What is it Like to Attend Williams College

What is it Like to Attend Williams College The tutors behind Varsity Tutors are not just here to teach theyre sharing their college experiences as well. Clare is New York City tutor specializing in SAT prep tutoring,ACT prep tutoring, Reading tutoring,Writing tutoring, and Spanish tutoring. She graduated from Williams College in 2011 where she studied Spanish and Art History. See what she had to say about her alma mater: VT: Describe the campus setting and transportation options.How urban or safe is the campus?Are there buses or do you need a car/bike? Clare: Williams College is located in an amazingly beautiful little town nestled in the Berkshires. You certainly do not need a car, there is a bus to nearby towns, and the Peter Pan Bus service can get you to New York City and Albany. VT: How available are the professors, academic advisers, and teaching assistants? Clare:Professors at Williams are there to teach undergraduates, pure and simple. I had life changing experiences with professors who invited me over to their homes, helped me to get jobs, and guided me to what I wanted to do with my life. VT: How would you describe the dorm life rooms, dining options, location, socialization opportunities with other students? Clare:Williams has an incredible first year housing arrangement called the entry system. Each entry is approximately 20-25 first-years who are designed to be a cross section of the freshman class. They are diverse not only racially, but financially, geographically, and in terms of interest. Each entry is led by two junior advisors, one male and one female, who have committed to live with freshmen for the full year. They are not compensated in any way, but because of the richness of the program, there is fierce competition to become a junior advisor. JAs love to give of themselves to make sure each first year at Williams is supported. Beyond freshman year, most students live on campus and are allowed to choose with whom they live. Roughly two-thirds of upperclassmen have singles, and the housing options are varied and all very nice. Seniors have the option to live off-campus (which in reality is in the center of campus, Spring Street) or in co-ops, college-owned autonomous housing. VT: Which majors/programs are best represented and supported?What did you study and why? Did the university do a good job supporting your particular area of study? Clare:Williams has legendary liberal arts and science programs. Because the student body is small and the endowment is large, students have incredible opportunities for research and exploration. I studied Art History at Williams, which might be the best place in the country to study Art History. There is a storied past of Williams professors and alumnae being utterly central to the arts in the United States. Scholarship and intern opportunities were abundant, and I learned a huge amount. VT: How easy or difficult was it for you to meet people and make friends as a freshman? Does Greek life play a significant role in the campus social life? Clare:There is no Greek life at Williams, which is ideal for most students there. Its a small student body, but the entry system, extracurricular activities, and sports all help to create micro-communities. Overall, the effect is that students at Williams feel comfortable and included in whichever circle they find themselves in. VT: How helpful is the Career Centerand other student support services?Do many reputable companies recruit on campus? Clare:I am still getting advice and help from the Career Center! The staff is really well-connected and helpful, and lots of amazing companies (Bain, McKinsey, Teach for America, Goldman Sachs, etc.) recruit on campus. VT: How are the various study areas such aslibraries, student union, and dorm lounges? Are they over-crowded, easily available, spacious? Clare:The facilities at Williams are really spacious and lovely. The library is currently being replaced by an amazing, eco-friendly new building, and the academic buildings and student center have lots of comfortable study nooks, group rooms, and couches. Dorm lounges are abundant (at least one on every section of the floor) and most buildings have really beautiful views of the mountains. VT: Describe the surrounding town. What kinds of outside establishments / things to do are there that make it fun, boring, or somewhere in between?To what extent do students go to the downtown area of the city versus staying near campus? Clare:Williamstown is a naturally breathtaking place. They call it the Purple Valley because when the sun sets on the mountains, they look purple. Over the decades it has become an arts and cultural hub of Massachusetts, home to the Clark Art Institute, Williamstown Theater Festival, and very close to Tanglewood, MassMOCA, Edith Whartons home, the Rockwell Museum, Jacobs Pillow, and much more. Even if youll live in a city for the rest of your life, I think Williamstown is the ideal place to spend four years. The college would never bring 2,000 students to northwest Massachusetts and expect them to fend for themselves in terms of fun. There is always so much to do on campus that its difficult to find time for it all! The school brings comedians, bands, ensembles, dance groups, and plays to campus, and theres always a ton of college sports games, theater shows, and concerts to see. VT: How big or small is the student body? Were you generally pleased or displeased with the typical class sizes? Clare:Class size is a strength of Williams College. Aside from Intro lectures, most classes will be under 20 and then once you are a junior or senior, classes often shrink to 8-12 people. You get an incredible chance to learn from your fellow students and get personal attention from professors. VT: Describe one memorable experience with a professor and/or class. Perhaps one you loved the most or one youregretthe most. Clare:Williams is one of the only schools in the U.S. to have such a huge tutorial program, adapted from that of Oxford and Cambridge Universities. In every single department, there are multiple course offerings every semester that consist of two students and a professor. Each week, both students read a great deal (sometimes 200-300 pages) and one student will write a paper based on a prompt. The other student will respond to that paper, and then during the weekly class meeting (which is usually 2 hours), the two students will engage with the material and with the professor directly. It puts the onus of education on the students, and these kinds of classes are available at every level, from freshman spring to senior spring. My favorite tutorial was on violence and atrocity in Latin American literature. We discussed the effect of los conquistadores, wars, dictatorships, and genocide on the development of Latin American culture and literature. We read primary documents, poems, novels, and satire. We discussed the trends of trauma in literature, all in Spanish, and were able to guide the direction of conversation. Check out Clares tutoring profile. The views expressed in this article do not necessarily represent the views of Varsity Tutors.

