Friday, March 27, 2020

Summer Tutoring Jobs Is Plenty

Summer Tutoring Jobs Is PlentySummer tutoring jobs are plentiful, especially in the busy and energetic summer months when students need extra help studying and preparing for their exams. If you want to add to your resume as a valuable summer associate and want to work around the schedule of a busy teacher, tutoring is the perfect way to do it.Many regular summers are done with the assistance of a tutor, whether it is to help students with a particular subject or just helping with making extra copies of papers that need to be prepared. Not only is it a more convenient way to spend one's time, but students also appreciate having someone to turn to when it comes to something as important as a test. If you can put up with a lot of overtime and be flexible with scheduling, a summer associate position is an excellent way to make money.Summer tutoring is especially popular among students who are going to college for the first time. Students must have some sort of academic background before they begin college because all universities require that students be able to give satisfactory academic performance in college. This is even more important in the case of those who plan to study in colleges that are highly competitive and have high expectations, like the Ivy League.There are even many universities that require admission into the most competitive schools, such as Harvard and Yale, which require applicants to complete advanced math courses as well as English. Most students find themselves in this situation as part of their admissions requirements, which also includes a stellar GPA and high test scores.When applying for summer associate positions, the admissions officers look at the applicant's resume and interview them to determine their motivation and readiness to study. Once they decide whether you meet the requirements, they will invite you to apply for an appointment in their office for a face-to-face interview, or sometimes they will mail your application to you so that you can fill it out and send it back.The one drawback of the summer job is that there is no guarantee that you will be hired, especially if you are doing very badly in the interviews. It is difficult to know whether a student who has such low scores on the SAT or ACT is worth hiring because there are a number of factors that go into the decision, including test scores, personal qualities, previous experience, school grades, etc.However, tutoring can prove to be rewarding and can also help you get a head start on a new career. If you are searching for a way to make money during the summer, a summer associate position can be just the thing you need.

Friday, March 6, 2020

How to Ace the ACT Writing Section

How to Ace the ACT Writing Section ACT SAT Prep and College Admissions Blog Writing an essay in 40 minutes can be a daunting task. The ACT graders expect you to write a well-developed, coherent essay about a topic that you may not be familiar with. However, knowing more about the ACT Writing section, and what graders are looking for can help you to prepare for this task effectively. The ACT Writing section is graded on the following four parameters: Ideas and Analysis Development and Support Organization Language Use and Conventions Ideas and Analysis: Scores under this parameter are based on your ability to produce relevant and engaging arguments on a specified issue. By writing about the issue at hand, you communicate to the ACT graders that you understand the issue that you have been asked to address. Tip: Rephrasing the prompt in your own words, and making it specific to your argument demonstrates to the ACT graders that you understand the prompt that they have invited you to write about. Development and Support: Scores under this parameter are based on your ability to rationally discuss and support an idea or argument. Rational argument development, as well as the use of examples to support your claim, help communicate your ideas to the ACT graders. Tip: Using a variety of specific examples will help to bolster your argument. Try pulling examples from history, art, politics, science, as well as your own personal history. Organization: Scores under this parameter are based on your ability to clearly and logically order the structure of your essay. Here, the ACT graders are looking for you to guide them through your argument in a logical, step-by-step fashion. Tip: Since you are allotted only 40 minutes to write a coherent essay, it is best to use the 5-paragraph essay structure. Introduction: It’s your job to grab the ACT graders attention, articulate your thesis or position, and include three supporting examples that bolster your thesis. 3 Supporting Paragraphs: Each paragraph should start off with a topic sentence, which acts as a thesis statement for your paragraph. The following sentences in your paragraph should discuss an example that bolsters your main argument. Conclusion: It is important to restate your argument, while expanding on it a little bit. One way of expanding your argument is to of future implications of your argument and what positive effects can stem from your argument. Language Use and Conventions: Scores in this domain are based on your ability to clearly articulate your argument while correctly and strategically using grammar, syntax, and word choice. The ACT graders are also taking into account your writing style and tone. Tip: Creative and varied sentence structure and word choice help keep the ACT graders engaged! It’s important to demonstrate your command of the English language and use it effectively to prove your argument. Use transition words, robust word choice, and varied sentence structure to aid the logical progression of your essay, and to make your essay stand out. It can be stressful to read a short prompt, and plan and write an essay in 40 minutes. Because you are granted little time to write a coherent, and well-developed essay, it is important that you pace yourself and budget your time wisely. The Essay Timeline below breaks down how you should spend your time organizing and writing your essay. Essay Timeline: 1. Read the Prompt 2 Minutes 2. Develop your thesis and brainstorm supporting examples 3 Minutes 3. Outline your essay 4 Minutes 4. Write your essay 28 Minutes 5. Proofread and edit your essay 3 Minutes Tip: If you find that you are running out of time while writing your essay, drop one of your three example paragraphs. It is preferable to have two well-written supporting paragraphs than three poorly written supporting paragraphs. Final Thoughts The best way to prepare for the ACT Writing Section is to practice writing essays within a time limit. The more familiar you become with how to organize your time within the essay timeline through practice, the more likely you feel confident about organizing your time efficiently and writing a stellar essay when your test date arrives. There are many pitfalls that test-takers fall into on the ACT Writing section. These pitfalls are more likely to occur when a test-taker has spent little or no time practicing writing essays or fails to use the Essay Timeline. Some of these common missteps are: Writing on a different topic than the one specified in the ACT Writing prompt. Not having a clear argument or thesis statement about your position in regards to the ACT Writing prompt. Using overly complex sentences, or overly florid words in your essay to “show-off” to the ACT graders. Poor spelling and grammar mistakes. Placing more weight on quantity instead of quality. Many test-takers fall into these pitfalls because they want to impress the ACT graders, and obtain a high score. Though it may seem that having a longer essay with florid or “big” vocabulary words, often times such attempts to impress the ACT graders end up confusing the graders about your argument and your ability to write a coherent essay. Consequently, test-takers end up with a low score for attempting to impress the ACT graders. It is important to remember to keep your essay clear, concise, and simple. Essays that are clear, concise, and simple standout on their own because they are easy to read and understand. BankeAbioye is a Managing Tutor with MyGuru and frequently helps students prepare for High School College Entrance Exams.

