Coworking Survival Guide for Introverts - Introvert Whisperer

Introvert Whisperer / Coworking Survival Guide for Introverts - Introvert Whisperer Coworking Survival Guide for Introverts Much has been said about coworking spaces, the new alternative to traditional office spaces that bring together freelancers and regular but remote working employees under one roof. While most traditional offices and company facilities have codes of conduct for the workplace, a coworking space may not have as many rules written in stone, but its still important to be aware of common courtesies and pleasant interactions that can make life better for everyone there. This is especially important for those who may be transitioning from working at home to working around others in a new environment. Starting Out With The Introvert Survival Guide Many people who come to work at coworking spaces are introverts. Some people have the wrong idea about introverts as being antisocial or not wanting to have any conversations, but that isnt always the case. In many cases, introverts do love to have conversations when they meet their interests, but they tend to be more picky about what they like to talk about. The great thing about coworking spaces is that since there are many people independently working, an introvert has a good chance to meet someone whos doing similar work to what theyre doing. And if theyre lucky enough, they might have a chance to add a new employee, partner or client by getting to know that person. Some Good Ways To Start Socializing Some coworking spaces have different rooms that have different atmospheres as far as talking and quiet are concerned. People who have big projects that they need a quiet atmosphere to work in will use the quiet corners or library-like rooms in order to maximize their production and meet the deadlines. But for those who need a more collaborative environment or need areas with which to try and talk to others or find a welcoming group of workers, social rooms are a better place to start. Some introverts do well in a group if that group welcomes them in on their own, but they may not do so well if they have to initiate their own way into the group. If thats the case, a good idea is for an introvert to try and find someone else who does most of their work alone and start talking with them. Making The First Approach In A Shared Office Space Often the first step for an introvert to have success in a coworking place making new contacts and friends is to engage the person in even trivial conversations, whether its having the same snack foods, using an app on the phone they both like, or just anything they find interesting that another person is doing. These connections might go somewhere, or they may not but by at least showing that theyre making a conscious effort to reach out, theres a good chance an introvert will start making friends in a fairly quick manner. But a key rule in the introvert guide to socializing is for them to make the first move themselves because thats the only way others will know theyre interested in talking to them. A Guide For Introverts To Create A Positive And Productive Atmosphere One of the best ways an introvert can make and keep friends is by exhibiting a courteous and mindful spirit in the workplace. Keeping things in mind such as using headphones when listening to music, having phone conversations in more private areas of the building and not cluttering up the work area beyond their allotted capacity are some good ways for introverts to maintain a pleasant atmosphere. When using shared equipment such as coffee makers, printers, or just kitchen areas in general, its good to clean up messes, refill equipment that was used, and make sure things are reset to the condition they were in when appropriate. And while usually there are designated areas for eating meals, if they have to be eaten while work is being done its good to make sure they arent messy and wont cause a disturbance to others. Writer’s byline: The article was written by Gigi Wara. Gigi is a freelance writer and traveler, currently based in Thailand. She writes and blogs for The Work Loft. Topic of interest includes anything related to self-improvement and career development. Go to top SELF-PROMOTION Let me emphasize that Self-Promotion doesn’t have to be obnoxious to be effective.  But, if you don’t Self-Promote you, who will?  If you ever want to get ahead, you have to learn how to Self-Promote. I want to help you accelerate your career by connecting you with your Free Instant Access to my video that shows you simple, yet effective ways to Self-Promote. Start watching now by clicking here! Brought to you by Dorothy Tannahill-Moran â€" dedicated to unleashing your professional potential. Introvert Whisperer