Muay Thai Clubs in London

Muay Thai Clubs in London Finding the Best Muay Thai Clubs in London ChaptersA Brief Explanation of Muay ThaiThe London Fight FactoryDiesel GymUrban KingsOur capital city has a well-deserved reputation as a global city: one open to the world and a leader in finance and commerce, in the tech sector and in culture.If you were looking for a night at the theatre, you would have your pick of them. If you wanted a unique dining experience, you are spoilt for choice. For pomp, you can witness the changing of the guard or tour any number of historic sites.You might take in a court case or a debate at Parliament, for that matter.At the risk of sounding like a travel brochure, London does indeed have it all.What about sports? Need you ask?London is the only city to have hosted the Summer Olympics three times â€" granted, that is a statistic that doesn’t necessarily speak to Londoners’ love of sports but it is remarkable.Like the rest of the country, we are mad for football; five of our clubs are in the Premier League. Those are not the only football clubs t hat call London home, either. And we also have two rugby teams and two Test cricket teams.People come from all over the world to run the London Marathon and to watch history being made at Wimbledon. As a global city, London has something for everyone, even Muay Thai boxing Image by David Mark from PixabayPerhaps it is precisely because London is so very sporty that combat sports hardly get a mention.Boxing â€" from bare-knuckle fighting to Savate, the French style of boxing named after old shoes; Mixed Martial Arts and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu all get their turn to shine in London arenas, though perhaps not as brightly as the more popular sports.Maybe it’s because they are not as well-known. Or perhaps it could be because of the rigorous training involved; indeed, being a martial artist is a lifestyle, not something athletes do when called upon.With a new year about to dawn, maybe you would investigate a centuries-old fighting style that is rapidly gaining traction in combat sports circles.Perhaps you would like to become a Muay Thai fighter.To get you started, we toured Muay Thai clubs in and around London; now we bring you the best ones. AndreyBoxing Teacher 5.00 (1) £35/h1st l esson free!Discover all our tutors KostiaBoxing Teacher 5.00 (1) £17/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors LeeBoxing Teacher £17/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors SajBoxing Teacher 5.00 (1) £20/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors KaranBoxing Teacher £15/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors ThomasBoxing Teacher £20/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors HaileyBoxing Teacher 4.50 (2) £50/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors DavidBoxing Teacher £20/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutorsA Brief Explanation of Muay ThaiIf you are new to combat sports or have never heard of Muay Thai, or know only vaguely that it is some sort of martial arts fighting, you may need a bit more information about it before deciding it is something you may want to engage in.Today, Muay Thai is the national sport of Thailand but, for centuries, it was how the Thai military fought wars.Muay Boran, an umbrella term that encompasses Muay Thai fighting, was a fighting tactic use d in warfare but it was also a form of entertainment. Fighters would face off in temples, generally for festivals and other celebrations.The Thai word ‘muay’ literally means boxer, making the translation of Muay Thai Thai boxing. As a Briton interested in becoming a Muay Thai fighter, you would be designated ‘nac muay farang’, literally ‘foreign boxer’.You cannot be ‘nac muay’ unless you are ethnically Thai. In Thailand, fighters learn Muay Thai techniques at an early age Image by Sasin Tipchai from PixabayMuay Thai is called the Art of Eight Limbs because, as opposed to western styles of boxing that only employ fists as strike points, it permits fists and feet, elbows and knees; eight strike points.Besides kicking, Muay Thai differs from other styles of boxing in other ways. Clinching, prohibited in other combat sports is a ‘legal’ tactic in Muay Thai bouts, as is grappling.Furthermore, the shin is generally used for kicking while the feet are used more as a defensive measure, to push your opponent away. Elbow and knee strikes are particularly dangerous moves both because they are made with hardier body parts and because they can be especially forceful when delivered with the body’s full momentum.A spinning elbow strike is an excellent case in point.To deliver such a blow, the fighter steps into his opponent, pivoting so that his side faces the other fighter. He then finishes the pivot, driving his elbow into the opponent’s ribcage, abdomen or nose.If you can imagine a roundhouse kick with a pointed elbow connecting rather than a foot or a shin, you have the right idea.Other