How to use practice papers for your exams

How to use practice papers for your exams One of the most important and invaluable ways to practise for your exams is to use practice papers. This is a key exam revision technique, whether you are studying for your SATs, GCSEs, A-Levels or even your degree. You can get hold of practice papers through the websites of qualification awarding bodies as well as (ahem!) via the First Tutors Resources section. This is an important way to revise because passing exams is as much about practising your technique as it is about how much you know. You need to practise answering questions in the same time limit that you'll have on the day. If you don't you may well end up panicking in your exams, or devoting too much time to one question and not enough to the others. Go through the exam paper first of all using your notes and books. This will help you to identify any gaps in your knowledge or understanding. It's vital you do this before you start testing your timing. If there are gaps, then take a day or two to reinforce your knowledge. Then you can give yourself a test exam. Be really strict about giving yourself exam conditions. Time yourself properly and make sure you're somewhere quiet where you won't be disturbed (and where you can't cheat by looking anything up). Notice how you tackle essay questions and cope with the time restraints: make note of anything that worries you so that you can work on this before your real exam.

Thursday, March 5, 2020

Millennial Pink Now You See It

Millennial Pink Now You See It Photo Via: https://pixel.nymag.com/imgs/fashion/daily/2016/07/29/pink/29-pink-lede.w710.h473.2x.jpg We all have a favorite color whether it’s blue, green, red or orange, we all have that one color that we’re more partial to than others. Especially millennials. Or at least, that’s what some new information is telling us. If you haven’t heard this yet (though you’ve undoubtedly seen it), Millennial Pink is a color that’s branding the nation. The emergence of the color began back in 2012 and continues to brighten our days now in 2017, which is long enough that we have to begin taking note. For those of you that aren’t familiar with the color, it’s a toned down Barbie Pink (very toned down). In fact, it’s so toned down it’s practically pale pink, but it isn’t. It’s Millennial Pink. Of course, the name Millennial Pink wasn’t coined until the summer of 2016, but the color has been around prior to and since then all the same. And yes, colors typically go in and out of style (I’m looking at you, neon anything). But in this case, there’s no end in sight. So why is Millennial Pink all over the place? Basically, it’s because the color sells. According to Fabiana Faria, “We’ve upholstered things in this emerald green that we’re excited about, but it sits there for months. The second I show a pink thing anything it leaves so quickly.” But why pink? For one, pink is now very much androgynous. For another, pink shows up very well in social media filters and is generally neutral appearing. But don’t believe me? Well, Millennial Pink has been everywhere and you probably haven’t even noticed. From fashion week and celebrity wardrobes to new restaurants and night clubs, the color is taking over in terms of marketing, and it’s doing so fairly effectively. Generation Y is obsessed with the color, but what’s the reason behind the obsession? Why can’t we get enough of the color pink? Many say that the color is aesthetically pleasing and even calming, which explains why it’s been used in music videos by Drake and Kanye West in the past, and was most recently in the film, “The Grand Budapest Hotel.” But that’s not the only place that it’s shown up in terms of marketing, it’s everywhere. In ads for clothes, restaurants, fashion boutiques, etc., Millennial Pink is all over the place. And this isn’t the first color to show up out of the blue like this either (pun definitely intended); in the past, we’ve seen an explosion of neon and, more recently, an obsession with icy blues. And while Millennial Pink certainly has that calming, blue undertone, this is anything but just another pale pink; it’s a statement color that’s impacting the way we view branding. We’ve all heard of symbolism and the significance of color in many films, books, and even musical compositions, and color has long been an important aspect of advertisements. Basically, if the ad isn’t visually appealing, and the color doesn’t convey the message, the ad is going to fall flat. With Millennial Pink, companies have discovered a color that speaks to a certain generation, making it very easy to target that audience with minimal effort and cost. It’s an interesting concept to think about, especially if you’re interested in the film or advertising fields. And don’t get too attached to the color either, because it’s likely not going to be around forever. Though there isn’t an end in sight in regards to its use, all colors go in and out of style, and this color, unfortunately, won’t be immune to such changes. It’s just now hitting the crux of its existence  so I wouldn’t be too surprised if we see a disappearance of the color over the next couple years. But this isn’t all bad news as one color goes out of style, in comes another, perhaps more powerful color to take its place. So at this point, it isn’t enough to just pay attention to trends in terms of technology and product, but also trends in terms of visuals, as these are ultimately going to sell products, perhaps even better than other tactics would have done. So, Millennial Pink, we all appreciate you and all that you do. You’re certainly a color that we’re happy to see throughout our daily lives and one that we will be rather sad to see leave us. But when it comes down to it, the future tends to bring along with it bigger and better things, and as sad as it will be to see you go, we’ll look forward to seeing what will rise in your wake. So get out there and buy those Millennial Pink products  because before long, you’ll be making way for the next, hot and in thing that we can’t get enough of. Enjoy it while it lasts.

