How to Improve Your Voice

How to Improve Your Voice Advice for Improving Your Voice ChaptersThe Causes of Vocal Fatigue and Voice LossStretching Your Vocal Cords with the Straw TechniqueTwo Exercises for Improving the VibrationsVocal Gymnastics for Finding Your VoiceConsult a Vocal Healthcare Professional“Singing is like a celebration of oxygen.” - BjorkThe human voice is an interesting musical instrument that’s affected by tiredness. By overdoing it in a singing class or smoking, for example, you can end up with vocal irritation or inflammation, which can hinder the vibration of the vocal cords.To fix this, you may need some vocal rehabilitation or therapy.Most people will sing, be it in their car, around the house, or at a party with their friends.So how can you combat voice loss?Here’s some advice for fixing your voice.In this article, we're going to look at the causes of vocal fatigue, ways to preserve your voice, how to stretch your vocal cords with the straw technique, exercises for improving the vibration of your vocal cords, vocal gymnastics that you may find useful, and why you may need to consult a medical professional about your voice.Here are the best singing lessons Edinburgh. TraceySinging Teacher 4.92 (13) £25/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors PortiaSinging Teacher 4.91 (11) £35/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors NicolaSinging Teacher 5.00 (11) £40/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors JazzSinging Teacher 5.00 (6) £40/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors PerrineSinging Teacher 5.00 (3) £50/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors TiemSinging Teacher £40/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors TomSinging Teacher £25/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors MiriamSinging Teacher 5.00 (4) £35/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutorsThe Causes of Vocal Fatigue and Voice LossFirstly, many factors affect your voice. The human voice is produced by air from the lungs and the larynx. The lungs, abs, diaphragm, vocal cords, and oral cavity. The air from the lungs vibrates the vocal cords while th e muscles of the larynx adjust, thereby altering the sound produced.Take some singing lessons for your vocal training here. One of the best ways to improve your voice is to stop smoking. (Source: geralt)Throughout your life, your vocal cords will change, naturally or otherwise, which can lead to vocal fatigue. This results in you being unable to produce various frequencies and you’ll need to train to improve your vocal technique.Several factors can affect your voice:Viral or bacterial infection leading to inflammation.Overuse of your voice.Bad vocal hygiene: smoking, dry air, air conditioning, urban pollution, etc.Smoking is one of the main causes of hoarseness and voice loss.Why?Nicotine reduces the elasticity of the vocal cords which gives smokers their distinctive voices.Additionally, your voice will change if your breathing is bad. Exercising can improve your abdominal breathing and airways in general and combat a changing voice.Inflammation in the larynx, nasal cavity, bronchitis, etc. will also modify your voice.Depending on the situation, there are many ways to preserve your voice.Stretching Your Vocal Cords with the Straw TechniqueIf you’re suffering from vocal fatigue, hoarseness, or voice loss, there’s one thing you should do first: rest your voice for 48 hours. Of course, this isn’t always possible, especially if you perform regularly or work in a job where you're expected to speak regularly. While not good for the planet, drinking straws can be useful for vocal exercises. (Source: bridgesward)There are also natural remedies such as herbal teas, honey and lemon, and lozenges that can help. However, if none of these work, you could always try the straw technique.  It was first mentioned in 1902 in a German article on the voice and built upon in the 1960s in Finland.You need to get a narrow straw and sing into it.  This involves doing sliding to the top and bottom of your range into a straw and singing notes at a high volume.  Do this for 3 to 5 minutes, then try speaking, then sing again.The singer will feel more comfortable as if their throat has been cleared.  This activity stretches the vocal cords and reduces the pressure required to vibrate them. It allows you to make sound with less effort.With vocal fatigue, the vocal cords can swell. This means the singer closes their throat when they sing which causes the cords to swell further. The straw technique is something th at every singer should try.Check out our tips for taking care of your voice. TraceySinging Teacher 4.92 (13) £25/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors PortiaSinging Teacher 4.91 (11) £35/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors NicolaSinging Teacher 5.00 (11) £40/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors JazzSinging Teacher 5.00 (6) £40/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors PerrineSinging Teacher 5.00 (3) £50/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors TiemSinging Teacher £40/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors TomSinging Teacher £25/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors MiriamSinging Teacher 5.00 (4) £35/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutorsTwo Exercises for Improving the VibrationsWhy isn’t my voice as harmonious as it was before?You don’t need to go rushing off to a speech pathologist or ENT specialist. Similarly, don’t go diagnosing yourself online as it’ll say you have an awful illness.  