strikes include:Mid-air elbow strike: the fighter leaps up, landing his elbow on the crown of his opponent’s head.Axe heel kick: the fighter kicks his leg up high; on the down-swing, his heel hits his opponent’s head or shoulder.Curving knee kick: same as a roundhouse kick but the knee connects with the ribs rather than the footFlying knee: imagine kneeing someone with force added by a leap upwards.This move can be intensified by holding your opponent in a bent-over position.Knee slap: a good move if your opponent is grappling you; hit him with the inside of your knee.Swan neck: one arm is draped over your opponent’s neck in preparation for a knee strikeYou might think, by these descriptions, that Muay Thai is a particularly brutal combat sport. To an extent, you are right; the d iscipline started as a series of hand to hand combat techniques.The trick is to avoid these strikes while landing blows yourself. That calls for a fair measure of strategy as well as being in peak physical form.Getting in shape is why most Thai boxers in Birmingham practise this martial art; something you too will do once you start your training.Now we will take you on a tour of London's best gyms and clubs for learning Muay Thai.The London Fight FactoryClose to the Old Street roundabout is one of the city’s most popular mixed martial arts gym.There, you will find a wide array of martial arts disciplines to choose from besides Muay Thai: MMA, wrestling, sambo and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu among them.The trainers here are experienced martial artists; Muay Thai coach Nick Forrer is himself an experienced fighter.What we really like about this facility is that they expect you to be totally committed to your art, whether you are learning for self-defense or to compete.Of course, there is pl enty more to like, such as their facility with its matted floors, its full array of heavy bags to work on your kicks and punches; the Thai pads and focus mitts to work on your aim and their strength training area, complete with frames and weights.Finally, we love that they offer a free trial session; we couldn’t find a Muay Thai club in Cardiff that offered the same. A major part of your training as a Muay Thai fighter involves working the heavy bag Image by Khusen Rustamov from PixabayDiesel GymIf you have the impression that Muay Thai is a males-only discipline; this club should disabuse you of that notion: not only does Diesel Gym eagerly welcome female fighters, one of their Muay Thai coaches is two-time world champion Amanda Kelly.Diesel Gym recently relocated to a brand new venue in East London, on Dockside Road, in Royal Albert Docks; that means that everything is brand new and squeaky clean â€" or, at least, in good condition.There, you will find everything you need to train as a Muay Thai fighter, from pads and Muay Thai gloves to heavy bags and skipping ropes to get your heart rate up.You may join your coach or fellow martial artists in the ring for a vigorous bout of sparring or simply watch as others as they engage in fights.We really like that there are Ladies Only Muay Thai classes, as well as classes for every level from beginner t hrough professional fighters.Belfast Muay Thai clubs also have some pretty advanced fighters…Cliff Bura joins Amanda Kelly in coaching, adding his more-than 25 years of experience as an international fighter to her championship record, making them one of the most experienced coaching duos in the country.Add that to their exceedingly reasonable rate of £10 per lesson, and… I wish there were a Muay Thai club near me what had that combination!Urban KingsIf you want more than guts and glory out of your time at the gym, this is the club for you. They have a sauna and a juice bar, a massage suite and nutritional coaching on demand.Still, this is no glitzy franchise gym that wants your membership but delivers little in return. Urban Kings has much to offer once you get past that juice bar.Naturally, we are most interested in Muay Thai but here, you may touch of a variety of disciplines, from kickboxing and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu to yoga and strength training.The coaches at Urban Kings ar e all experienced Thai boxers â€" at least, those who train in Thai boxing, and they welcome every age and level of fighter.They offer a variety of membership packages including an unlimited joint membership for £126 per month, per person. If that seems a bit steep, you might consider their individual membership plan; £85 per month buys you unlimited access during off-peak hours.Try as we might, we couldn’t find such a generous membership plan at Muay Thai clubs in Manchester!Naturally, these are not the only gyms in London where you might practise Muay Thai but they are highly rated among fighters and trainees.If you know of a Muay Thai club that deserves mention, why not let us know in the comments below?Now discover Muay Thai clubs in Glasgow that could give London clubs a run for their money…

