How to participate in a Conversation in English

How to participate in a Conversation in English How to have a Conversation with Someone in English ChaptersWhat Is A Conversation In English?What Are The Gestures Of Conversation?How To Meet New PeopleWhat Are The Commonly Used Words And Phrases In Social Conversations?How To Practice Conversations In English?How to have a conversation with someone in English? The English language is essential if you want to have conversations in English, travel or live in an English speaking country and it becomes vital when you need it to work. So how can you progress in the English language?Speaking English is not about pronouncing English perfectly or losing your accent, the key to having a conversation in English is to be able to communicate. To be vulnerable enough to try to speak even if you aren't confident and to listen enough to others so that you can understand and be understood. Here are some tips to help you have better conversations in English.Politeness is quite crucial in the English language. Photo Source: UnsplashFor a more efficient language exchange, do not hesitate to go to bi lingual cafes or bars. Many offer informal moments where native English speakers are present to discuss and support your progress.Also, think about Skype which makes a great virtual environment to learn a   language with people from anywhere in the world. Many English people are also looking to learn your native language. Find an English speaker on a language app like Babbel or social network like Facebook groups and make an appointment to meet once or twice a week to speak partly in English and partly in your mother tongue. This kind of exchange is precious, and everyone wins.Using some or all of these techniques can take you from a beginner or intermediate level to advanced level very quickly. Further, you will make lots of new friends on the way.So are you ready for a to have a chat or improve your oral test skills or if you want to learn how to communicate in an English interview.

Singing and Athleticism Whats the Link

Singing and Athleticism Whats the Link Suzy S. When youre a singer and a performer, taking care of your vocal cords is essential to staying on top of your game. How much does staying in shape physically factor into that? Here, Gainesville, FL vocal teacher Anna F. tackles the question Stop a random passerby on the street, and ask them to describe an opera singer. The typical response includes horns, a breastplate, braids, and beneath all of the accoutrements an overweight singer. It is important for singers of all ages to understand the benefits of keeping both vocally AND physically healthy. From a hiring perspective, the importance of being in shape cannot be overemphasized. Opera productions have moved away from park-and-bark stagings, and are now moving to compete with the intense, dramatic acting of straight theater. Simply put, a singer must have the physical capability to easily get themselves around a stage (this goes double, if not triple for a singer with Broadway aspirations). In addition, many of opera’s most cherished heroines are supposed to be young girls, and/or even deathly ill (Mimi, Violetta, I’m looking at you). But being physically active and athletic is important beyond the stage. I firmly believe that there is a direct correlation between good health and good singing. A few years ago I (unwillingly) picked up running. Between grad school, an assistantship, a serving job, and rehearsals, I didn’t have time to go to a gym, so running seemed the best option for losing some weight. And I will swear on my life that the controlled breathing necessary to a successful run (and not feeling like you’re going to pass out at any given moment) contributed to my increased understanding and grasp of breath control in singing. All of a sudden it made sense â€" you couldn’t blow all your air right away and expect to make it through the phrase, let alone the next half-mile. While this seems fairly common sense, the idea is fairly abstract until you’re bent over, gasping for air and wishing you weren’t still two miles from home. I give all of my students the same advice: eat well, drink water, get plenty of sleep, and stay active. Nightly walks, running a few times a week, yoga in the mornings; pick one and stick with it! It will pay off in the long run. Anna F. teaches singing, Broadway singing, opera voice, speaking voice and acting lessons to students in Gainesville, FL. She received her Bachelors in Music from the University of Florida, and her Masters in Music from Christopher Newport University. Anna joined the TakeLessons team in December 2012. Learn more about Anna, or search for a teacher near you! 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 Photo by Tejas Prints

SAT Math College Board Online SAT Prep Online Tutoring Tutorpace

SAT Math College Board Online SAT Prep Online Tutoring Tutorpace SAT is one of the most popular tests taken high school students to gain admissions in colleges and universities in the United States. SAT is an abbreviation for Scholastic Assessment Test and is owned by the College Board. SAT is conducted many times a year and students can take the test when they feel they are ready with the subjects. SAT examines students in 3 main subject areas: Critical Reading, Mathematics and Writing. These 3 sections determine the students capability of reading and comprehending English passages and their ability in writing their opinion on a given issue or a topic. The math section tests the students in their creative ability and their logical reasoning. Therefore SAT scores analyze the students understanding of the most basic and important concepts which are also important in their further academics at a college or a university. SAT math section consists of multiple choice questions and for every question, 5 options are given. Students have to pick the right answer from the given 5 options. This section examines students in topics of Algebra, Plane Geometry, Coordinate Geometry, Probability and Statistics etc. SAT math section is meant to be a logical section, and based on the standard of the exam students should not practice highly complex and complicated questions. The time limit for this section is very limited and hence questions are not extremely difficult. Students should first learn the basic concepts and formulas and they can earn good scores by knowing how to use them appropriately in given a question.