What is it Like to Attend The Ohio State University

What is it Like to Attend The Ohio State University The tutors behind Varsity Tutors are not just here to teach theyre sharing their college experiences as well. Noor is a Chicago tutor who specializes in Spanish tutoring, English tutoring, and Test-Taking Strategies tutoring. He graduated from The Ohio State University in 2011 with a degree in Arts and Sciences, specifically in International Relations and Diplomacy and Spanish. Check out what he had to say about his school: VT: Describe the campus setting and transportation options.How urban or safe is the campus?Are there buses or do you need a car/bike? Noor: Ohio State is a pretty urban campus. As far as Columbus goes, campus sits comfortably near the center of the city. In this sense, it's mostly safe, but a little rough around the edges. Campus security stays vigilant, though. As far as getting to classes on time, I recommend having a bike or taking a bus, which is really easy as OSU has its own bus system and plenty of bike racks all over campus. I say this because the campus is big - really, really big. Walking could easily get tiring. VT: How available are the professors, academic advisers, and teaching assistants? Noor: All faculty members have rather open office hours, which they're apt to inform students of. But outside of office hours, email is the only way to contact most professors and advisers. I found that anytime I needed to speak with a professor, I didn't have a problem communicating with them. VT: How would you describe the dorm life rooms, dining options, location, socialization opportunities with other students? Noor: Dorm life at OSU varies slightly based on what part of campus you're living in. Again, the campus is really big, so it's commonly separated by location - North Campus, South Campus, and West Campus. I lived on South Campus where most of the freshman dorms are, and it was an excellent place to meet people and get a feel for the campus in general. I'd say it's the same all over campus, but North and West Campus have a smaller concentration of freshmen than South Campus does. All parts of campus are close to class buildings and sport various dining halls, ranging from Mexican to Asian to hearty, American-style buffets - the palate never finds itself bored. Rooms are what you'd expect from a dorm. They're slightly cramped, but have enough wiggle room to satisfy even the most claustrophobic student. VT: Which majors/programs are best represented and supported?What did you study and why? Did the university do a good job supporting your particular area of study? Noor: While most majors and programs are rather well supported, Business, Law, and Medicine are the most supported. I also found that Art and Music had a rather large representation. OSU has its own hospital, Business School (The Fisher School of Business), and Law School (Moritz College of Law), as well as an art-gallery-meets-art-campus in the Wexner Center. There are also specific buildings for many other majors and programs, such as Architecture, Engineering, and Language. OSU is very diverse. I dual-majored in International Studies and Spanish, but that was due to interests I had and professors I met that guided me in that direction. I found that the university did a wonderful job supporting my majors, as highly influential and intelligent professors populated both fields of study. I can easily say that most of the professors that I had impacted both my life and thought process for the better. VT: How easy or difficult was it for you to meet people and make friends as a freshman? Does Greek life play a significant role in the campus social life? Noor: Due to the nature of the dorms and freshman campus life, it was stupendously easy to make friends and meet people. As a matter of fact, many of the friends I have today are friends that I met freshman year. There are myriad social events on campus all throughout the year, including free concerts, barbecues, and so much more that would take decades to list. Campus is constantly bustling with activity. Greek life plays a role, but not an overpowering one. All of the fraternities and sororities are located off campus, and while there are many, I wouldn't say that they're inextricable with campus life. VT: How helpful is the Career Centerand other student support services?Do many reputable companies recruit on campus? Noor: Quite a few reputable companies recruit on campus, especially around the Business School. Also, being that Columbus is not only a huge test market for the country, but also home to the headquarters of many businesses, finding a career in the Columbus area is pretty easy. The student union also abounds with career fairs and opportunities for involvement and securing internships. The Career Center is staffed by genuine, helpful people whose aim is seeing students succeed, and professors and advisors were always, in my experience, ready to help and guide. VT: How are the various study areas such aslibraries, student union, and dorm lounges? Are they over-crowded, easily available, spacious? Noor: As I've stated a few times already, The Ohio State University is big, and everything about it is also big. The main library and the student union were both recently remodeled and are in impeccable shape; the library boasts 11 floors and the union is a sprawling expanse of possibilities. There is ample space for studying and a plethora of resources to utilize. As far as the dorm lounges, they're great, but a bit more readily occupied. I would definitely recommend doing work in either the main library or the union. VT: Describe the surrounding town. What kinds of outside establishments / things to do are there that make it fun, boring, or somewhere in between?To what extent do students go to the downtown area of the city versus staying near campus? Noor: Columbus is a wonderful town, pockmarked with so many options for diversion that it borders on overwhelming. In every direction there are restaurants, cafes, lounges, malls, and everything else the mind can conjure. Columbus is a very diverse city; near campus, there are restaurants encompassing almost every ethnicity and nationality. A very hip and young district lies just south of campus, called The Short North. It's a veritable haven for students, filled with cheap places to eat or hang out, and it also hosts a weekly event called Gallery Hop, which is essentially an art show. Students are often found all over the city, because Columbus is very spread out and every part of it offers a different experience. Fun doesn't even begin to describe it. One will never find himself bored, and it's almost too easy to avoid doing the same thing twice. VT: How big or small is the student body? Were you generally pleased or displeased with the typical class sizes? Noor: Ohio State competes with Arizona State for holding the record for the largest student body in the country with nearly 50,000 students. This sounds overwhelmingly large at first, and while the sheer amount of students is easily noticeable, class sizes are rather manageable. Of course, GECs that take place in lecture halls can contain upwards of 500 students, but most major-specific classes are a decent size. I never felt like I was overcrowded in any class, and I believe that the professors there understand the amount of students they have very well, and do their best to accommodate to all of them. So, I was rather pleased with the typical class size, which, outside of GECs, never really exceeded 30-40 students, and sometimes even less. VT: Describe one memorable experience with a professor and/or class. Perhaps one you loved the most or one youregretthe most. Noor: My freshman year, I had a Spanish professor that truly shaped my mind for what I'm doing now. She was incredibly inspiring and did her utmost to culture and educate us, her students. I still maintain contact with her today, and the imprint she left on me is one that I will never regret. She encouraged me to pursue language and international education, and instilled in me the courage to take the risks I needed to take in order to further myself. Check out Noors tutoring profile. The views expressed in this article do not necessarily represent the views of Varsity Tutors.

Dont Let Fear Get the Better of You during Physics Tests

Don’t Let Fear Get the Better of You during Physics Tests 0SHARESShare Physics, for some students leads to poor confidence and fear which can cause havoc during exams and render you helpless. You may find yourself stressed and this could stop you from answering questions that are right up your alley! A methodical approach to learning the subject can help boost your confidence levels and can do wonders to improve your grades. If you feel thoroughly intimidated by the subject and simply can’t study by yourself, the best thing for you to do would be to work with online physics tutors. We have compiled a couple of tips that can help you learn physics concepts better and master them; read on. #1: As always basics of physics are important If you arent very confident in this area, work on your basic concepts and seek help from experts as and when required. You could either take a look at basics as and when you require or spend some time with it first with the help of online physics tutoring experts. Such an approach is healthy and will contribute to better learning in the long run. #2: Math is the key to improving your physics grades Invariably, you have to rely on math for derivations or problem solving and the two subjects are very closely connected. If your math requires work too, better get on it first! Without good math skills, it would be really difficult for you to work with physics. #3: Understand how complex physics formula are derived Some equations could be straight forward and easy to remember. However, there are many complex formula and equations that simply cannot be understood without effort. Don’t try the rote learning way; it won’t help you solve problems! Try to understand how the equation has been derived and try to do it yourself. This sort of an approach will help you wrap your head around the concept better. #4: Work on problems on a daily basis Even when you haven’t been assigned any homework, it is advisable to take up a concept daily and work on problems. Problems help you understand the underlying concepts easily and practice is required to get them right in exams. If you are struggling with problem solving, get in touch with an expert tutor for physics homework help and get all your doubts clarified. Doing this on a daily basis will certainly help you improve your confidence level. We also recommend that you take up mock tests and work on your assignments diligently to score better in your exams. Being better prepared will do wonders for your confidence levels and will certainly help you beat fear and score well. Good Luck!