Write a Paper Help

Write a Paper Help Writing a good paper is a tough task for many students. There are many kinds of papers to write in English. For example thesis paper, research paper, journals and many more. Depending on the type of the Paper the writing is should be developed. For example in a Research paper of a given topic it is expected to gather enough reliable information and describe the topic accordingly. Data, articles used in the research paper should be recited. Having a rough draft for any paper helps to construct a good writing. For a presentable writing the content is very important. The students should use their ideas and creativity to present an impressive writing. Here are the steps to write any writing assignment. These steps should provide an idea and guideline to present a good writing. Introduction is very crucial for any writing. The student can use relevant quotes sometimes to start the paper. The introduction of the paper discusses about the outline of the assignment. The introduction should be presented very carefully as the whole writing is constructed on its basis. Then the main body of the assignment. There can be required number of paragraphs depending on the content. The paragraphs can contain different thoughts and ideas to elaborate the paper. The paragraphs can also contain some relevant examples and some good research content. The last step is the conclusion of the paper. Its very important to conclude meaningfully. The conclusion of the writing gives the summary of the topic. A well written paper shows the students skill in English.

The Best Time to Go to Kyoto

The Best Time to Go to Kyoto The Best Trip Length for a Visit to Traditional Nippon ChaptersWhat to Avoid When Vacationing in KyotoThe Best Season to Visit Kyoto: SpringA Couple Days in the City of a Thousand TemplesGet to Know the Picturesque City of the Japanese ArchipelagoFar from the infamous modernity encapsulated in Tokyo, the capital of Japan, or the neighbouring Osaka, Kyoto city is a sanctuary dedicated to keeping traditional Japanese culture intact. Visitors from around the globe chose to visit Kyoto every year because of its important world heritage and more.Whether you’re travelling on the Shinkansen from another city in the Kansai region or you just landed at Narita airport - getting to the ancient capital can be fast and cheap. Figuring out how to get to Kyoto station is the easy part - figuring out what to do for a weekend or more can be a bit more difficult.Whether it’s a tea ceremony, onsen, shrine or Buddhist temple - Kyoto is full of experiences you don’t want to miss, including many traditional experiences like Kabuki with modern twists. Su perprof invites you to discover the best times to visit Kyoto as well as how long you should stay in the capital of the pagoda, geisha and more!While a lot colder, visiting Japan in the winter can give you access to seeing more snow monkeys! NanaJapanese Teacher 5.00 (3) £30/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors EllyJapanese Teacher 5.00 (1) £20/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors MomokoJapanese Teacher £20/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors MelanieJapanese Teacher £14/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors YukoJapanese Teacher 5.00 (3) £25/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors JamesJapanese Teacher 5.00 (5) £20/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors PippaJapanese Teacher £15/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors MarikoJapanese Teacher £25/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutorsWhat to Avoid When Vacationing in KyotoHome to Lake Biwa, Kyoto University and the Imperial Palace - Kyoto, Japan is one of the first stops on many a visit to Japan. From the Heian to the Edo period, Kyoto’s history is one of the many great reasons why it is a favourite for the seasoned and amateur traveller alike. Choosing what season to go, then, is an essential part of deciding when to vacation in Kyoto.In order to get the most out of the heritage sites and cultural activities in Kyoto, choosing the best season for you is essential. While climbing up the Fushimi Inari shrine in the Fushimi prefecture, visiting the Kinkakuji shrine or wandering around Nijo castle can be beautiful in the winter and summer - these periods often correspond with national school or work holidays. Meaning, your climb to Fushimi Inari Taisha or visit to Kinkaku will probably involve elbowing your way through crowds of tourists.While visiting the Fushimi Inari shrine and other UNESCO world heritage monuments and areas can be beautiful in the winter, reading any Japan travel guide will tell you that the temperature in the major cities from December to the beginning of Apr il can hover around 0 degrees Celsius.Because of its location, surrounded by mountains, Kyoto can also experience high wind speeds as well as low sunlight during the wintertime. If you’re interested in visiting everything from Inari shrines to the infamous Kyoto tower, you may want to consider how comfortable you normally are sight-seeing during the winter.Summer can also be a brutal season to visit the city. Not only will the city’s most beautiful locations be full of tourists - such as Kyoto Imperial Palace or Arashiyama - but temperatures can soar up to 33 degrees Celsius. On top of that, summer storms and gruelling heat are enough to make you want to pass up those world heritage sites for a Norwegian