Here are two ways to improve the quality of your voice. If you want to keep singing, you've got to take care of your voice. (Source: SeppH)Voiced FricativesThis technique was invented in Denmark in the 1930s and allows you to reduce the force applied to the vocal cords and increase the vibrations.Say the letter “V” and hold the note.  You’ll feel the vibrations between your teeth and around your lips.Slide through your range at a moderate volume. Make sure you’re using your abdominal muscles as you breathe out.  Relax these muscles as you breathe in.You don’t need to sing complicated things to see an improvement; singing the “V” sound is a good way to improve.The “M” ExerciseThis technique is from “Resonant Voice Therapy” which was developed in the 2000s.You just need to make the “M” sound and feel the vibrations around your nose as you do.  Then make a strong “E” sound and hold the note and feel the vibrations in your upper teeth. Finally, make an “ooh” sound and feel the vibration in your lips.You then need to sing notes using these three sounds, one after another and find a comfortable volume.Focus on the vibrations as you slide from high to low. This will help you find your vocal range.Check for singing lessons near me here.Vocal Gymnastics for Finding Your VoiceNot every vocal exercise is suitable for every singer so you’ll need to look at different techniques and see which ones work for you. Vocal health is paramount for singers. (Source: StockSnap)With that in mind, here are a few for different situations.If Your Voice is Stuck in Your ThroatDo some facial gymnastics each day.  This will help you free up your throat by using your lips and stomach to help you sing.Say “key-ooh-eeks” and exaggerate the articulation of “key-ooh” with your lips perfectly rounded and a huge smile as you say “eeks”. Repeat this around 30 times.  Then start singing it to a melody.Your vocal cords won't tire as much because your lip muscles will do some of the heavy lifting.If Your Voice Doesn’t CarryRead a text aloud 5 to 10 times a day without saying the consonants.  This will help you to become aware of their importance.You’ll notice that by removing the consonants, you’ll vibrate your voice more, allowing you to increase its intensity without tiring.Then read the text again with the consonants.If Your Voice is Too SoftPlace both hands on your bellybutton and think of somet hing that makes you angry.  Read any text as you press your hands onto your stomach to bring the sound up.  Hammer the consonants with your mouth wide open and fully express the emotions from your stomach.Consult a Vocal Healthcare ProfessionalWhat if these techniques aren’t enough?You might want to see an ENT specialist or speech-language pathologist.The specialist can use laryngoscopy to have a look at the state of your vocal cords and your vocal health and keep an eye out for possible conditions.Catching certain conditions early is a good way to avoid them worsening in the future.They’re useful in the event of the following:Vocal fatigueVoice deepening and loss of registerUnstable voiceLack of flexibilityNodules, cysts, polyps, etc.A diagnosis from an ENT specialist can help you get to the bottom of dysphonia, too.  It’ll also help you better understand how to manage your vocal training and performance. To manage your voice, you might need medical help.As a doctor, they can provide you with therapeutic, medical, or surgical solutions.  They’re a vocal rehabilitation professional after all.If you want to sing well, you need to make sure that your voice is well looked after. If you damage your vocal folds, you could end up hoarse, develop voice disorders, etc.If you want to work on your voice and improve your singing, you might want to consider getting a vocal coach or private tutor on Superprof. They can help you improve your singing, take care of your voice, and provide bespoke singing tuition. There are three main types of tutorials on offer and each one comes with many advantages and disadvantages.Face-to-face private tutorials are just between you and your tutor. The sessions will be tailored to you, your needs, and your strengths and weaknesses. Of course, since the tutor will be dedicating a lot of time to you and your tutorials as well as tailoring them to your needs, this type of tutorial tends to be the most costly. However, it's also the mo st cost-effective.Thanks to the internet, webcams, and video conferencing software, you can also get online tutorials. Again, these tutorials are just between you and the tutor with the main difference being that you're not in the same room. With fewer travel expenses and the ability to schedule more tutorials each week, the tutor can charge a more competitive rate for these tutorials.Finally, there are group tutorials. These are more like your traditional classes with several students and one teacher. The cost of the tutor's time is shared between all the students in the class so you can expect to pay less per hour for these tutorials. Unfortunately, this means the tutor can't spend as much time focusing on you and your singing.