8 Foreign Language Proficiency Tests That All Learners Should Know About

8 Foreign Language Proficiency Tests That All Learners Should Know About 8 Foreign Language Proficiency Tests That All Learners Should Know About “Ugh, tests!”This is the normal, human reaction to anything resembling a graded assessment of one’s skills, linguistic or not.That painful grunt is then followed by a parade of expletives (which is really a language unto itself), then finally punctuated by gasps of a person terrorized and waiting for his impending doom.Surely, tests are no good news.But here I am, about to tell you that you absolutely should love these language proficiency tests.Why?Well, let me tell you why. The Virtues of Language Proficiency TestsThe advantages of language proficiency tests  are  twofold.First, they can be used as proof of competence for job applications  and advanced studies. Sure, the world might  be a better place if there weren’t any language proficiency tests. You wouldn’t have to cough up any fees. During interviews, the person screening you would simply have the liberty to ask you anything to test your knowledge and competence in the language.But imagine how impractical and unpr ofessional that would be in actual practice. Let’s say it’s your fifth  job interview, and you have a particularly curious French interviewer  who wants to test your linguistic chops and asks you: What’s the French word for “elevator”? How about “orange”? What’s the difference between avoir  and être? Translate this phrase for me: I am late because my car broke down.Wouldn’t that be a little bit insulting, if not time and energy consuming? Could anyone get an accurate, thorough picture of someones overall French knowledge in a quick sit-down like this?Having documentary proof for passing the Test de Connaissance du Français, you can just silently insert the certificate with your other requirements and be on your way. The interviewer will now  only have to ask, “What level did you get in TCF?” To which you respond, “C2,” and the two of you can move on to talk about salaries and what not.Your language proficiency test results are clear and succinct statemen ts of your competency in the language. I’m not saying the tests are perfect,  but  I am saying that theyre a handy shortcut when you want to prove your linguistic chops. That’s why many governments, companies and institutions require them from applicants. A lettered number like C2 tells them more than they need to know about you and your skills. So, for someone who wants to work in a specific country or take advanced classes, a language proficiency test might be a required element of your application.A second virtue of language testâ€"and this is on a more personal noteâ€"is that by anticipating an exam, a righteous fire is sparked underneath you, compelling you to prepare. You’re provided with an excellent motivation to hit the books, work the flashcards and stay in on Saturday evenings.Oftentimes, this kind of furious dedication can only be acquired through an upcoming standardized examination. When you’re working for a “golden star” or a “brownie point,” somehow i t doesn’t bear the same seriousness as a government sanctioned assessment.So you get motivated because you’re paying for it yourself and because you don’t get to take it every day. Youve got one shot to prove yourself (unless you want to pay the fee and sit down to take the test  again).As a result, your study and review sessions result in a very  in-depth learning of the language that you would otherwise not have had, had you not prepared so hard for the exam.That can only mean wonderful things for you! Especially if youre aware of entertaining ways to study that keep the process from being frustrating or monotonous, like FluentU. FluentU takes real-world videosâ€"like movie trailers, music videos, news and inspiring talksâ€"and turns them into personalized language lessons.And really, a third virtue of language proficiency tests is that after you pass them, they become bona fide confidence boosters. They add a spring to your steps, scaffolding your chin so that it always rem ains up. To know that youre good enough is enough to make you wanna brag, even if its just to yourself or your mom.You passed a hurdle, knocked one out of the park. So, what can life throw your way that you can’t handle? You already have personal proof that as long as you put your mind into it, you’ll make it.What Language Proficiency Tests to Take?As far as language proficiency tests go, there are plenty of fish in the sea. So, you must be able to filter what’s good and widely recognized and what’s not. You don’t want to study hard and pass a test only to discover that the institution you’re applying to goes by a different measure.A great rule of thumb is to first  ask your target institution what proficiency tests they require and recognize. This information is often available in job and university application instructions, on the institutions main website or within the online FAQ, but if these resources yield no results then go ahead and call or email someone.That sai d, here are some of the most prestigious as well as widely-recognized language assessment tools for different languages.8 Foreign Language Proficiency Tests That All Learners Should Know AboutEnglishTOEFLIf you want to enroll in an English-speaking academic institution in a place like the United States, Australia, Canada or the United Kingdom and you come from a country where English is not the first language, you may have to prove that you can handle