A Guitarists Guide to Odd Time Signatures

A Guitarists Guide to Odd Time Signatures Megan L. Do you know how to count music in odd time signatures? Guitar teacher  Joe L.  breaks down the basics that guitarists need to know about playing in unusual times Timing is something that most guitarists have to pick up early in playing music. Playing in time is very important; it may be the most important quality and skill you can develop and improve upon as you continue learning to play guitar. If youre looking at a piece of music, the time signature is the two numbers that look like a fraction at the beginning of the piece. These numbers tell you how to count time in the piece youre going to play. The two most popular time signatures are 4/4 (1-2-3-4) and 3/4 (1-2-3-1-2-3).  People can naturally follow along with these time signatures, but what happens when the timing is different? Many newer musicians can get lost trying to play along with others who are playing in an odd time like 7/8. But there are some simple tricks you can do to play in time with strange grooves. Time Signatures in 5 For example, when playing in 5/4, you can count (1-2-3-4-5), (1-2-1-2-3) or (1-2-3-1-2).   By doing so, you will break down the structure to the timing, and you can then split it into two parts: 1-2 and then 1-2-3 (or the other way around: 1-2-3 and then 1-2). Youll find the groove in there somewhere (depending on how the music that youre playing goes) by recognizing where the accent is (the beat that gets stressed or emphasized) in the song. You can get very imaginative when breaking the rhythm down, such as (1-2-3-4-1). Here are some examples of popular songs in 5. Halloween Theme (Main Title) (from Halloween) by John Carpenter Mission Impossible Theme by Lalo Schifrin Time Signatures in 7 In 7/8, you can break the rhythm down into (1-2-3-1-2-1-2) or (1-2-1-2-1-2-3).  You can also use (1-2-3-1-2-3-1) or (1-2-1-2-1-1-2).  Again, listen for the accent notes to figure out how to break up your counts.   Get creative on how you can break these rhythms down; my examples arent the only methods. Below are a couple of popular tunes in 7. Dreaming in Metaphors by Seal Die To Live by Steve Vai With other times, such as 11, you can break them down in multiple ways, for example (1-2-3-4-1-2-3-4-1-2-3), (1-2-3-1-2-3-4-1-2-3-4) or (1-2-3-4-1-2-3-1-2-3-4). A suggestion to getting better playing in odd times is to use a metronome in the time youre trying to learn. Or, you can look up drum tracks in odd times online, and play with them until you start finding yourself feeling the rhythm and playing in the groove. These unusual time signatures arent found too often, but when they are used, they can be the most recognizable pieces youve heard. Before you try to tackle these odd times with chords and scales, try muting the strings and work it out until you feel these grooves. It helps a lot to tackle only the rhythm first before trying to incorporate the chords. Once you feel comfortable strumming in odd time signatures, you can then start adding in chords and scales to really start jamming! Good luck! For more help learning the basics of guitar, taking lessons from a private teacher is the best way to improve. Find your guitar teacher now! Joe L. teaches guitar lessons in New York, NY. He has been teaching guitar for 15 years and in his teaching he focuses on breaking down music theory to make learning music easy and accessible for all his students. Learn more about Joe 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 Photo by  Jen Gallardo

Tutorfair The story behind us

Tutorfair The story behind us On a sunny winters day in January 2012 I met with Andrew who showed me some concepts for a new website that he’d come up with. He was a parent who’d found the process of finding tutors for his own children both confusing and a little hit-and-miss. His concept was a website that would allow parents to actually browse for great tutors and then book them. I agreed that there wasn’t anything quite like it at the time, but what really captured my imagination was the concept that the company would give tutoring to children who otherwise couldn’t afford it. Hence the ‘fair’ bit of Tutorfair. In my 14 years of tutoring, most of the tutors I’d known had either  moved on to other work or set up agencies. I’d not set up my own simply because I had very little interest in running a company. Yet here was a concept that seemed so simple, and so likely to do some real good, that I found myself getting very excited. If there are billions of dollars being put into tutoring worldwide every year, why not take some of that money and give it to the kids who need it most? Andrew Ground wasn’t just a parent, he had a background in marketing and had been involved in building the hugely successful UK company LOVEFiLM. He introduced me to Edd Stockwell, a fantastically energetic web entrepreneur who’d been doing a large amount of research into the education sector. In our first proper meeting in a tapas restaurant in Old Street we discussed how this could work, and thus Tutorfair was born. Over the years, I’ve been fortunate enough to meet most of the highest paid and best regarded tutors in the world. In fact, many are close friends. When we pitched the idea to those in Britain, most were hugely excited and almost everyone wanted to help in any way they could. At the very least, we’ve been able to help Andrew find tutors for his kids! Beyond individual tutors, there are many tutoring agencies. Most of the best in London are run by friends of mine or people I’d known professionally for years. We weren’t sure how they’d see Tutorfair, but the response was amazing. These professional tutoring agencies do a good job of finding and retaining great tutors so it was essential we had them on board too. Most seemed very open to our concept and loved the idea that if we worked together we could actually do some good. They’d list their recommended tutors on the website, and thus open up their tutor networks to parents wanting to book online. Together we agreed the promise that for every student who pays we’d give tutoring to a child who couldn’t afford it. Our aim has been to assemble the best tutors in London to kick us off. We meet all of them, check their documents and film videos of them so parents can get a better idea of what they’re like. We also offer training and mentoring for those looking to develop their tutoring into a career, and this has been a particularly fun part for me. The next challenge was how to arrange the free tuition. The solution was simple, rather than try find these children ourselves why not look for schools and charities that had already identified the children most in need of our help? I took the rest of 2012 to meet with various schools, charities and organisations. I went into classrooms, taught with children who’d never been given any personal tutoring and we took the time to look into what was working well. Once we’d earmarked the teams who seemed to make the most *real* difference to children’s lives: we pledged our support, our tutors and our time. Fast forward to early 2013, the website is live, we are receiving bookings and we’re already running a number of initiatives for the Tutorfair Foundation, our new charity. It’s an incredibly exciting time! Tutoring has been proven to be an incredibly effective education tool* but up until now it’s something that only the most wealthy can afford. Hopefully we can start to make it fair! In this blog we’ll keep you updated on how the company is going and what we’re doing with the charity. We’ll also be providing tips, tutoring resources (for students educators) and sharing with you what we find is getting results. We hope you enjoy! * (Bloom, 1984)