5 Tips For Reducing The Risk of a Burnout at Work - Introvert Whisperer

Introvert Whisperer / 5 Tips For Reducing The Risk of a Burnout at Work - Introvert Whisperer 5 Tips For Reducing The Risk of a Burnout at Work Burnout has become a huge epidemic within our culture. Everything may seem as though it is going great at work, you’re operating on full steam and saying yes to everything, it may feel as though nothing can stop you. One day, inevitably it may hit you completely. Exhaustion and stress go hand in hand and you and your brain will feel completely and inevitably worn out this is a burnout. A burnout can also be described as a state of constant and prevailing stress where no matter what you do, you just can’t escape the feeling of being in a slump. Other symptoms include emotional fatigue, lack of focus, negative feelings such as anger and detachment. If you are burned out, then it is highly likely that your job will suffer and your personality will shift, leaving you feeling too exhausted to function. But, your work life doesn’t need to be this way. You can catch a burnout before it takes full force, so here are 5 tips to help you avoid a burnout at work. Laughter Whilst laughter may be the furthest thing from your mind at the moment, it has been proven countless times that laughter relieves stress, as well as having many positive short and long term health effects. Every study officially conducted on laughter has given positive results and besides, it is hard to feel angry when you’re laughing. Your body cannot distinguish the difference between a real and fake laugh and will release endorphins all the same, which will improve your mood. Even if you don’t want to, 5 minutes laughing, real or fake, will give you a much-needed boost in the middle of a hard day. Start Saying “No” Being a “yes” person can quickly become tiring. Whilst it may be easy to agree to everything, it is important that you do say no to some things, particularly in your career. The more you take on, the more it begins to wear you down and this can impact on your job, especially if you want to stay engaged and energetic about your work. Whilst you don’t need to say no to everything, try small things at first which will help free up your time and your mind when you need it most. It isn’t fair if you are taking on everyone else’s work or menial tasks, so just learn to say no to doing them. Exercise It may seem counterproductive to leave work for you to be able to work out, however, exercise is crucial to your overall physical and mental health. Regular exercise can reduce stress, improve your self-confidence and prevent against cognitive decline. Knowing that you are taking care of yourself, as well as the energy boost you will get from being active, will help you to prevent against further exhaustion which leads to burnouts. Sleep Insomnia is one of the leading causes of burnouts and, when you aren’t getting enough sleep, your brain won’t be functioning at its prime. Not getting enough sleep has other serious consequences, such as lack of judgement, diabetes and depression. Getting enough sleep is crucial to your overall health and happiness, so try to get as much sleep as possible. It has been proven that adults need around 7-9 hours of sleep per day in order to function optimally. Prioritise Your Time Whilst there is no secret to preventing a burnout, there are ways to manage it. Like any other project, all it takes is time management and prioritisation. If all of your tasks are properly delegated, planned and executed, then there will be no need for you, or anyone, to feel overworked or overwhelmed. When coupled with proper management, a burnout is unlikely to ever surface, so if you are beginning to feel overwhelmed at work, then arrange a chat with your manager to see what you can do. Burnouts are stressful and harmful and can be a huge hindrance on both your work and personal life, but there is no need for you to get to this point. Be careful to pay attention as to where you are at emotionally as a burnout can creep up on you over time. Be sure to take time every now and then to make sure that you are being kind to yourself and not overloading your personal and work schedules, or your stress levels. Author Bio:   Natalie Wilson is a freelance health and wellness writer. She loves researching and writing about new health trends and topics, as well as keeping up to date with the latest health news. She’s currently looking into health at work and the steps you can take to increase employee wellness, such as ventilation systems and wellness schemes. You can connect with her on Twitter @NatWilson976. Go to top Do you know what your next career step is?  Many people don’t. I want to help you accelerate your career by connecting you with your Free Instant Access to my eBook on how to construct your Career SMART Goals â€" that will help you put together your actions and keep you accountable. Get your copy now and start your action plan today! Brought to you by Dorothy Tannahill-Moran â€" dedicated to unleashing your professional potential. Introvert Whisperer

Online Algebra 1 test Tutors

Online Algebra 1 test Tutors This test has been designed to solve various algebraic expressions and algebraic equations. The test involves examples followed by questions of the similar type of practice. We believe these tests would provide adequate practice to the students to solve algebra related problems up to a particular level. Not only this, this tool also provides feedback report as well as after test, it also provides relevant answers to the problems. This can be more understood by taking two test questions and their solution as well. Example 1: If the cost of 20 books is $400, find the cost of 12 such books. Solution: - The cost of 20 books is $400 To find: - We have to find the cost of 12 such books. Let the cost of 1 book be x Cost of 20 books would then be (20) x= 20x (1) But according to the question cost of 20 books is 400 ... (2) Now from the equation (1) and (2), we will get 20x=400 Dividing both sides by 20 20x/20 = 400/20 x= 20, which is the cost of the 1 book Therefore the cost of 12 books = 12(x) = 12 x 20 =$240. Example 2:- Simplify (10x-5x +11) (6x-12x+15) Solution 2:- To simplify the above equation, first of all we need to open the parentheses and then we need to distribute the negative sign in the 2nd parentheses. =10x-5x+11-6x+12x-15 =10x-6x-5x+12x+11-15 = 4x+7x-4. Therefore 4x+7x-4 is the solution and the simplified form of (10x-5x +11) (6x-12x+15).