English as the language medium for the coursework. In this case, youll have to take the TOEFL.TOEFL stands for Test of English as a Foreign Language. And that, exactly, is what it’s all about. The TOEFL tests your reading, listening, speaking  and writing  skills in four separate sections, each section devoted to one skill. There are specific elements in the TOEFL geared to assess each of these skills in different ways.Overall, your English comprehension will definitely be tested. For example, in the Reading Comprehension section, yo u may be asked to read three to four academic passages and after each one you’ll be asked a couple of questions based on the texts. In the Independent and Integrated Writing sections, youll be asked to write an essay or opinion piece on a given topic, and youll also need to make a structured argument about something said within a given passage. The TOEFL is set to find out if youre ready for the rigors of academic training in an English-speaking institution.You can register for the test online, by mail or by phone. Youll then get information about the date, time and test center where you’ll sit down for the test.Speaking of test centers, theres more than one way to go about taking the test. There are  online  and paper-based versions of the TOEFL. The online version, offered more than 50 times a year, is the more common one with fees ranging from $160-$250, depending on your location. The test can be completed in 4.5  hours, including a 10-minute break.The paper-based test ($160 , 4 hours to complete) is comparable to the online test  except that it doesnt have the speaking section where you listen to a native speaker talk (sometimes with an accent) and give an audio response based on what you’ve heard.TOEFL results are valid for two years and you can ask the Educational Testing Service (ETS), the exam’s administrator, to independently send your results to schools and universities that youve applied to.For the best tips about this test, subscribe to FluentU’s TOEFL blog.IELTSThe International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is also another widely recognized English language proficiency test. Its jointly managed by the British Council, IDP Education and Cambridge English Language Assessment.IELTS also tests all four English communication skills: reading (60 minutes), writing (60 minutes), listening (30 minutes) and speaking (11-14 minutes). The whole test should be finished in 2 hours and 45 minutes.The IELTS speaking section  is actually a rec orded face-to-face interview given by a certified examiner, and it comes close to the real, practical experience of talking to a native speaker. It’s divided into three parts. The first one involves personal introductions. The examiner will  introduce himself or herself, and youll do the same. The examiners may ask you further questions about your family, work, background, hobbies and interests.In the second section  of the test youre given a task card, and youll be asked to talk at length about the topic written on it. Talking points will also be included on the task card, so make sure you cover them in your discussion. Youll be given 1-2 minutes to prepare, and writing down and reading from notes is allowed. After your talk, the examiner will ask you a question or two on the topic.The third section  is really an extension of the second. Itll be a discussion between you and the examiner. The examiner will probe you about the topic and will try to gauge your ability to communicate information, issues and ideas.IELTS come in two flavors, one geared for students (“Academic”) applying for advanced studies and postgraduate degrees, and another for migrants (“General Training”) who wish to prove English competence as part of their visa or employment application.The tests differ in the reading and writing sections. Academic IELTS involves questions and passages that test a student’s ability to thrive in an academic or professional environment, while General Training IELTS tests a person’s practical, everyday proficiency with the English language.There are no failing marks for this test, only band scores (0-9). A “0” means you didnt take the test, a “1” means that you have essentially no ability to use the language, save for some isolated words or expressions, and a “9” means that youre an expert English speaker  and have full operational command of the language.The test fee will vary on your location. Find out how much it will cost here.For more wonderful insights into the test, subscribe to FluentU’s IELTS blog.TOEICThe Test of English for International Communication (TOEIC)  rounds up the triumvirate of English-based proficiency tests. It was developed by the Educational Testing Service to (ETS) to gauge English proficiency in the business or professional setting and is now recognized by 14,000 organizations in 150 countries. Korea’s LG Group and China Southern Airlines are just two of the many corporations that rely on TOEIC as a tool for business decisions.In the question of recruitment, placement or promotion, a stellar TOEIC score could make a huge difference.There are two types of TOEIC. The first is the TOEIC Listening and Reading and it  tests  exactly those two skills. Its a 2-hour exercise made up of 200 questions that gauge listening and reading comprehension in every way possible. For example, in the listening comprehension portion, youll be shown a picture followed by four audio statements about the image. Youll mark your answer sheet to indicate the statement that best describes the