fjord.Both seasons are also notoriously expensive in terms flying into Japan. While your main concern might be finding the best hotel Kyoto has to offer, figuring out how to get to Taisha on the city bus or finding the best Ryokan at your budget - make it a priority to go throug h the pros and cons of visiting during the summer and winter.The Best Season to Visit Kyoto: SpringAs with everything, Spring is once again the best season of the year to visit Kyoto, regardless of whether you’re there to learn about Shinto religion, the Heian period or more. The months of April, May and June are absolutely perfect for visiting Kyoto under optimal conditions. With average temperatures from 12 °C to 24 °C in April to June as well as a light breeze to cool off in the event of a heat stroke, the climate is very pleasant!The only small disadvantage of visiting in the Spring is the rainfall, which increases to reach its peak in June. We therefore advise you to go to Kyoto and visit the old Japanese capital in May. The influx of tourists is quite significant in May, but less than in April, the Hanami period (the flowering of the cherry trees).If you absolutely want to see the cherry blossoms, the Sakura, then you absolutely must go in April. In fact, this period is very short (end of March, beginning of April) and thousands of tourists come just to see these magnificent trees. Countless poems have been written about the ephemeral nature and beauty these trees inspire in those that have the fortune to see them. Make sure to reserve your accommodation in Kyoto quickly as possible!One of the best things about visiting Kyoto during the Spring is also getting the chance to take part in the numerous festivals that take place during the season. Whether it be at a Zen temple, Shinto shrine, UNESCO site or at the market - you’ll be able to feel the festive spirit of Spring regardless of what you do. Check out the Matsuri festival if you’re interested in learning more!Autumn is also a great season for taking a tour of Kyoto. Whether it be because it’s a quick bullet train ride from Kansai airport or because you want to visit the infamous Nishiki market - taking in the beauty of Kyoto during the fall can be a rewarding experience.If you’re hesitating on whether or not to buy those tickets to Kyoto in October - it may be one of the best months of the year to visit! With an average temperature of 17 degrees Celsius and with less rain than in September, you’ll also get the added benefit of being able to visit your favourite world heritage site or restaurant without all the crowds!Kyoto is the perfect location to visit countless other Japanese cities!A Couple Days in the City of a Thousand TemplesDepending on what kind of traveller you are, visiting Japan may involve a lot of preparation. From getting some Yen and figuring out where to buy the perfect souvenir kimono to fitting in Mount Fuji or Japanese cities into your itinerary - traveling to Kyoto might take more than just getting a Japan rail pass.If you’re planning on staying in Kyoto for two to three days, make sure you plan your itinerary as carefully as you can in order to see all the sites on your bucket list. Three days is the recommended amount of time to stay in the city, which will allow you to get the most out of Shogun, Meiji and Kyoto history and culture.Here is an example of what you’ll be able to include in your itinerary you can take if you’re staying two to three days in the city:Fushimi InariKannon war memorialKiyomizu templeWander in the centre of KyotoNishiki marketThe Gion districtThe bamboo forest in the northKitano TenmanguThe higashi districtIf you have a rail pass, known as the JR pass, you’ll be able to take advantage of the JR west and more if you’re planning on either staying in Kyoto for a week or continue travelling through Japan from Kyoto. Apart from the Japan rail, you can of course travel to other Japanese cities through Itami (Osaka) Airport or Kansai international airport.If you’re traveling by train, know that besides the shinkansen there are also Kintetsu and Hankyo railway companies. Some of the cities you’ll be able to easily visit from Kyoto are:KimejiHiroshimaHokkaidoHakoneKanazawaMiyajimaNagoyaKura maOne of the best pieces of advice you can take for planning your trip to Kyoto is allowing yourself time to wander the many districts of the city and appreciate Japanese style, architecture and cuisine. Who knows, you might just stumble into a rock garden, park or Japanese garden!Taking a walk through the historical streets of Kyoto will be an unforgettable experienceGet to Know the Picturesque City of the Japanese ArchipelagoWhether you want to experience sleeping on a tatami, have enough time before you fly out again from Narita or have one more UNESCO world heritage site you’d like to visit - staying in Kyoto from 4 days to a couple weeks can be a perfect way to get to know the city like a local.There are many different cultural activities to take part in during your stay in the ancient capital. Here are some of the experiences you can take engage in if your stay is for 5 days or more:Strolling along the Philosophers' Path,Visit Nijo-jo Castle and its gardens,Go up to the top of the Tokyo Tower to get a view of the city,Visit Arashiyama: the bamboo grove and monkey park of Iwatayama,Taste Kyoto's specialities at the Nishiki market,Learn about the history of the city at the Kyoto National Museum,Attend a Noh theatre show in Gion,Admire the Kinkaku-ji, the Golden Pavilion