How Differentiated Instruction Challenges the Notion of the Traditional Teacher

How Differentiated Instruction Challenges the Notion of the Traditional Teacher The Challenge to Traditional Teaching: Differentiated Instruction ChaptersThe MisconceptionsThe PremiseThe MethodsThe OutcomeThe premise of teaching used to be simple. The teacher had knowledge s/he was tasked to impart; the students must acquire that knowledge and demonstrate mastery through periodic exams.Since the 15th century, when the Aztecs implemented the first universal compulsory education system, learning has been treated as a one-size-fits-all proposition.If you are this age, you should be capable of understanding these concepts and performing those tasks.Early educational philosophies did not take into account socioeconomic differences, any particular ability or disability to learn on the students’ part, and certainly paid no mind to learning preferences - all factors which have been shown to impact a student's ability to learn.Gender was a factor in formulating educational standards, but only with regard to how much schooling female students would be exposed to and what subjects they would study.Male or female, conformity was the ord er of the day and if students could not adapt and learn, they were generally held to blame.So what if you couldn’t read, didn’t understand arithmetic and your writing was illegible? It was all your fault; you just weren’t working hard enough!This educational philosophy did not change significantly until the mid- to late-twentieth century, when great leaps were made in understanding how both the human brain works and how people absorb knowledge.Now we’re seeing a revolution in pedagogy, one that inevitably empowers students by addressing their multiple intelligences in a learning environment designed to encourage them to thrive.Certainly, these changes are a boon for students of every type; the onus is on the teachers to break away from the traditional model and embrace new teaching methods.How hard can it be?Superprof wades into the fray. We’ll talk about the misconceptions that shroud traditional teaching and the differentiated model, cover the premise of both methodologi es and draw our conclusions.Are you ready for a bit of professional development?it is a fact.For as long as there have been teachers, those beings have been considered all-knowing, especially by younger students. And don’t parents encourage their young learners to listen to and obey Teacher?Don’t parents all urge their students to ask their teacher any questions they might have about their homework, or if something is not clear?Because surely, that worthy is the authority on their subject matter... right?Common Misconceptions about Traditional TeachersAre teachers all-knowing? No, they are fallible, just like any other human.Obviously, teachers have extensive knowledge of their subject matter.That doesn't mean that they are the absolute authority on it - unless they are well-published and have conducted extensive research into their particular field, as Carol Ann Tomlinson has (she is the authority on how to differentiate).Another popular misconception is that teachers impart kn owledge. If we accept the definition of 'impart' as 'pass on information', then in fact, that is exactly what teachers do.The misconception is the idea that the information the teacher communicates will be received, understood and assimilated to its fullest degree.The accepted proof that the transmission of knowledge from teacher to student has been successful is high marks on examinations.If an entire class scores particularly well on exams, that teacher is generally thought to be exceptional, regardless of any background information that might impact students’ efforts, such as working with a tutor and how much effort s/he put into mastering it outside of class.Differentiated InstructionPerhaps because of its relative newness as a teaching strategy, there is plenty of misconception about differentiation.It is individualised instruction: not true.Teachers would drive themselves mad trying to teach each of their 30+ students individually!Differentiated instruction does involve some individual attention but by no means would teachers be called on to work with each student one on one.Whole group learning is still very much a facet of differentiated learning, as are small groups â€" as long as group work is complemented by learning activities that promote mastery.Differentiated learning is student-led: not true.Students do not choose the curriculum or select topics â€" that remains the teacher’s function. However, students are accorded a measure of input on how they receive instruction and work with it.By no means are we suggesting anarchy in the classroom or that you cater to your students’ every whim. Students may propose ideas for work and learning activities but, ultimately, it is the teacher’s responsibility to exercise classroom management and determine students’ workload.Some education professionals read about differentiated instruction and think it must be a magic bullet to solve all of the problems inherent in our educational system.Unfortunatel y, that too is