picture. So, if the picture is about guys playing basketball, then you choose the statement which exactly expresses that. Be careful because the audio statements will only be presented once.The second type, TOEIC Speaking and Writing, was introduced in 2006. With this test youll be tested on pronunciation, fluency, vocabulary, grammar, coherence and organization.In the speaking section of the test, there will be 11 oral tasks that youll have to completeâ€"ranging from reading a specific text out loud to describing a picture or expressing an opinion. The section takes around 20 minutes to finish.In the writing test format, there are eight written tasks to be completed, ranging from writing a sentence based on a picture to writing an essay expressing an opinion.So if you’re thinking of getting ahead in your career or enhancing your professional credentials, consider taking the TOEIC. As always, Flu entU is here to help. We have a dedicated blog  to help all you TOEIC takers out there.FrenchTCFWhen it comes to proving your French mettle, the Test de Connaissance du Français (TCF) is one test you dare not miss. Its administered by Centre International détudes Pédagogiques (CIEP) for the French Ministry of Education.Whether it be for personal, academic or professional reasons, the TCF will give you a language assessment that follows the standards set forth in the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).As a short aside, in 2001, a European Union Council Resolution recommended the use of CEFR as a standard system to test and validate language proficiency for the different languages of Europe. The standard levels of proficiency are as follows:A = Basic User (A1 and A2)B = Independent User (B1 and B2)C = Proficient User (C1 and C2)[A2 is a better than A1, and having a C2 rating means that the test taker has gained fluency and precision with the language. C2 is the highest rating in this system.]TCF has both compulsory and optional components. The compulsory unit is  an 80-item multiple choice test  that gauges your listening comprehension, reading comprehension and use of language structures. In the listening portion, for example, you may hear a French dialogue, interview or discussion, and youll then be asked a question based on what you heard. The reading comprehension section will assess your understanding of French based on the written word, with the items getting progressively more difficult.The optional test can only be taken once you’ve passed the compulsory test. You should take this within two years after passing the compulsory test, as this is the duration of your compulsory scores validity.The optional component is made up of the speaking and writing sections. The spoken component is a recorded face-to-face interview with an examiner that lasts about 15 minutes. Theyll give you a series of tasks that will elucidate your Fren ch verbal dexterity, and they may ask you to describe an experience or event, explain an idea or discuss a complex topic. The recording of the interview will then be sent to CIEP where it will be evaluated by a team of qualified teachers.The written portion of the test is composed of six tasks that will progressively get more difficult. All these will be used to see if you can create complex French sentences, synthesize an idea and even paraphrase a paragraph.Since the spoken and written tests are optional, you may decide not take them at all.  For French language lessons, FluentU’s French blog is a delightful option. Weve also got a complete guide to taking the TCF here.SpanishDELEDiplomas de Español como Lengua Extranjera (DELE) are tests administered by Instituto Cervantes on behalf of the Spanish Ministry of Education and Science, and adhering to the standards set forth by the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). This means it follows the standard taxo nomy of language competency as explained above, where A1 is considered absolute beginner and C2 signifies a high level of fluency.The test is held five times each yearâ€"in April, May, July, October and Novemberâ€"at 800 test centers in 100 countries.The DELE is similar to other language proficiency tests, having features that comprehensively gauge Spanish  grammar  and comprehension. But it does differ in some important respects from tests we’ve discussed so far. While other test results are valid for only a limited period of time, usually two years, the DELE is permanently valid. (You are, after all, given a diploma.)Another unique feature of the DELE is that you determine before the actual assessment which level of testing youd like to take. While other tests give students the same or similar test  and, based on the test results, determine what competency level the student is in, the DELE makes the student choose which test to take beforehand.This means there are six different versions of the test. There’s a DELE for A1, A2, B1, B2, C1 and C2, each successive test getting a little bit more difficult. You determine beforehand what test level youd like to take. So, youll need to research which diploma is required by the institution to which you’ll be sending your results. B2 is often enough for entry into a Spanish university. But if it’s a medical school you’re interested in, they often require at least a C1 diploma.How much does it cost? Well, in this respect DELE is like many other tests. It depends on where you’ll be taking the test. Get the contact info for the testing center nearest you  here.For more Spanish lessons to help you prepare for the DELE, you can subscribe to the  