Saturday, March 21, 2020

Tutoring Services Is Becoming An Important Part Of College Life

Tutoring Services Is Becoming An Important Part Of College LifeTutoring services are a valuable source of income for tutors around the world. They are becoming an important part of college life as well. With the increasing competition in higher education, many universities now require students to complete high school course work prior to entering their programs.Online tutoring helps students complete their schooling quicker. There are many benefits associated with online tutoring. For example, students can take tutoring classes from home, saving them time and money. The student can complete class assignments at their own pace, allowing them to maintain a degree and maintain a regular schedule.Tutoring also provides extra support in the form of chat sessions with students. The instructor will also be able to talk to the student and give feedback on what is taught in class. Chat sessions are very beneficial for students that need help with coursework because they get to ask questions d uring the tutoring session. When the instructor is taking a break, it is easier for the student to continue with their lessons, allowing for the tutoring sessions to flow more smoothly.Tutoring services also provide an opportunity for students to interact with others outside of their classes. For example, some students use online tutoring services as a way to improve their speaking skills and interact with other people in a group setting. This is also beneficial for the student because they receive feedback on their performance and can hear the opinions of others.Online tutoring services also provide students with extra material that is not covered in class, like reading lists, study guides, or study guides that have activities and quizzes. It is ideal for students who find it difficult to make notes and to learn through trial and error. The tutoring services also provide tips on how to avoid mistakes and become a better student.Online tutoring also provides additional information a bout academic standards, career options, and any other topics the student would want to know about. These services help the student stay on top of his or her studies and find the classes and course work they want to take. Online tutoring also allows the student to access their course work while away from school, and it keeps the student up to date with the latest happenings in their career.Tutoring is a great way for students to complete their education, stay ahead of their peers, and meet expectations of other students. The advantages are plentiful for students with the right online tutoring service.

Friday, March 6, 2020

What is a Ballad Poem

What is a Ballad Poem Ballad Poems ChaptersStructure of a BalladTypes of BalladWriting a BalladIf you thought a ballad was just a love song, you’re not wrong. A ballad is a type of poem that is sometimes set to music. This type of poetry has a long history and the musical version of it is said to have started as a folk song, This continues today in popular music and many love songs that we know today are considered to be ballads.Ballad poems are just their musical equivalents: full of romance! (Source: Pexels)Unlike other kinds of poems, ballads have an abrupt opening. The poem starts all of a sudden, without providing any details about the subject matter.Dialogue is also an indispensable feature of a ballad. The story is mostly told through dialogues. John Keats’s ballad La Belle Dame sans Merci, is a complete dialogue between the speaker and the knight.Use of ballad stanza is another remarkable characteristic of a ballad. Every ballad is written a ballad stanza. Ballad stanza is a stanza, which consists of four lines with abcb rhyme scheme. There are four accented syllables in the first and third line, while in the second and the fourth lines there are three accented syllables.Use of supernatural elements is a key feature of a ballad. Coleridge and John Keats’ ballads are good examples of this.Ballads tend to be quite simple and are easy to read and understand.Check out these poetry writing courses here.Types of BalladThere are two kinds of ballads, the folk or the literary: Folk BalladFolk (or traditional ballad) is a kind of ballad with no written form. It is a verbal sort of poetry that was passed down generations through word of mouth. Throughout the ages it picked up the traits of the time and underwent considerable changes.The traditional or folk ballad has no single author; it was the product of many poets.Literary BalladThe Literary ballad is an imitation of the traditional ballad. The only difference between the two ballads is the ownership. The author of the literary ballad is a known personality, while the author of the traditional ballad is anonymous.Unlike the folk ballad, time cannot change the text of the literary ballad as it is preserved in hard copies. The poet is the legal owner of his ballads rather than the folk ballads who are not owned by anyone. Literary ballads then are unsurprisingly more polished and lengthy than traditional ballads.John Keats, Samual Coleridge, Wordworth and many other poets are famous for their ballads.Here’s a look at John Keats’s ballad La Belle Dame sans Merci:La Belle Dame sans Merci O WHAT can ail thee, knight-at-arms, Alone and palely loitering? The sedge has wither’d from the lake, And no birds sing.O what can ail thee, knight-at-arms! So haggard and so woe-begone? The squirrel’s granary is full, And the harvest’s done.I see a lily on thy brow With anguish moist and fever dew, And on thy cheeks a fading rose Fast withereth too.I met a lady in the meads, Full beautifulâ€"a faery’s child, Her hair was long, her foot was light, And her eyes were wild.I made a garland for her head, And bracelets too, and fragrant zone; She look’d at me as she did love, And made sweet moan.I set her on my pacing steed, And nothing else saw all day long, For sidelong would she bend, and sing A faery’s song.She found me roots of relish sweet, And honey wild, and manna dew, And sure in language strange she saidâ€" “I love thee true.”She took me to her elfin grot, And there she wept, and sigh’d fill sore, And there I shut her wild wild eyes With kisses four.And there she lulled me asleep, And there I dream’dâ€"Ah! woe betide! The latest dream I ever dream’d On the cold hill’s side.I saw pale kings and princes too, Pale warriors, death-pale were they all; They criedâ€"“La Belle Dame sans Merci Hath thee in thrall!”I saw their starved lips in the gloam, With horrid warning gaped wide, And I awoke and found me here, On the cold hill’s side.And this is why I sojourn here, Alone and pal ely loitering, Though the sedge is wither’d from the lake, And no birds sing.You can write your own ballad (Source: visualhunt.com)Writing a BalladWe think you know enough now to write your own ballad. Keep in mind what you’ve already read. If it helps you can think of a famous love song for inspiration.Here are our tips for writing your own ballad:Most often, ballads are stories about love, but you can make your ballad about any event. It can be about you, someone you know, a relationship or an experience. It can be good, bad, tragic or magical! Ballads are a way for you to share any experience. When picking your story, make sure that it has a distinct introduction, a plot with a problem, and a resolution to the problem. Remember you don’t have long to tell your story so make sure you can tell it in a short poem. The first line of a ballad is the most important because it introduces the reader to the story. Remember earlier when we said ballads often have an abrupt opening? T ry to do the same with yours. Reel the reader in from the very beginning. Maybe you can try beginning with a question or directly address the reader using “you” to immerse them instantly into your story. For this type of poem, you can pick your own rhyme scheme. Most commonly, though, there are four groups or stanzas, of three lines with an AAB rhyme scheme where the first two lines rhyme and the third line is different.Ballads are unique as poems because they have choruses, much like their musical equivalents. Typically, the third line of each stanza is the chorus, so make sure that this line is something that is relevant throughout the entire story because this chorus will be repeated many times in the poem. Your poem’s rhyme scheme will most likely look like AAB CCB DDB EEB, with the same line at the end of each stanza.  Since ballads tell stories while using rhyme and repetition naturally they are perfectly adapted for turning into songs. Maybe you can try putting music to your new poem, or simply giving the poem to someone you love.Ballads are a great way to flex your storytelling skills as well as testing your rhyming skills. If you need some help with writing, whether it’s for an exam, a university dissertation or even if you just want to write as a hobby Superprof tutors can help. You’ll find many tutors on the Superprof website that can adapt lessons to your needs. They are all experienced, knowledgeable teachers and can help you reach your goals.  The fantastic point of poetry is that there are lots of different ways to express your ideas,  once you have tried Ballard  poems. Try some of the other styles of poetry:  Limericks have a funny style, historic  Haiku poems from Japan, express emotions through  a type of Sonnet poem, the Epic  poem styles are interesting if you like stories, see  a live slam poetry  show or  find the similarities between  the free verse poems  and rap. There are poetry style for everyone.