Listening Exercise Practice Those Pesky Prepositions

Listening Exercise Practice Those Pesky Prepositions The other day, I was speaking with a student about what makes prepositions so difficult.  First of all, there are just too many!  Second, English learners very commonly substitute or omit them.  Some of you might agree that you understand prepositions during an English lesson, but when it comes to real-world situations, you forget which ones to use.  The best  way to improve this is  to practice, practice, and practice some more.  So, in todays lesson well do just that.I came across this viral video  the other day.  Some of you may have seen the show, American Ninja Warrior.  On this  show, contestants must complete a ridiculous obstacle course in order to qualify for the final round  in Las Vegas and hopefully win the $500,000 prize.  In this video, a father creates a similar obstacle course for his young daughter in their backyard.  Listen closely to his commentary, and fill in all the missing prepositions.  Write your answers in the comments section below!Welcome __ Amer ica Ninja Warrior Denver City FinalsShes ready to go __ 3, 2, 1Shes making short work of it.  __ __ the fourth one, _______ __ the fifth oneLook at that, no hands!  Alright, and __ __ the balance beamAnd now __ __ a new obstacle, the teeter logWhoa!  Almost falls ___ there, now __ __ the cargo climbVery quickly __  the cargo climb, __  __ the top, ____ the log, crosses ____ the first shed, _______ the grocery cart conference tableAlright, now shes __ her way ____  the second shed __ the roof, __ __ the platform, ______ the bridge and __ __ the zip lineOne-handed ____ the water bottles and she makes it, no problemNow, __ __ the hanging steps __ Christmas tree cornerShes working her way _______ this very tough sectionWhoa!  Almost falls ___ there!Now, shes __ her way __ the warped wallYes!  Shes made it __ the warped wall!  3:23 and shes __ her way __ Vegas!Would you like more practice?  Book a free 25 minute class  with LOI today!  Cant wait until class?  Here are some helpf ul posts from LOI instructors about prepositions:To and for  (video and exercise)In, at, on  (video and exercise)In a Book, On the Internet  Learn Prepositions With Thriller and This is Halloween  Prepositions and the Worlds Largest Graffiti Tag