More Factors to Active Learning - Private Tutoring

More Factors to Active Learning BobbiM Mar 25, 2014 The tasks: a factor that influences active learning. Simply put, tasks are what your professors ask you to do. You can think of them as daily tasks, such as reading your text before you attend lectures; or larger tasks, such as preparing for various kinds of tests or writing papers. Most professors are pretty clear about what the task it. They will let you know the number of tests you will have and the kind of tests they will be. Some will even let you examine old copies of old tests or student papers so that you can see the kinds of questions they will ask or what their writing expectations are. Others will give you example test questions so that you can get an idea of how the questions will be asked. But some professors arent so clear in defining course tasks. Some may even give you conflicting messages. Therefore, it is important to try to get your professor to be as clear as possible about the tasks you must undertake. If you dont know what is expected of you, then you cant select the proper learning strategies or the most effective way to approach your texts. The texts: a factor that influences active learning. Texts are crucial to learning in college. In fact, it has been estimated that 85 percent of all college learning involves reading. Whatever types of text you are expected to interact with, you should know how the particular text is organized. In most textbooks, each chapter is usually organized in the same fashion. In addition, your professors lectures probably follow the same organization each day. Even visual texts have organizational patterns. Once you have determined how your text is organized, learning the material becomes a much easier task. Learning strategies: a factor that influences active learning. Strategies for active learning have several features in common. Strategy one: declarative knowledge. Declarative knowledge is knowing what- what you need to do and what strategy you need to use. Strategy two: procedural knowledge. Procedural knowledge involves more than knowing what you should do. It is knowing how to do it. Strategy three: conditional knowledge. Conditional knowledge means knowing under what conditions to use certain strategies-knowing why. Techniques to stretch your memory. -acronyms. You can use mnemonics to learn a list by creating an acronym. This means taking the first letter of each item you are trying to memorize and making them spell something. -imagery. Forming images is another powerful way to help you remember when you review. -method of Loci. Imagine a place that is familiar to you. Then you walk down this path through your memory. As you proceed, you attach a piece of information you have to learn to different places and objects to help you remember it. Excerpt from College Success Strategies by Sherrie L. Nist and Jodi Patrick Holschuh.