3 Tips for Voice Projection

3 Tips for Voice Projection Suzy S. No mic? No problem! Sing loud and proud with these voice projection tips from Broken Arrow, OK voice teacher Adia P Growing up on the stages of community theater, I probably heard Project your voice! more than Curtain! or Break a Leg!  Its a little intimidating at first, but between nonstop practices and a healthy fear that all my hard work would be wasted if no one could hear my lines, I was projecting like a pro in no time. It may sound complicated, but projecting your voice is just another way to say, speak up. We do it naturally, without thinking, almost every day. When I am helping my students to project their singing voice, I often have them practice attempting to get someones attention. To do so, we raise our voice to capture the attention of our target. For example, Hey you! or Wait, you forgot your..! They quickly learn that it is fairly easy to do in fact, they project almost effortlessly. But is projecting in speaking the same as with singing? The answer is yes. I often joke that to project in song is to speak up in melody.   In the classic sense, project means to throw or thrust forward. In singing or speaking, it means we are controlling the volume of our voice, clearly and distinctly, in an effort to be heard at a greater level. It is less of a skill to be taught, and more of a method to be practiced. In fact, most of our difficulties with projecting have more to do with confidence than lack of ability.  Insecurities about your voice, or overwhelming concerns about what others will think about your sound can get in the way and cause you to shrink back. This is not always an easy fix, and often takes consistent practice and work with your coach to get your confidence level where you need it to be. But I’ve found that these three quick practice tips have helped my students master projection and get one step closer to achieving their vocal goals. I hope they help you too! 1. Find your focus. In practice, give yourself a target object to direct your voice toward. For example, a wall, window, or object on the other side of the room. Youll notice when you give your voice an aim, you will project naturally. 2. Fill the room. Always sing with enough clarity and volume to fill the space that you are in. This will help you control the level and intensity of projection you need to give. A small studio or recital hall will not require the same power or support needed to fill a large theater or concert hall;   note where you are and project accordingly. 3. Forget the fear. Since your sound comes from within, confidence struggles can greatly inhibit your ability or even willingness to sing out. But dont let fear have the final say. If there is something about your voice you dont like, focus in and work with your coach to get stronger and more proficient. Always believe in your ability to make a sound worth sharing. Adia P. teaches singing lessons to students of all ages in Broken Arrow, OK. Adia specializes in vocal/stage performance, beginner-intermediate singing, sight-singing, musical theater and audition preparation and performance. She joined the TakeLessons team in October 2012. Learn more about Adia, or search for a teacher near you! 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 Photo by  Matt McGee