not true.Differentiating instruction is a step in the right direction on many levels but it does not provide an easy solution to the challenge of educating learners of all types.What, exactly, is differentiated instruction, then?Differentiated instruction is not a one-on-one teaching method! Source: Pixabay Credit: KmicicanThe PremiseWe all know that the traditional educator dispenses information and that students’ demonstrate mastery through homework assignments and periodic exams.We also know that summative assessment â€" exams at the end of a learning unit, a semester and indeed at the end of one’s primary and secondary stages of education are not necessarily the best indicators of student achievement.Differentiation of instruction calls for formative assessment, meaning that teachers maintain an ongoing evaluation of student performance that allows adapting learning materials to students’ potential.It sounds like a lot of work but, once you have gathered all of the background knowledge you need about your students â€" their learning style, their competencies and interests, it will be very easy to notice and record their progress.In a differentiated classroom, learning is facilitated â€" as opposed to students being taught.In effect, the traditional teaching model calls for students to essentially be passive in their learning.Differentiated instructional strategies require students to take an active part in their education â€" not just by completing assignments and sitting exams but by having a measure of input on how they learn and what work is required of them.Find out how deeply differentiated instruction impacts students' learning...The MethodsHistorically, teaching has been a one-way communication: Teacher talks, students listen and, hopefully, learn.How many of you have had a teacher who, when asked a question, directed you to read your textbook and find the answer yourself?The lecture style of teaching has its merits. Just ask un iversity professors who may have more than 100 students in class at one time. For mature learners who know how to learn, attending lectures and taking notes is a very effective way of picking up new information.Primary and secondary school students do not yet understand their learning methodology so it is up to their mentors â€" their teachers to show them how.And that’s what differentiated instruction is really about: teaching students how to learn.Whereas traditional lesson plans call for teachers to do a lot of talking and involved little to no student engagement, differentiation demands student-centred learning.In fact, the teacher does not take centre stage at all. Students are assigned:Project-based learning, which involves students working together to complete a curriculum-related project,Inquiry-based learning, when groups of students are given questions to answer or scenarios to resolveProblem-based learning, in which students learn by solving open-ended problems.In such classroom activities, the teacher’s job is to circulate from group to group, posing questions designed to encourage students to come up with solutions on their own.Through these activities as well as cooperation with others, students learn to challenge their own intellect, making learning an activity in itself.Meanwhile, the teacher has plenty of time for curriculum development and to observe their students’ learning processes.What does differentiating in the classroom leave for tutors to do?Even the best teachers cannot guarantee students' mastery of subject material! Source: Pixabay Credit: Anne KarakashThe OutcomeWe all know the outcome of traditional teaching strategies. As passionate and knowledgeable as teachers can be, those qualities still don’t guarantee those students will gain mastery â€" or even a deep understanding of their subject material.That uncertainty is evidenced through test anxiety; a very real phenomenon that affects a surprising number of students. One of the primary causes of test anxiety is feeling unprepared for such an assessment even after having done plenty of studying prior to the exam.What is the outcome of differentiated teaching?Because it is a student-centered learning initiative rather than a direct instruction model, those prospective test takers have gained an understanding by design.Nobody told them what  to think of the subject matter; through a variety of means, they found how to think about it by themselves.They have gained a thorough understanding of the material on their terms and in their own way, meaning that, in the course of their learning, they also gained empowerment.Isn’t student empowerment the ultimate goal of effective teaching?Now calling on every teacher who wants to make a difference in their students’ lives and learning:Would you incorporate differentiation strategies in your classroom if it meant different learning styles you have been tasked to teach were all addressed?If your gifted student s were assigned classwork more in tune with their intellect than their age group, and your lesson planning allowed for even your SEN students to keep up with the curriculum?Of course you would!Now discover the ultimate in differentiating education!

