep book provides an easy-to-use and cost-effective resource. They are most suited to students who are motivated and can work independently. So make sure that you are up for the independent study and will put the time in that’s needed for the exam preparation. To get the most out of test prep books, you need to be prepared to go through your answers and figure out where you went wrong. This can be tricky to do on your own, so it is best to use the books in conjunction with a tutor. Complete as many practice tests or quizzes as you can â€" These are one of the best ways to really understand the format and style of questions asked. They can provide some of the best SAT subject test preparation, but only when used properly. If you simply complete the test (in timed conditions, of course) you will only marginally improve your results. You need to go through your answers carefully in order to understand where you went wrong and how to improve next time. Some independent learners can do this, others may need the use if a teacher or tutor to really thrive. Preparing for, and sitting, the SAT subject tests should now be a breeze! Use these hints and tips and success is all yours! Find the Best Private Tutors At Reasonable Rates - Get Real Results Fast! Choose Your Subject - Add Your Zip Code - Find Top Rated Tutors Today InPerson or Online Online InPerson