The Quick Guide to Japanese Culture

The Quick Guide to Japanese Culture The Practical Guide to Japanese Folklore ChaptersTypical Martial Arts in JapanGeishas: Mysterious Japanese ArtistsSumo, the Ancient Sport from the Land of the Rising SunJapanese History: Traditional Japanese WeaponsIn Asia, there are plenty of different countries, each with their own diverse culture. Japan is one of the eastern countries that many people are interested in because of its cuisine, art, countryside, and cultural heritage. An estimated 20 million tourists will visit the country in 2020.Japanese culture is broad and varied and blends the traditional with the modern. Japan is home to traditional cuisine and folklore as well as modern technology. However, tourists enjoy the traditional far more than the modern.In this article, Superprof is looking at most popular Japanese traditions, sports in the country, sumo, Geishas, and traditional Japanese weapons. So get your yukata ready, we’re off to discover Japan. 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 tutorsTypical Martial Arts in JapanMartial arts are popular all over the world. While boxing is probably the most popular combat sport in the UK, Japan has a long history with martial arts. Here are some of the most popular martial arts in Japan. Japan has a long history of martial arts. (Source: gregorycosta)Combat Sports and Martial ArtsMartial arts are a type of sport and self-defence generally using punches, kicks, and grabs. The most popular martial arts from Japan are judo and karate, with most cities in the UK having clubs for bothThere are also other martial arts jujutsu, the precursor to judo, and aikido, a sport based on using your adversary’s strength against them. These are violent sports but they’re about becoming more peaceful:“Martial arts were used on the battlefield and for training the Samurai. Today, these martial arts still train samurais but represent piece. Martial arts are designed to nurture peace.” - Hiroo MochizukiThere are also martial arts such as Shorinji Kempo and Nippon Kempo. These two combat sports were inspired by other martial arts but they also teach spirituality.Mastering Weapons in JapanThere are also martial arts that make use of weapons. Here are a few of the more popular martia l arts with weapons:Kendo: using a sword.Jukendo: using a bayonet.Naginata: using a naginata (a pole weapon)Iaido: using a sword with a focus on quickly drawing a sword and responding to sudden attacks.Kyudo: using a Japanese bow.These are all the result of Japanese military training rituals for samurais, warriors, or armed monks.Geishas: Mysterious Japanese ArtistsPopularised in the film “Memoirs of a Geisha” and promoted by the Japanese government as a symbol of Japanese culture, Geishas continue to fascinate westerners and the Japanese. Here are a few things you should know about them. Geishas are artists and entertainers. (Source: patrik671)A Refined Artist and Courtesan“She paints her face to hide her face. Her eyes are deep water. It is not for Geisha to want. It is not for geisha to feel. Geisha is an artist of the floating world. She dances, she sings. She entertains you, whatever you want. The rest is shadows, the rest is secret.” - Memoirs of a GeishaGeishas certainly are mysterious with the white makeup, hair in buns, and ornate kimonos. Geishas are artists whose job is to entertain their clients.Contrary to popular western belief, Geishas are not prostitutes. In Japanese culture, this is very clear. Geishas are not supposed to provide these types of services. Their main role is to play an instrument like the shamisen, perform traditional Japanese dances, to accompany their clients and to serve them.Geishas Throughout HistoryGeishas originated in the 13th century when artists were invited to Kyoto to entertain the emperor though these were generally men . During the 17th century, women started performing these roles as geisha.You could find them in tea rooms and some would sell their bodies to wealthy customers. In fact, a Geisha’s virginity could be sold for a fortune through prostitution. However, it should be made clear that a geisha isn't a prostitute.The golden age of geishas was during the 19th and 20th century and there were thousands of them around Japan, particularly in Kyoto in the Gion neighbourhood. They were very fashionable and popular, making the business very lucrative.The Second World War resulted in the closure of the Okiya for a year. While the Geishas could return to work after this time, few did. The practice was further hurt by the fact that the Japanese government made it illegal for girls to leave education before the age of 16.Today, there are still geishas, but in far fewer numbers than in their heyday. There’s been an increase in popularity in recent years, though. There are still a few who don their kimono in a teahouse or geisha house and perform traditional Japanese dance, kabuki theatre, calligraphy, or the traditional tea ceremony.Talk about talented!Sumo, the Ancient Sport from the Land of the Rising SunOf all the sports done in Japan, the most unique and special is probably sumo. It may seem strange and difficult to understand, but it’s an important part of Japanese history. Here’s what you need to know about Sumo, Japan’s national sport. Sumo wrestling is a combat sport, ritual, art, and sacred ceremony all at the same time. (Source: 12019)The Rikishi and the Rules of SumoA sumo wrestler is also known as a rikishi or sumotori. These combatants practice a sacred art in the dohyo, a ring 4m in diameter. Each rikishi holds a rank from novice to yokozuna (grand champion) as well as a shikona (ring name).Before a match, the rikishis complete a purification ritual on their body and mind and the dohyo itself is also purified. They then get into position for combat. To win, they need to throw their adversary to the ground or remove them from the ring.There are 6 main sumo tournaments per year with 3 of them occurring in the capital city, Tokyo. It’s very popular in Japan and is more than just a sport, it’s a way to communicate with the gods.Sumo Through the AgesAs the legend goes, sumo arose from a battle between two gods for control of the Japanese islands. Much later, a mortal by the name of Sukune, who is considered t he father of sumo, fought a man to the death.Sumo was introduced into the emperor’s court in the 8th century but it was just a shinto ritual. It became a veritable martial art in the 9th century and became popular across the whole of Japan.In the 17th century, sumo become a professional sport and entertainment for the rich. Promoters emerged and started offering budding rikishis a career. During the Edo period, sumo turned towards the general public. The ranking system later appeared.Today, it’s very popular in Japan!Japanese History: Traditional Japanese WeaponsJapan is a country that developed for many years without any outside interference. It was able to forge its own culture and military discipline, too. This is why there are several traditional weapons that are unique to Japan. The Katana is one of Japan's most symbolic weapons. (Source: skefalacca)Japanese Bladed WeaponsJapan is known for its swords: they commonly appear in Japanese cultural works and the most famous one is undoubtedly the katana. These curved samurai swords were used before the arrival of gunpowder weapons in the 16th century.Among the most famous Japanese blades, we could mention:The Katana (a sword over 60cm)The Tachi (an older sword, used by samurai horsemen)The Wakizashi (a shorter sword between 30cm and 60cm)The Tanto (a Japanese dagger under 30cm)The Tessen (a metal fan with blades)The Naginata (a wooden lance with a curved blade at the end)The Yari (a lance between 2.5 and 4m in length)The Kunai (ninja dagger)The Sai (a three-pointed dagger)We could also mention weapons like the Kama and Kue, types of hooks. These were agricultural tools that were used to defend Okinawa.Ranged Japanese Weapons and Blunt WeaponsThere are plenty of Japanese ranged weapons. The Yumi, a traditional Jap anese bow, is one of the most important. There are a whole bunch of ranged weapons in Japan including shurikens (metal stars) and senbon (metal needles).There are also blunt weapons used to strike foes such as nunchakus. However, there are also a whole range of batons that could be as long as 1.8m.  You might also be familiar with the tonfa, or tunkunwa, which evolved into the batons commonly used by law enforcement in the west.Now you should know a bit about Japanese culture. If you want to learn more, check out our other articles on Japan. You could also improve your Japanese with a private Japanese tutor. Don't forget that many of the Japanese tutors on Superprof offer the first hour of tuition for free!