16 Super CEFR Placement Tests That Speak for Themselves

16 Super CEFR Placement Tests That Speak for Themselves 16 Super CEFR Placement Tests That Speak for Themselves Do you remember that Kids in the Hall skit about the shopkeeper who speaks no English?If you dont, feel free to take a peek. Ill wait.Hummm-dee-dum-dee-dum…Oh, good! Youre back.You can imagine the frustration of the young man who just wanted to buy a pair of shoes, only to be toldâ€"quite eloquentlyâ€"that his would-be interlocutor didnt understand a word he said.While such an articulate expression of ignorance is rare, its not uncommon for language learners to feel chagrined when trying to describe our fluency.Fortunately, theres no need to stay in the morass of uncertainty.Thanks to the efforts of the Council of Europe, we can now attain a standardized measure of our proficiency in a host of languagesâ€"in Europe and beyond.So lets see how you can use these tests as motivation to grow your fluency and get results! CEFR: A Standard for Standardized TestsGreat moments in linguistic history: How it all beganSo, just what is the CEFR? How did it come about?Nearly thirty years ago, the Council of Europe decided to create an official framework for measuring language proficiency. Developed throughout the 1990s, the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) laid out standards for language proficiency at six different levels, based upon an individuals skills in four areas of communication: listening, reading, speaking and writing.The culmination of decades of linguistic research, the CEFR created a standard to be used not only for language education, but also to help language learnersâ€"and their teachers and employersâ€"better gauge levels of fluency.In many ways, the languages we speak are like an invisible road, connecting us with others who speak them. Its no coincidence that the release of the CEFR coincided with the formation of the European Union (EU) at the turn of the 21st century. Since EU leaders wanted to ensure that people, products and money could move freely through member states, the Council of Europe needed a way to build a solid linguistic infrastructure in a multi-lingual environment.The standardization of CEFR placement tests means that their results give a clear picture of how well someone can communicate in a given language. Thanks to the CEFR, a school in Berlin can accept students from Rome, knowing that they can interact effectively with German-based teachers and students. The Grenoble Institute of Technology can confidently hire a professor from London, since his CEFR placement test shows that he can communicate in near-native French. Rolls-Royce of Derby can welcome an engineer from Barcelona, understanding that shell have no problem discussing designs in English with her team.The CEFR levels: A six-pack of proficiencyThe CEFR is broken down into a half-dozen levels, giving just enough granularity to equate a learners skills with specific capabilities in a language. The six CEFR proficiency classifications can be understood as follows:CEFR LevelsOfficial DescriptionApproximate Proficiency LevelA1 A1Basic UserBeginner to Low IntermediateB1 B2Independent UserIntermediate to Low AdvancedC1 C2Proficient UserAdvanced to FluentWithin each CEFR level, there are corresponding can-do statements for the three primary skill-sets involved in language use: understanding (listening and reading comprehension), speaking (spoken interaction and production) and writing.Finding Your Place: How CEFR Placement Tests Benefit YouAnd now, for the question of the ages: How can the CEFR help you in your quest to study or work overseasâ€"or simply to become a better language learner?Studying abroadCEFR language placement tests can qualify you to study as a foreign exchange student at overseas secondary schools. No matter where you come from or how long you studied, the results of these standardized tests will reassure the admissions officers at your chosen school that you have the linguistic chops to keep up with their programs of study.Sometimes, CEFR placement tests are used to measure the langua ge proficiency of teachers who wish to educate the youth of another country. Even if you plan to teach your native language, you still need to communicate effectively with your students.If youre an academic who wants to perform research at a university in a different country, CEFR placement tests can demonstrate that you have the language proficiency needed to work smoothly with other researchers while conducting complex experiments or evaluating statistical data.Working in another countryIf takin care of business and workin overseas appeals to you, taking a CEFR placement test could be just the ticket to winning your dream job.CEFR is used by many businesses as a standard to measure language proficiency. If you meet the businesss standards via standardized testing, and you have the other needed qualifications for the job in question, you could be well on your way to a rewarding career in the foreign country of your choice.Assessing your learning levelSometimes, when youve been stud ying another language for a long time, its difficult to figure out just how fluent or proficient you are.You might breeze through the daily news reports in Le Monde… but be hard-pressed to get through a contemporary novel. Or you may be able to sing along like a native to all your Fanta 4 albums, but struggle to remember word genders or conjugate verbs.Yes, language learning is a complicated and multifaceted business. Relying solely on unofficial self-assessments to determine your proficiency level can leave you frustrated and confused. Using the CEFR self-assessment grids for the languages youre studying can be a good launching pointâ€"but these grids cant give you the same objective measurement as a placement test.CEFR placement tests can help you assess your language levels realistically, measuring your performance in several different skill sets (such as listening and reading comprehension or writing).Even if you dont achieve your intended level at first, dont despair. These t ests will give you an objective evaluation of your language skillsâ€"so you can see where you need to improve, and get a better idea of how to focus your efforts.Once you have the official report from your CEFR placement tests, you can employ tools like language learning trackers to keep yourself on target.You can also use FluentU as a handy tool to study for future tests and continue advancing your studies. FluentU takes real-world videosâ€"like movie trailers, music videos, news and inspiring talksâ€"and turns them into personalized language lessons. Like the CEFR, FluentUs materials are divided into six levels that you can use to self-assess and learn level-appropriately.With FluentU, you hear languages in real-world contextsâ€"the way that native speakers actually use them.Just a quick look will give you an idea of the variety of FluentU videos on offer:FluentU really takes the grunt work out of learning languages, leaving you with nothing but engaging, effective and efficient l earning. It’s already hand-picked the best videos for you and organized them by level and topic. All you have to do is choose any video that strikes your fancy to get started!Each word in the interactive captions comes with a definition, audio, image, example sentences and more.Access a complete interactive transcript of every video under the Dialogue tab, and easily review words and phrases from the video under Vocab.You can use FluentU’s unique adaptive quizzes to learn the vocabulary and phrases from the video through fun questions and exercises. Just swipe left or right to see more examples of the word youre studying.The program even keeps track of what you’re learning and tells you exactly when it’s time for review, giving you a 100% personalized experience.Start using FluentU on the website  with your computer or tablet  or, better yet,  download the FluentU app from  the  iTunes store  or  Google Play store.16 Super CEFR Placement Tests That Speak for ThemselvesCEFR p lacement tests can be extremely useful, whether youre planning on studying abroad, working overseas or just trying to get a grip on your true proficiency in a foreign language.Below, well look primarily at six tests that evaluate your mastery of three of the most widely-spoken European languages. While you cant take them for free, you can prepare for them without breaking the bank. Then, well briefly look at more tests that expand further through Europe and beyond.Well lead you directly to a host of free online resources for savvy learners who want to familiarize themselves with the nitty-gritty of these important tests… so, when testing day comes, youll feel fully preparedâ€"and confident about showing off your skills.FrenchThe two primary CEFR placement exams for French are the DELF and the DALF. Lets look at some of their characteristics.No prerequisites: Everyone is welcome.  