Numbered Diagram of Virtual Writing Tutor Features

Numbered Diagram of Virtual Writing Tutor Features Feature List (The numbers below correspond to the numbers on the image above.) Click on the logo to return to the main page. Update your password, newsletter subscription status. Create a free account and login. For added convenience, you stay logged in until you logout. Use speech recognition for hands free operation or to check your pronunciation. (Explainer video) Hear how your text is pronounced with text-to-speech. Download your text as a text-to-speech MP3 file. Download your text as a .doc file. Count your words: there is no limit to the number of words you can count. Check your spelling. Check for grammar, punctuation and contextual spelling errors. Check your vocabulary: check for academic conversational vocabulary, cliches and power words, field-related vocabulary (Explainer video), or target structures. Check your paraphrase against the original to avoid plagiarism. (Explainer video) Clear the textarea. Look up words in the Cambridge Dictionary. Create essay outlines. Retrieve past feedback, links to practice exercises, and PDFs of feedback you sent to someone else. Print your text and feedback. Practice correcting errors with one of two games: Correct 1000 random errors or Correct your own errors (Explainer video). Feel free to  contact me  by email, find me on  Facebook  or subscribe to my  blog. Please follow and like us:

To all those who received A-level and other exam results - WELL DONE!

To all those who received A-level and other exam results - WELL DONE! '...I would highly recommend Greg as a tutor. THE A-LEVEL RESULTS ARE IN! Lara's place at Exeter University is now confirmed! Her English grade went up from a B to an A* and her Classics grade went up from a C to a B! A huge thank you, Greg, for all you have done in helping her to achieve this! She is over the moon.' Greg, English tutor. Just one of the many positive comments we were delighted to receive this morning as students received their grades and thanked the tutors who helped them along the way. Everyone who has sat through their A-Levels, Highers, or equivalent exams know the feeling that precedes discovering your results, and the elation or sinking disappointment that follows. We would like to send our congratulations to all those who have received their exam results this month, no matter what results were, because whether it was A*'s from top to bottom, or marks that were well below what was expected, you have reached a milestone which should be celebrated, and what really matters now is how you use your marks to get where you want to be in life. For those who received excellent grades this may have solidified a long awaited place at university, and we wish you luck with the next stage in your academic lives. For the others, why not find inspiration in those who achieved success despite exam marks. Jon Snow, for example - who many will know from the Channel 4 News and a number of other television programs - did not achieve sufficient marks to enter university on his first attempt. It was only after re-taking A levels at college and volunteering for a time in Uganda he was accepted at University. The recent hike in tuition fees may also have put many off from applying to their first choice university, as the financial commitment is simply too intimidating. For these individuals, why not look abroad? European universities not only often run courses in English, but organisations such as the ERASMUS Programme offer funding to UK students. Should you have decided university isn't for you the future can still hold many possibilities. Coco Chanel never attended university, but through her own determination and practical skills created a business empire and has become a fashion idol. Karen Brady and Sir Richard Branson also never attended university but are now amongst the most respected business minds in the UK. So, once again, we extend a big well done to everyone who received their results. We wish you the very best of luck in whatever the future will bring, and all the lessons and challenges life after secondary school may deliver.