Fall in France French Vocabulary for Fall

Fall in France French Vocabulary for Fall Sign up successful If you ever find yourself traveling to France during this period, it might seem like the country is empty and shut down. Thats because this month is used to travel far away, or even just a few hundred kilometers to the south of France, where one can relax and unwind from the stress of work, school, and everyday life. One of the benefits of learning French is to be able to move to France and experience this for yourself! A Bountiful Harvest The end of summer and the beginning of fall in France also brings about a very beautiful and bountiful time. Between the end of August and the end of September, vineyards all over the country are loaded with grapes ripe for the picking. During this time, you can see tractors and trucks rolling through the small villages of the beautiful French countryside. Theyre full of freshly-picked grapes which are then carted off to be fermented and turned into wine. This period of time is called les vendanges (the grape harvest) and it can be a very stressful time for winemakers as they try their best to pick grapes at their peak (thus, resulting in great wines). The Beginning of Fall But like all good things, les grandes vacances have to end. September 1st has come and gone and everyone is back to school or work; the daily grind. Les fermiers (farmers) go back to their fields for harvest, les travailleurs (workers) go back to work, and les enseignants et les écoliers (teachers and students) go back to school. Est-ce que vous avez le cafard (are you feeling down â€" literally translated as, Do you have the cockroach?) because its the end of summer? If so, heres some fun fall vocabulary to get you through la rentrée.  Dont worry about mastering pronunciation yet just try them out! French Vocabulary for Fall 1)  La rentrée The start of the school year. 2)  Un pull That comfy, cozy thing you wrap yourself up in during fall a sweater! 3)  L’automne Whether you call it autumn or call it fall, it’s the season after summer (l’été). 4)  Une feuille A leaf. 5)  Changement de couleur des feuilles The changing colors of leaves from vertes (green) to rouges (red), marrons (brown), oranges (orange), et jaunes (yellow). 6)  Les feuilles sèches/ les feuilles mortes After the leaves turn colors and fall off the tree they become dead leaves (which are always fun to crunch). 7)  La récolte, la moisson These are the harvests of fruits, vegetables, and grains. 8)  Un ratêau A rake for all those falling leaves. The verb, to rake, is ratisser. 9)  Le potiron, la citrouille Used in pies, Jack-o-Lanterns, and Cinderella’s carriage this would be a pumpkin! 10)  L’épouvantail This is a scarecrow for scaring crows, of course! There you have it lots of French vocab to practice and master! Having a conversation in French and throwing in these words is another great way to practice. If you struggle with the pronunciation or general understanding of the language, I recommend taking lessons with an excellent  French teacher. Having private instruction is the quickest way you can improve your French skills. Be sure to try some of these words out this  fall! Post Author:  Mikayla S. Mikayla teaches many subjects, inlcuding French, European History, and World History. She has been speaking French for over a decade and recently earned her bachelors degree of French and Francophone Studies at San Diego State University.  Learn more about Mikayla here! Interested in Private Lessons? Search thousands of teachers for local and live, online lessons. Sign up for convenient, affordable private lessons today! Search for Your Teacher

4 Common Midterm Study Mistakes

4 Common Midterm Study Mistakes After youve settled into the semester and found your bearings, midterm season may seem to suddenly sneak up on you. Halfway through the semester, youre likely to have your routines in place, and midterms require their own arrangement of time and energy. While these exams can feel like an upheaval, there are common midterm study mistakes you can work to avoidincluding prioritizing the wrong concepts, not getting sufficient rest, and not considering the test formats while studying. Hoping to successfully tackle your midterms this semester? Keep reading to learn four common midterm study mistakes. Common midterm study mistake #1: failing to get sufficient rest All-nighters are tempting, but with a solid study plan in place, they can be avoided. While it may feel like the material is fresher in your mind after cramming, all-nighters often inhibit performance on tests because of disrupted sleep and concentration. They can also limit deep understanding of material, especially because its likely that you havent been studying ahead of time. To improve study habits, your understanding of material, and your performance on midterms, create a schedule for yourself that acknowledges all areas of your lifeother classes and major due dates, extracurricular activities, work, social life, and self-care. You might need to cut back on time for yourself, but do so only temporarily and try planning something to look forward to after exams to keep yourself motivated. You shouldnt have to totally ignore your social life and self-care in order to do well, and keeping a study schedule can help you do that. [RELATED: The Top Study Tips for Midterms] Common midterm study mistake #2: not taking strategic breaks Not strategizing your breaks is another mistake students often make during study sessions. Students often fall into oneor bothof two categories while studying: Taking many breaks, too often and at random times, and getting distracted by media, social media, or friends Not giving yourself enough breaks and pushing onwards until you quickly burn out The first method often results in less productivity, and the second can be draining. To make the most of your time and energy, plan your breaks strategically. This could look different for each individual, but consider using a timer for both the lengths of study sessions and your breaks. Use your break times for an activity like taking a walk or stretching, or do something fun that also has a time limit, like watching a short video or playing a brief game. There are also apps and computer programs that can help you stay focused and avoid distractions. [RELATED: 10 Study Habits to Avoid] Common midterm study mistake #3: prioritizing the wrong concepts Prioritizing the wrong material can hinder your midterm studying. For example, you might be tempted to start studying concepts you already feel very comfortable with or material you learned at the beginning of the semester. While these aren't necessarily bad places to start studying, its more useful to prioritize based on the most important to least important concepts to be tested. If youre not sure what these are, consult a study guide or practice test, meet with your professor during office hours, or check in with a classmate or someone whos already taken the class. [RELATED: 5 Reasons Students Should Meet with Professors During Office Hours] Common midterm study mistake #4: not taking test formats into consideration The tricky part about midterms is not only the concepts, but also the way youre testedwhich can range from essay answers to multiple choice questions. When practicing your knowledge of concepts, utilize specific test formats as much as possible. If there are practice tests, take advantage of those. If the test is a timed writing piece, try your hand at your own timed writing exercise. Try to mimic the test situation as much as possible. Regardless of whether your final exam is comprehensive or not, dont get rid of your notes. Take time to go over concepts you struggled with, because theyre likely to be an important foundation for the rest of the semester. 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.