Anyone who wishes to do so can take the DELF or DALF exams; you dont need to go to a certain school, r ead a particular text or meet any other prerequisites.Registration: Face-to-face.  Registration must be done in person, at the examination center. At this time, theres no remote alternativeâ€"not even online. You can find approved examination centers both within France and elsewhere in the world. Be sure to check the calendar for the available exam dates in your area. (If youre taking the test outside of France, youll need to select your local examination center first.)Retakes: Try, try again.  There are no limits on the number of times you can take these exams. You can retake them as many times as you need to pass.Diploma: No expiration date.  Once youve passed the DELF or DALF, you hold the diploma for life. You never need to take the exams again or do anything to renew the validity of your results.Test information sources: Alliance Française CIEPThe Alliance Française (French Alliance) is the official French-language educational organization that offers preparation for both th e DELF and the DALF tests.Detailed information on the tests themselves is available from an organization known as CIEP (Centre international détudes pédagogiques, the International Center for Pedagogical Studies).DELF:  Diplôme d’Études en Langue Française  (Diploma in French Language Studies)The DELF exams, which span CEFR levels A1 to B2, come in five different versions. These are based upon several factors, including the learners age, background and purpose for taking the test.Here’s a breakdown of the main types of DELF exams and the CEFR levels they cover:Exam NameCEFR Level(s)Intended AudienceAge Range (years)DELF PrimA1.1 to A2Primary school students7 to 12DELF junior*A1 to B2Middle school high school students12 to 17DELF scolaire*A1 to B2Foreign students of French12 to 17DELF tout publicA1 to B2Adults (general)over 17DELF ProA1 to B2Adult job candidatesover 17*The DELF junior and DELF scolaire exams are identical in content. However, the DELF scolaire (DELF for Sch ools) is administered by educational institutions that have an agreement with their local French embassy.Free online resources to prepare for the DELF examsDELF PrimSample papers are broken down into the different skill categories:Compréhension de loral (listening)Compréhension des écrits (reading)Production écrite (writing)Many of these samples can be downloaded and printed. The corresponding audio files can either be downloaded or played in your browser.  Level A1.1Sample 1QuestionsAnswersSample 2QuestionsAnswers  Level A1Sample 1QuestionsAnswersSample 2QuestionsAnswers  Level A2Sample 1QuestionsAnswersSample 2QuestionsAnswersDELF junior/scolaireThe main page for the DELF junior/scolaire prep includes the audio files for the oral comprehension parts of the exam.These test prep materials for the DELF junior/scolaire exams will give you a good idea of what to expect:A1A2B1B2At the beginning of each packet is a summary of the total number of points each section of the exam is wor th, as well as the length of time available to complete it.Theres an answer key at the end of each set of test prep materials.DELF tout publicDesigned to be taken by adults, the DELF tout public tests the French language knowledge of those outside France.The Sample Papers page contains the questions, answer keys, audio files and spoken interaction guides for the DELF tout public at each level.DELF ProAlso known as the Diplôme détudes en langue française, option professionnelle (Diploma in French Language Studies, Professional Option), the DELF Pro is geared toward those who wish to work in France, or who are trying to advance in a French-speaking workplace.Both sample exercises and the corresponding answer keys are available for each level of the DELF Pro:Level A1QuestionsAnswersLevel A2QuestionsAnswersLevel B1QuestionsAnswersLevel B2QuestionsAnswersDALF:  Diplôme approfondi de langue française  (Diploma in Advanced French)Here are a couple things that apply to the DALF specifi cally.Top-drawer design for upper-level learning.  Picking up where the DELF exams leave off, the DALF exams cover CEFR levels C1 C2. These are the highest levels of proficiency described by the CEFR framework.For adults only.  Unlike many of the DELF exams, the DALF tests are designed to be taken by adult learners.Free online resources to prepare for the DALF examsDALF (C1 C2)Like the prep materials for the DELF Junior/Scolaire exams, the DALF sample papers include a breakdown of the test scoring and section durations.At the C1 level, the answer keys and audio transcriptions are included in the same booklets.Since responses at the C2 level are essentially free-form, answer keys are not included. (C2-level audio transcriptions are linked separately.)DALF C1, Sample 1DALF C1, Sample 2DALF C2, Sample 1 (corresponding audio transcription)DALF C2, Sample 2 (corresponding audio transcription)The links to the audio files themselves are on the main DALF sample papers page on the CIEP sit e.GermanGoethe-Zertifikat  (A1 C2)The Goethe-Zertifikat used to be called the Zertifikat Deutsch. The Goethe-Institut adopted the new name around May 2013.Heres what you need to know about it.The full spectrum.  Theres a Goethe-Zertifikat corresponding to each level of the CEFR. You can use this German-language self-assessment tool to get an idea of which Goethe-Zertifikat test you should take.For young and old(er).  Goethe-Zertifikat levels A1 through B1 can be administered to both young people and adults. However, the B2 through C2 levels are for adults only.All-access pass.  Test prep resources include practice materials for those with low vision or other special testing needs.Test information source: Goethe-Institut (HQ in Munich, with offices worldwide)Free online resources to prepare for the Goethe-Zertifikat examsCEFR LevelAge Range/Intended AudienceExam Name (and Link to Resources)A1Ages 10 16A1: Fit in Deutsch 1AdultsA1: Start in DeutschA2Ages 12 16A2: Fit in DeutschAdul tsGoethe-Zertifikat A2B1Young people adults; same testGoethe-Zertifikat B1B2Adults only; for higher ed or employment, especially in the medical fieldGoethe-Zertifikat B2C1Adults only; same goals as the level B2 examGoethe-Zertifikat C1C2Adults only; those who wish to research or study in Germany, or to teach at a German schoolGoethe-Zertifikat C2: Großes Deutsches Sprachdiplom (GDS) (Advanced German Speaker Diploma)TestDaF:  Test Deutsch als Fremdsprache  (Test of German as a Foreign Language) (B2 to C1)Skills, not levels.  TestDaF is a single exam that assesses your CEFR level from B2 to C1, based upon the skill you demonstrate with listening, speaking and writing modalities. To find out if youre ready to take the TestDaF exam, try this brief skills check.Test locally.  You dont need to travel to Germany to take the TestDaFâ€"you can probably do it much closer to home, no matter where else you live in the world.Go to school or go pro.  TestDaF is used for foreign students who wis h to study in German undergraduate or graduate programs. All undergraduate and graduate schools in Germany accept the TestDaF as proof of your German-language proficiency. Although its primary focus is academic, TestDaF can also assess your readiness for German-language career opportunities. (An alternative exam for business professionals is the adaptive Goethe-Test Pro.)TestDaF is forever.  Once youve passed the TestDaF, you will not need to renew it or take it again. Your TestDaF certificate will never expire. And you can take the TestDaF exam as many times as you’d like to achieve your desired score.Test information source: TestDaF-Institut (Bochum, Germany)Free online resources to prepare for the TestDaF examThese practice tests include sample questions, an answer key and a hints and tips guide.Based on the organization of the CEFR levels, sample tests are broken down into Reading Comprehension, Listening Comprehension, Writing and Oral Expressionâ€"just like the real exams.Te stDaF Hints TipsTestDaF Model: Set 02TestDaF Model: Set 03(Please note: There appears to be no TestDaF Model: Set 01 on the TestDaF-Institut website.)SpanishDELE:  Diplomas de Español como Lengua Extranjera  (Diplomas of Spanish as a Foreign Language) (A1 to C2)Spanish in all flavors.  The DELE accommodates all varieties of Spanish, especially starting at the B1 level. So whichever style of Spanish you learned, you can have it fairly tested through the DELE exam.Direct correspondence to the CEFR.  The six DELE test levels are matched directly to the six proficiency levels defined by the CEFR. Use this handy-dandy assessment grid to see which of the six DELE exams would suit you best.Unconditional registration.  There used to be several requirements for taking the DELE. For example, candidates could not be native Spanish speakers, or have had Spanish as a primary language.This all changed in November 2015. Now, anyone who wishes can register for the DELE examsâ€"including native Sp anish speakers.The test is used by both schools and employers to assess Spanish-language proficiency, so it benefits both students and workers in a Spanish-language environment.No expiration date. The DELE certification never expires, and is recognized throughout the world.Taking the test: Papers, please!  