FluentU Spanish blog.GermanTELCThe European Language Certificates (TELC) Deutsch, in partnership with the German federal government, provides a fair evaluation of your German aptitude according to the standards set forth by the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).Like the DELE, youll have to choose which TELC level you take. For example, when applying for a spouse visa, an A1 TELC test (the most basic one) is enough. Applying for university and medical school is a different proposition altogether.The test  has a format thats similar  to that of the other tests  weve discussed here. There are reading and listening comprehension sections and a language elements section, as well as sections devoted to assessing your writing and speaking skills.The oral part of TELC is a unique one, in that it may not be a one-on-one interview with an examiner. Two persons may be tested at the same time. In this case, the examiner will take the role of facilitator and mediate the conversation.Twenty minutes before the start of the oral examination, youll be given a task sheet detailing the things you and your partner will have to do. (No talking with your partner during the prep stage.)Its important that you actively participate in the conversa tion and respond to what the other examinee is sayingâ€"without, of course, dominating the conversation. In case your partner has trouble with the task, try to help him out. (This will merit you extra points!)Don’t worry. FluentU has got you covered. We have a German language blog to help you in every way we can.TELC  also offers proficiency tests in nine other languagesâ€"Spanish, French, Italian, Portuguese, Russian, Polish, Turkish and Arabic. Check out their official site to find out more.ChineseChinese (Mandarin in particular) is fast becoming a required language for business. Theres a whole lot of people studying it at the moment and you could very well be one of them. At some point, youll want to know where you are in your Chinese progress as well as receive certification for your hard-earned proficiency.HSKThe Hànyu Shuipíng Kaoshì  (HSK), administered by Hanban, an agency of the Ministry of Education of the Peoples Republic of China, is the test you should take. It’s the only official, standardized test for Mandarin Chinese.You can choose from six  levels of the test, ranging from HSK1 to HSK6.HSK1 is the easiest and is designed for learners who can communicate in basic sentences and understand simple Chinese characters. Because of the nature of the language, in addition to the usual fare of reading and listening comprehension, there’s a section which tests your ability to identify Chinese characters. (There’s a list of required characters provided for every level.) Pinyin, Chinese transliteration, is provided in HSK1.HSK6 is the most difficult test to take and is designed for folks who can fluently converse in the language, know linguistic nuances, use idiomatic expressions properly and express themselves by both written and oral means.The oral portion of the test  can be taken separately. For this separate speaking section there are just three levels: beginner, intermediate and advanced.The written test  fees start at $20 for HSK1 and go up in $10 increments. Oral fees also start at $20 for beginners and go up to $20 and $30 for intermediate and advanced levels respectively.So get a  move on. Start your Chinese review! Why not subscribe to the FluentU Chinese blog? Youll get to read tons of posts  specifically geared towards preparing for  the HSK like  this one. And this one. Or  this one.JapaneseIf you wish to land a top job in the third largest economy in the world, chances are youre going to need to be certified in Japanese. Even if youd just like to cultivate excellent business relationships with the Japanese, then knowing some of the language can be a great foot in the door.In general, the  Japanese tend to look favorably on those who not only respect their cherished traditions but also those who can speak their tongue. So, a lot of businesspeople are getting started with their Japanese language programs. FluentU’s Japanese blog would be a great mate!JLPTIn order to be certified, youre going to have to take the Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT), administered by Japan Educational Exchanges and Services (JEES) in cooperation with the Ministry of Education.Unlike other language proficiency tests  that are held several times annually, the JLPT  is conducted only twice a year, July and December, in Japan and selected countries. (Well, there are even some countries who have it only once a year.) So, youd  better make your test count.There are five JLPT levels you can take. N1 is the highest level and N5 is the most basic level. (For serious job seekers who will need Japanese for daily professional purposes, you must pass at least the N2 certification exam.)The JLPT has reading and listening formats that are comparable to the other language tests  we have featured here, testing your knowledge of different grammatical structures and characters, and Im sure you’ll be sad to know that it doesnt have a speaking component. Well, that’s okay. I’m sure you’ll have your hands full wit h the written section.To end this post, let me simply say that language fluency tests  are not the monsters of the deep theyre often purported to be.Theyre simply a gauge, a way of telling you where you are in your language journey. Theyre a check, a guide you can use to  plan  your way and achieve your goals.So, have at it already, and good luck!