Solving ratio problems with tables

Solving ratio problems with tables Ratio is one of the very often used topics in mathematics. Ratio is defined as the comparison between quantitates or numbers. The symbol for the representing ratio is :. Ratio helps in solving questions related to comparisons, proportions and many other word problems. For example, a / b can be written as a : b. Here a/b is fraction form and a:b is the ratio form. The ratio can be simplifies if a and b have any common factors. Example 1: Fill in the blanks if the table below? Solution: The table given have set of equivalent ratio. The first ratio given is 6: 5. The second ratio given is 12: 10. This can be obtained by the first ratio. Write the ratio 6: 5 as a fraction (6/5) x (2/2) = 12/10. In the third ratio 18 can be obtained by multiplying 6 x 3 = 18. So multiplying the ratio 6: 5 by 3 gives (6/5) x (3/3) = 18/15. Hence writing as a ratio = 18: 15. Therefore the missing blank is 15. Question: Multiple choice question (Pick the correct option.) In the given table below the missing number in the ratio is? a) 28 b) 16 c) 14 d) None of these. Correct answer: option a. Explanation: The table given have set of equivalent ratio. The first ratio given is 4: 7 or 4/7. In the third ratio 16 can be obtained by multiplying 4 x 4 = 16. So multiplying the ratio 4: 7 by 4 gives (4/7) x (4/4) = 16/28.