DELE exams are still taken on paper. Theyre administered in over a thousand test centers throughout the world, in over a hundred countries. If youre taking the test within Spain, you can register over the internet. However, if youre taking it in another country, you must register in person at the test center.Test results: Allow 12 weeks for delivery.  Exam results are sent to candidates via email three months after the exam date. The exams are graded by Instituto de Cervantes, and candidates can also see their certification through a secure online portal.Test information source: Instituto de CervantesFree online resources to prepare for the DELE examDELE A1 A2/B1 para escolares ( Students 11 17 years old)DELE A1 C2 (Ages 16 and up)SIELE:  Servicio Internacional de Evaluación de la Lengua Española  (International Evaluation Service for the Spanish Language)A test for the 21st century.  Introduced in 2015, the SIELE is similar to the DELEâ€"with the significant difference that the SIELE is administered on a computer. While SIELE assesses candidates based on the six CEFR levels of proficiency, it does so using one adaptive test. Skills are tested in five different categories (each explained below with its own video summary):Listening comprehensionReading comprehensionWritten expression interactionSpoken expression interactionRegistration is online, no matter where you take the test. (Like the DELE, the SIELE is administered in official examination centers around the globe.) Youll receive your results electronically within three weeksâ€"as opposed to the three-month waiting period for results from the traditional DELE.Dont panicâ€"its pan-Hispanic.  From t he beginning, the SIELE was designed to cover all types of Spanish, regardless of which variety the candidate speaks.Choosing your SIELE Exam: Four-course meal or à la carte.  Go gourmet with the SIELE Global Exam that uses all assessment modalities (reading, writing, speaking and listening) to test your Spanish-language mastery… or try the à la carte model, with the Independent Modalities (S1 through S4) exams. The S1 through S4 tests measure your performance in various combinations of the assessment modalities:Test NameModalities TestedS1Reading Compression + Listening ComprehensionS2Reading Comprehension + Written Expression InteractionS3Listening Comprehension + Spoken Expression InteractionS4Spoken Expression InteractionTheres even a newer S5 option, that covers Written Expression Interaction and Spoken Expression Interaction. Depending on why youre taking the SIELE exam, just one of these combinations might cover every skill set you need to test.Flexible scheduling.   Although you need to take the SIELE at a designated test center, you can choose which center to use, and you can select a test date that works for your schedule.Dont forget to renew.  Unlike the DELE, which is permanently valid, the SIELE certification you earn will need to be renewed every five years.Test information source: Instituto de CervantesFree online resources to prepare for the SIELE exam(Official) Guide to Sitting the SIELE Exam (PDF)SIELE Objective: Online Preparation Materials (test registration required for full access)Instituto de Cervantes makes these materials available for free when you register to take the SIELE exam. These resources are organized by test format (Global or S1 S4 Objectives), or by modality (speaking, writing, etc.). They include interactive practice activities and a practice test.European Languages and BeyondAlthough were focusing in on testing for three of the more prominent European languages, CEFR has become a standard of testing and classific ation for students of many languagesâ€"even those languages based outside of the European Union.Tests using the global CEFR standard (or an equivalent standard) are now available for many languages, including these seven.Chinese:  HSK Exam?The HSK Exam from the Confucius Instituteâ€"known in English as the Chinese Proficiency Test or the Chinese Standard Examâ€"doesnt correspond precisely to CEFR standards. However, the Hanban agency, who administers the test, has made some effort to match up their levels to CEFR standards, starting with HSK Level 1.English:  TOEFL?,  TOEIC?,  IELTS??There are three major CEFR placement tests for the English language:TOEFL is the Test of English as a Foreign Language, intended for the evaluation of non-native speakers. It corresponds to the CEFR levels, starting with the Speaking and Writing components of level A2.TOEIC is the Test of English for International Communication. Its purpose is to assess the English-language skills of speakers who use En glish to communicate with people from many lands. Like the TOEFL, scores on the TOEIC can be understood in the context of the CEFR levels.IELTS, the International English Language Testing System, is accepted largely by academic institutions in Canada, Australia, New Zealand and the UK, as well as a few thousand schools in the United States. It’s also used for visa and immigration purposes in Britain, Canada, New Zealand and Australia. Its scoring doesn’t match directly with the CEFR levels, but there are reference materials available to help you understand the correlation of IELTS scores to the CEFR.Italian:  CILS CELIYour Italian-language skills can be tested by one of two major exams, the CILS or the CELI. There are many online resources you can use to prepare.The CILS (Certificazione di Italiano come Lingua Straniera, or Certification of Italian as a Foreign Language) exam is headquartered at the Università per Stranieri di Siena (the Foreigners University in Siena). Corres ponding roughly to the CEFR levels, its accepted by the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and helps visitors gain admittance to Italian universities:CEFR LevelCILS QualificationA1CILS A1A2CILS A2B1CILS UnoB2CILS DueC1CILS TreC2CILS QuattroThe CELI, or Certificato di Conoscenza della Lingua Italiana (Certificate of Knowledge of Italian Language), is administered by the Università per Stranieri di Perugia (the Foreigners University in Perugia). Like the CILS exam, its considered an official qualification by the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and can be used to qualify for study in Italian institutes of higher education. (The CELI is also accepted by the Italian Ministry of Education and Research.)You can take the CELI exam at test centers throughout the world. Like the CILS, it matches up to CEFR levels:CEFR LevelCELI QualificationA1CELI ImpattoA2CELI 1B1CELI 2B2CELI 3C1CELI 4C2CELI 5Japanese:  JLPT? (Japanese Language Proficiency Test)Japanese speakers can test their linguis tic know-how with the Japanese Language Proficiency Test. Following the Japan Foundation standard, the JLPT uses six levels of can-do statements to correspond to the CEFR standards.If you want to test yourself first, try this online self-evaluation.Korean:  TOPIK? (Test of Proficiency in Korean)TOPIK, the Test of Proficiency in Korean, basically mirrors the CEFR standards:CEFR LevelTOPIK QualificationA1TOPIK IA2B1TOPIK IIB2C1C2TOPIK results can be used for secondary school admissions in Korea. The test is also used for immigration purposes, and is a qualifying factor for career opportunities (including teaching).(European) Portuguese:  CAPLE (Centro de Avaliacao de Portugues Lingua Estrangeira)The Centro de Avaliacao de Portugues Lingua Estrangeira  (Center for the Evaluation of Portuguese as a Foreign Language, or CAPLE) administers a series of five tests, corresponding to the CEFR A2â€"C2 levels:CEFR LevelCAPLE QualificationA2CIPLE (Initial Certificate of Portuguese as a Foreign L anguage)B1DEPLE (Elementary Diploma of Portuguese as a Foreign Language)B2DIPLE (Intermediate Diploma of Portuguese as a Foreign Language)C1DAPLE (Advanced Diploma of Portuguese as a Foreign Language)C2DUPLE  (University Diploma of Portuguese as a Foreign Language)Russian:  TRKI? (also called TORFL)Russian speakers, rejoice! You can evaluate your language skills with a test that sounds tricky, but matches up fairly closely to the CEFR levels.The TRKI, or ???? ?? ???????? ????? ??? ???????????? (known in English as TORFL, or Test of Russian as a Foreign Language), corresponds to the CEFR as follows:CEFR LevelTRKI/TORFL QualificationA1ElementaryA2PreliminaryB11st CertificateB22nd CertificateC13rd CertificateC24th CertificateAs more and more language placement tests jump on board the CEFR bandwagon, we language learners can come to a better understanding of our own linguistic proficiency. We can demonstrate our fluency in ways that help us get jobs, study abroad or simply satisfy our o wn learning goals.And thats a boon to us allâ€"shopkeepers, shoe seekers and everyone in between.