An Amazing Way to Find the Perfect Video to Learn

An Amazing Way to Find the Perfect Video to Learn Lets say youve got 10 words to learn by tomorrow.And you dont want to go through the drudgery of making your own flashcards.Instead, you want to see those words in action.If only you could find the perfect video using those 10 words.Then youd be able to efficiently learn all of those words in context.All the words would be connected, and we know that the fastest way to learn something is to create mental associations.Unfortunately, most of us dont have a personal tutor who can scour the web for the perfect piece of content right?Well, actually, its your lucky day.At FluentU, weve just unrolled a new feature called Similar Vocab.Its really simple.Basically, when you have a list of vocabulary words, youll be recommended videos that have those vocabulary words.Simple right?Just copy and paste a bunch of words into a flashcard set, and presto: youve got videos that are great for learning those words.Its another step in our mission to become the best source of authentic language learning content anywhere.Check out this new feature on FluentU!

Slutty Cheerleader Bribes Tutor With An Athletic Assfucking Torrent

Slutty Cheerleader Bribes Tutor With An Athletic Assfucking TorrentSlutty cheerleader, yeah? Well, keep reading as I reveal to you how to get your sluttiest cheerleader a tutor who will really bang her in the right spot and send her back to school looking like a supermodel.The slutty cheerleader is a cheerleader who has probably been with the team for a while. Or more like, she was hired. At least it was her idea to be so slutty. Think of a club girl who takes a shot at something new every once in a while and can make it look good, but not too good.For instance, if the cheerleaders at your school had started playing cheerleading for Mommy, she would love her to wear stockings with her outfit and at least wear her short skirts if they were short. That would show that she really loves her mom.Of course, she probably wouldn't want to go out dancing every night. That is a bit of a waste of time. Just getting a scholarship is so much better, because she would be getting a great education and feel really good about herself.The most important thing is to get her into school and not allow her to slip out, or else she is going to be in trouble with her teachers. So think of something really sexy like having her on an all-expenses paid trip to some super model hotel in Miami.There is nothing that makes women think that way in the real world, right? But just in case, and just so you can make her think that the trip is going to be a real escape, book a couple nights in a five star restaurant or resort. It might not seem like much at first, but once she sees it, she will be screaming for more!So, just think of how she will have been with her friends as she passes through those early teen years, and it should get her very wet indeed. And you want to see her happy, right?