Future In The Past

Future In The Past Have you heard of future past? In todays class, your dreams are going to come true. We are going to time travel! Can you think of a time last year, and think of where you thought you would be right now? Youve just time travelled, and hopefully you thought of a sentence in the future past. Confused? Dont worry, this blog  post  will show you how to  use the  future past.We use  future in the past  to talk about something in the past that you  thought  would happen in the future (it doesnt matter if it actually happened or not). Take a  look at the diagram below:As you can see, both of the Xs are in the past, but the blue X is slightly closer to the present (now). This is because we thought the blue X would happen in the future. So how do we make a sentence to show we thought something would happen in the future?  There are two ways:Forming Future Past  1. would  + (base verb)example: I thought you would help him.meaning: I thought you  would help him (with his homework), maybe you did help him/maybe you didnt help him.example: He promised he would send a postcard from Hawaii.meaning:  He said (or he promised) that he would send a postcard to me from Hawaii, maybe he did/didnt.2. was/were  + going to + (base verb)example:  I knew you were going to the concert.meaning:  I thought that you were going to go to the concert and you DID go. (When you  use knew it is to show you were correct with your prediction).example: I thought he was going to crash the car, he was driving so fast!meaning:  He was driving dangerously, I thought he was going to crash the car, but he didnt.We use both of these forms in slightly different ways. Would + (base verb) is mostly used to show a voluntary action,  promise  or to make a  prediction:Voluntary action:  I knew Eric  would make  dinner tonight.Promise:  She promised that she would come to my party.Prediction:  I thought it  would be a disaster.When we use was/were + going to + (base verb),  we  are talking about a  plan  or a  pre diction:Plan:  David said that he  was going to bring  his camera with him, but he forgot.Prediction:  I had a feeling that it  was going to be  a disaster.Future Past Listening ExerciseNow that we have studied how to make  future in the past  sentences, lets practice  using them. First, take a  look at this video:As you can see, these are predictions in the past that people thought would happen in the future. I particularly like the  crazy robot that people thought would exist in 1960!Now its your turn to complete some sentences. At the beginning of the sentence, I have written  either  volunteer, promise, plan  or  prediction. That indicates what type  of sentence to write (would + verb or  was/were + going to + verb).Example: (prediction)  I thought that there _would be  _ cars before the 1930s.(promise) They promised I would ______________ before 1960.(prediction) They thought  there ________________ helicopter trains in 1940.(plan) He told you there _________________ lots of c ars in 2000.Great work! You may have noticed in these sentences that I placed time expressions at the end of the sentence. This is because in all future forms, time expressions cannot be at the beginning of the sentence. You must use the  past  simple  if you have a time expression at the beginning of the sentence- look below:As soon as I would  arrive  at the restaurant, I would order  a pizza.  IncorrectAs soon as I  arrived  at the restaurant, I would order pizza.  Correct (past simple)Future Past Gap Fill ExerciseYoure doing great! We just have one exercise left.  Identify if there is a  time expression, and then use either the  past simple or the Future in the Past  (would +verb or was/were going to +verb)  to complete the sentence with the verb in the parenthesis ( ). As always, write your answers in the comment section and we will give you some feedback!(Husband and wife talking on the phone. Husband at football match, wife at home) Before you _____________ (go) to the footba ll match, I _________________ (make) you some lunch.2. They promised that they ______________  (come) to my birthday party, but no one came!3. By the time he   ______________(arrive), it ___________ (be)  too late.That is the end of todays class, we hope you enjoyed it! If you have any questions, please feel free to leave a comment below. If you want to continue improving  your English skills, sign up for a free 25-minute class today! Future In The Past Have you heard of future past? In todays class, your dreams are going to come true. We are going to time travel! Can you think of a time last year, and think of where you thought you would be right now? Youve just time travelled, and hopefully you thought of a sentence in the future past. Confused? Dont worry, this blog  post  will show you how to  use the  future past.We use  future in the past  to talk about something in the past that you  thought  would happen in the future (it doesnt matter if it actually happened or not). Take a  look at the diagram below:As you can see, both of the Xs are in the past, but the blue X is slightly closer to the present (now). This is because we thought the blue X would happen in the future. So how do we make a sentence to show we thought something would happen in the future?  There are two ways:Forming Future Past  1. would  + (base verb)example: I thought you would help him.meaning: I thought you  would help him (with his homework), maybe you did help him/maybe you didnt help him.example: He promised he would send a postcard from Hawaii.meaning:  He said (or he promised) that he would send a postcard to me from Hawaii, maybe he did/didnt.2. was/were  + going to + (base verb)example:  I knew you were going to the concert.meaning:  I thought that you were going to go to the concert and you DID go. (When you  use knew it is to show you were correct with your prediction).example: I thought he was going to crash the car, he was driving so fast!meaning:  He was driving dangerously, I thought he was going to crash the car, but he didnt.We use both of these forms in slightly different ways. Would + (base verb) is mostly used to show a voluntary action,  promise  or to make a  prediction:Voluntary action:  I knew Eric  would make  dinner tonight.Promise:  She promised that she would come to my party.Prediction:  I thought it  would be a disaster.When we use was/were + going to + (base verb),  we  are talking about a  plan  or a  pre diction:Plan:  David said that he  was going to bring  his camera with him, but he forgot.Prediction:  I had a feeling that it  was going to be  a disaster.Future Past Listening ExerciseNow that we have studied how to make  future in the past  sentences, lets practice  using them. First, take a  look at this video:iframe width=560 height=315 src=https://www.youtube.com/embed/czr-98yo6RU frameborder=0 allowfullscreen/iframeAs you can see, these are predictions in the past that people thought would happen in the future. I particularly like the  crazy robot that people thought would exist in 1960!Exercises for English Grammar:Now its your turn to complete some sentences. At the beginning of the sentence, I have written  either  volunteer, promise, plan  or  prediction. That indicates what type  of sentence to write (would + verb or  was/were + going to + verb).Example: (prediction)  I thought that there _would be  _ cars before the 1930s.(promise) They promised I would ______________ before 1960.(prediction) They thought  there ________________ helicopter trains in 1940.(plan) He told you there _________________ lots of cars in 2000.Great work! You may have noticed in these sentences that I placed time expressions at the end of the sentence. This is because in all future forms, time expressions cannot be at the beginning of the sentence. You must use the  past  simple  if you have a time expression at the beginning of the sentence- look below:As soon as I would  arrive  at the restaurant, I would order  a pizza.  IncorrectAs soon as I  arrived  at the restaurant, I would order pizza.  Correct (past simple)Future Past Gap Fill ExerciseYoure doing great! We just have one exercise left.  Identify if there is a  time expression, and then use either the  past simple or the Future in the Past  (would +verb or was/were going to +verb)  to complete the sentence with the verb in the parenthesis ( ). As always, write your answers in the comment section and we will give yo u some feedback!(Husband and wife talking on the phone. Husband at football match, wife at home) Before you _____________ (go) to the football match, I _________________ (make) you some lunch.2. They promised that they ______________  (come) to my birthday party, but no one came!3. By the time he   ______________(arrive), it ___________ (be)  too late.That is the end of todays class, we hope you enjoyed it! If you have any questions, please feel free to leave a comment below. If you want to continue improving  your English skills, sign up for a free 25-minute class today!