Keeping Grades Up Through High School

Keeping Grades Up Through High School Theres a lot of truth to the statement that high school is when students grades really start to matter. Middle school lays the groundwork and helps students establish good study habits, but high school is when things count. Teens performance (i.e. their academic record) will impact where they go to college, whether they are eligible for scholarships and much, much more. So, whats the secret to keeping up those grades? The simple answer is effort, but in reality, its a bit more complex than that. Here are five tips for teens striving to keep that GPA high all through high school: Put school first. Students who treat high school as their highest priority will have the best chance of success. Yes, achieving balance is important, and teens should make time for family, friends and things they like to do (e.g. a favorite sport or club). However, high school is a commitment that requires daily studying and homeworkand perseverance when things get difficult. Get the most out of class. Going to class and paying attention while in class are two obvious musts to do well in high school, but its not just about showing up. Teens need to use active listening techniques, participate in class discussions to solidify their knowledge, and take notes that help them retain knowledge later on (which makes for more effective studying). Be organized. Strong organization is the not-so-secret weapon of high-performing high school students. This includes planner use and maintenance, solid time management, prioritizing of assignments during homework time, and of course, organization of the backpack, locker and any papers kept at home (or stored in a Google Drive or similar). Learn more about how to help children be more organized. Become a skilled note taker. Effective notes will help students retain information delivered in class and prepare well for quizzes and tests. But not all notes will serve students well. Teens should practice good note-taking habits: by recording meaningful facts, grouping ideas, using their textbook and more. Read more about good note-taking strategies for high school students. Use teachers as a resource. In high school, students need to make a shift from passive to active learner if they havent yet done so. A big part of that is self-advocating to ensure their learning needs are met. Teens should establish relationships with their teachersand not just for show. They should take advantage of any study sessions and reach out to teachers when they need help. Theres no doubt that the bar is higher in high school and your teen will need to work hard to keep up and even harder to excel. Rest assured, your teen will do well if he puts forth the effort and embraces these tips. The report card will show those efforts, but even better, your teen will become a more independent, proficient student in time for college.