Quiz What Kind of Roommate Are You

Quiz What Kind of Roommate Are You https://scontent-sjc2-1.cdninstagram.com Question 2: When the garbage gets full, how do you respond to the situation?   A. You push down the trash, making more room for what you want to throw in. Surely someone else can fit at least one more thing in before the bag needs to be tied and removed. B. You immediately pull out the bag, tie it up, and walk it to your car to be taken to the dumpster. C. You remove and tie the bag and then set it on the patio for one of your roommates to take later when they have time. Question 3: When there seems to be some debris on the living room floor from the leaves or dirt outside, what do you do?   A. Leave it your roommates are probably the owners of the feet who tracked it in. B. Get out the mini-vacuum  and  the Swiffer. Wouldnt want guests thinking were some kind of pigs!! C. Vacuum, but only if you werent the one to vacuum last time. Theres a good chance it isnt even your turn. Question 4: You and your roommate leave at the same time on Wednesdays and you both drink coffee. Does this matter? A. Of course not. B. For sure! You brew your K-cup  and  hers. But you draw the line at adding the creamer. C. Heck yeah, it matters. It should be made by the time you walk downstairs. Didnt she think of you while she was brewing hers? Question 5: The bathroom you let guests use is getting a bit dirty. How do you handle it?   A. Aint my bathroom, aint my deal. B. Clean it! Obviously. Itll take like 15 minutes and your guests will be so so appreciative. C. Tell your roommates its time to clean the guest bathroom and see who volunteers. Question 6: Youre trying to do your laundry. But someone elses clothes are in the dryer. What do you do?   A. Throw them on the floor. B. Fold them and lay them on top. C. You know whose clothes they are, so you dump them on their bed with a note that next time theyll be in the garbage. Question 7: Your utility bill is getting higher and higher, probably because your roommates do their boyfriends laundry at your place. What do you do?   A. Its all the same laundry probably doesnt even matter. B. Ask them to quit its costing you a fourth job! C. Theyre bringing you Starbucks in return, so its worth it. Question 8: Youre out of trash bags and dishwashing detergent. What do you do??   A. All the more reason not to run the dishwasher, am I right? B. Buy some obviously. C. Leave a note on the fridge! Someone will pick some up. Question 9: Someone keeps mistaking your yogurt for theirs; how do you handle the situation? A. Label your crap, man. B. Its probably fine. What are a few things of yogurt anyway? C. Ew, who eats yogurt? Question 10: Youve made a frozen pizza and theres a piece left over. Do you A. Offer it to your roommates? B. Bag it up for lunch tomorrow? C. Feed it to the dogs? If youre mostly As, you should move back in with your mother. It looks like you need someone to constantly take care of you. If you arent willing to pitch in, you shouldnt live with roommates in college. Only someone who loves you with their whole heart could possibly live with how much of a pig you are. If youre mostly Bs, youre the mom of the apartment. Youre constantly, graciously, pitching in (more than you should!). Dont lose sight of your boundaries. If youre mostly Cs, youre a decent roommate. Sometimes youre a bit selfish, but for the most part, you handle your own crap.