Teach Away Telegram - September 2011

Teach Away Telegram - September 2011 In the September issue of the Teach Away Telegram, we celebrate the upcoming World Teachers' Day! We also examine the professional development options available to teachers overseas, and consider whether or not it's wise to bring a pet with you when teaching abroad.We hope you're having a great month, and we hope to hear from you soon!Happy reading! - The Teach Away TeamIn this issue:World Teachers' DayTeaching Overseas and Professional DevelopmentTaking Your Pets OverseasWorld Teachers' DayOctober 5, 2011 marks the 18th year of World Teachers’ Day. This day, organized by Education International (EI) and recognized by UNESCO, aims to support both teachers and students to ensure future generations benefit from the best education possible. Every year, EI promotes public awareness campaigns that stress valuable contributions made by teachers, while also encouraging international standards for the teaching profession. This year, their focus is on gender equality for teachers.Inequality is an issue that needs to be acknowledged by both female and male teachers. Some teachers in Western countries may not be fully aware of equality in the workplace in non-Western countries. Countries, like the UAE, have gender-segregated schools, where teachers are also segregated into the appropriate school. As well, some countries in Asia hold male teachers in higher regard than female educators. Of course, much of this is culturally fuelled, and imposing change has to be done delicately and respectfully.Teach Away prepares and informs its teachers as much as possible about such cultural differences prior to teachers' departure to work overseas. Whether it is how gender roles are viewed within the workplace in a particular country, or how students are segregated, Teach Away recognizes that not all of its departing teachers are familiar with these differences. For more information on such differences in a particular country, it’s best to conduct some research using resources such as Teach Away’s staff, or the Teach Away Facebook page.The World Teachers' Day website is another valuable resource. Although connected with numerous international teacher organizations, the day is yet to be officially recognized and celebrated around the world. Currently, over 100 countries observe World Teachers’ Day, and we would like to wish you a happy World Teachers' Day, no matter where you teach.Teaching Overseas and Professional DevelopmentProfessional development is an important part of a career in education. Having the opportunity to learn about the latest educational research findings, reflect on one’s practice, and broaden one’s repertoire of teaching techniques is imperative for successful educators.When taking on an international teaching position, teachers still have plenty of options for keeping up their PD:1. Resources and Events Offered by the EmployerWhether you are teaching in a public school setting, a private international school, or in a private lang uage school, many employers are offering professional development options to their staff in order to encourage effective teaching practice. Some schools offer PD days, similar to PD programs delivered by many school boards and districts in Western countries. Other schools will offer the opportunity to enrol in ongoing teacher training sessions or periodic seminars, offered outside of classroom hours.2. Online ResourcesFor licensed/certified teachers, there are options for taking more teacher training courses online in order to obtain more qualifications or upgrade existing certifications. Other great online resources include signing up for educational newsletters, joining online communities geared towards sharing resources and ideas, and subscribing to professional development mailing lists.3. Reflective PracticeReflecting on one’s teaching is a crucial part of improving and growing as an educator. Not only is it important to make time for reflection, but teachers working in a new location, unfamiliar school setting, or in a new role should document their time abroad for future reflection. Teaching abroad gives teachers first-hand experience with other cultures and traditions, allowing teachers professional and personal growth that will enrich their teaching abilities.  Taking Your Pets OverseasA common question for teachers going overseas is whether or not they are able to bring pets with them. Since pets are often considered a part of the family, many teachers are eager to bring Barkley or Mr. Whiskers along with them to the country where they will be living and teaching for the next 1-2 years. But is it wise to bring your animal companions with you?Teach Away encourages teachers going overseas to carefully consider a few factors when thinking about bringing a pet overseas. The first factor is cost â€" transporting a pet overseas and meeting all of the customs regulations (which can include updating shots, multiple vet visits, and quarantining your pet) ca n be quite expensive, depending on each country’s specific requirements for bringing a pet with you.The second factor is time, and your pet’s health â€" since many countries require that your pet be quarantined, and since long-distance travel can be anxiety-inducing for animals, putting a pet through the process of traveling and subsequently being separated from you can be very difficult.Finally, an important factor to consider is the availability of pet services where you will be living. While vets and pet supply stores might be common in North America, the UK, Australia and New Zealand, finding dog food or cat litter can be a challenge all its own for teachers in China or Malaysia. Finding the proper supplies and care for your pet might be very difficult, and if you are transporting a dog to an extremely hot climate (i.e. the Middle East), you will want to be sure you have the resources necessary to keep your pet healthy.Teach Away strongly advises that teachers find a trusted friend or family member to watch over their pets while they are teaching overseas, for the health of the animal, and for the well-being of everyone involved.