English Phrasal Verbs with Over - English Lesson via Skype

English Phrasal Verbs with Over - English Lesson via Skype Ive started noticing the leaves on the trees changing their colour. Looks like the summer is over. In this sentence we use  OVER  meaning the summer is finished, the summer is at its end. We can also use  OVER as a preposition. Today lets have a look at the English phrasal verbs with over. Don't keep this to yourself, share now 12 Phrasal Verbs with OVER Quick revision on what is a phrasal verb in English.Phrasal verbs are made up of (this is a phrasal verb to make +up + of) a simple verb and one or two prepositions. Most   phrasal verbs in English can be easily substituted by a more formal verb (made up =constructed or assembled or built).So lets get started and review some useful phrasal verbs with OVER.TO TALK (IT) OVERThe more formal verb is  to discuss. To talk something over  is to discuss it between two or more people.Example: Mary wanted to go somewhere exotic for her holidays but James preferred to go to the family cottage by the sea. They said they would talk it over later that evening after dinner.TO TAKE OVERThe more formal verb is to control or to acquire  (to buy), to win control of something.Example: Hillary was tired driving she had been driving non stop for 4 hours. Philip said he would drive the rest of the journey so he took over the driving. OrCompany A wanted to become bigger. The easiest way was to buy its compe titor. They met the management to discuss an over and the take over  began. Please note We can also use takeover as a noun. A takeover of company B has taken place. Pay attention to its different structure. It is one word not two! TO PULL OVERThe formal verb could be to stop.  In the previous phrasal verb  (take over)  we gave the example of Philip taking over the driving from Hillary.Example: When Philip agreed to take over the driving he asked her to pull over when it was safe to do so and stop the car. To pull over  means to stop the car somewhere safe either to rest or change drivers or get something from the car boot.TO HAND OVERA more formal way to express this is to say  to give  or to present. We hand over  something we have or are holding to someone else who requests it. Sometimes it is used quite harshly.Example: A robbery took place in the bank yesterday and thieves  (robbers)  demanded to hand over  all the cash immediately. Please note Again pullover is also a noun which is a style of jumper worn by males or females. And gain as a noun it is one word only. TO SLEEP OVERTo stay or spend a night in a friend’s house. This phrasal verb is usually used by young children who like to spend time with their friends. One child invites the other to come to his home and have a sleepover  (here it is a noun, one word).Example: Would you like to sleep over  in my house tonight? Mum is making popcorn and said we can watch a movie.TO RUN OVERThis has two meanings as a phrasal verb so could be replaced by  to kill  (run over an animal, for example)  or to review  (run over some numbers or a presentation).Example: When someone is driving along the street and a dog or cat runs out on to the road they might unintentionally (not deliberately) run over and kill the animal. Trying to avoid the animal could cause an accident. OrExample: Your colleague might ask you to help him with some work and would like you to review his presentation that he is giving the following day. He might ask you to kindly run over the presentation with him and see if everything h as been included.TO STOP OVERto stay somewhere briefly during ones journeyExample: On our way to Paris, we stopped over in Strasbourg for one night. Phrasal Verbs with OVER - Infographic Enjoyed this infographic? Here’s what you can do next: TO BE OVERto finish, to come to an endExample: The show starts at 7 and will be over at 10.00.TO COME OVERto visitExample: You should come over for dinner tomorrow night.TO GET OVERto recover from somethingExample: Hes trying hard to get over the death of his son.TO GO OVER1. to examine detailsExample: The police went through the evidence many times trying to find some clues.2. to repeatExample: Would you mind going over the details again? I wasnt following you.TO LOOK OVERto examine carefullyExample: They looked over the menus in silence.Over to you now. Try to make couple of sentences using phrasal verbs with OVER.  Write them in the comments below and Ill get back to you.You can also practise your knowledge of phrasal verbs in English with gap filling exercises. Remember, phrasal verbs are a very important aspect in the English language. If you want to speak English fluently, you need to learn English phrasal verbs.There are many textbooks out there for learning English phrasal verbs. I would like to recommend  Phrasal Verbs in Use by Michael McCarthy and Felicity ODell (Cambridge University Press). It is one of the best books Ive seen on phrasal verbs and I use it quite a lot with my students.

The Key to a Good College Essay

The Key to a Good College Essay Students often stress about the college essay. But I think if one embraces the essay as a chance to show these schools who you really are, then the process can get a lot more fun. Be sure to remember that colleges aren't just looking for good students with impressive resumes. They are looking for fun, interesting, socially competent, passionate people that will be part of a student body at their institution. In short, they are looking for more than just academic credentials. So what does this mean?I think the fact that colleges and universities are looking at more than just your grades and test scores is a good thing. It means that almost anything about yourself can be spun as a positive attribute; something that makes you the unique snowflake that you are. So I would recommend that you let that part of yourself shine in your essay. But the key word is PASSION. Colleges and universities are looking for one trait almost more so than any other: Passion. They are looking for passionate students who really care about something, whether it be a global cause, pursuing a sport or musical instrument, writing, documenting current events, what have you. It doesn't really matter what it is. If you are really passionate about something in this world, then talk about it in your college essay, and talk about how it has made you who you are. And don't hold back! Just be sure that the passion is overall a positive thing. Basically, don't write about cleaning lint from under beds if that is your great passion.And finally, let your parents help you with your essay! They are smart and are a great resources, so don't be afraid to use them.Best of luck!