Thursday, March 5, 2020

Subject Verb Agreement English Writing Online Tutorpace

Subject Verb Agreement English Writing Online Tutorpace The concept of subject and verb agreement is based on the number of the subject. While writing English sentences, one should be aware of correctly identifying whether the subject is singular or plural and accordingly use the verb. Basically a singular subject takes a singular verb and a plural subject takes a plural verb. For example, in the sentence: She writes books, the subject, she is singular and so the singular verb, writes is used. If two subjects are connected by and there should be a plural verb. However, if two subjects are connected by or or nor singular verbs should be used. At the same time, the pronouns, everyone, anyone, each and someone are considered singular and these require singular verbs. Besides, when one expresses quantity of time, money and distances, only singular verbs are used. For example: Ten dollars is a lot of money for this product. It is good to remember that collective nouns like team, staff, and committee are singular subjects and require singular verbs in any context. These are only the main features of subject-verb agreement.

How Movies Misrepresent Introverts - Introvert Whisperer

Introvert Whisperer / How Movies Misrepresent Introverts - Introvert Whisperer How Movies Misrepresent Introverts Kayla Matthews March 13, 2019 Emotional Intelligence No responses Go to top We hear categorizations such as introvert and extrovert all the time. Sometimes youll even hear the phrase ambivert thrown in there, which is someone who displays both introverted and extroverted characteristics. Popular culture would have us believe everyones personality fits into one of these tidy little boxes, and were supposed to think the depictions of these individuals on the big and small screen are accurate. Ill let you in on a little secret â€" theyre not. Extroverts in popular culture are larger than life, always pictured as the center of attention and the person everyone wants to talk to at a party. Introverts, on the other hand, almost always get relegated to the wallflower position â€" the person who hides in the corner with a book or sketchbook in hand, making friends with the neighbors pets or potted plants. Why shouldnt you rely on movies for accurate introvert representation? The Introvert Portrayal Think of your favorite movie or television show. Which characters come across as extroverted, and which appear to be more introverted? Extroverts are the characters that have all the friends and are always the center of attention. They may even be the protagonist of the show. The introvert, on the other hand, can be the main character, but may find themselves deferring to the extroverted supporting cast. They dont talk in public if they can help it, and only open up to close friends. Theyre more likely to go with the flow, and if theres a party scene, theyre almost always on the outskirts, talking to the dog or cat of the house. Heres one example in popular culture: Daenerys Targaryen, the mother of dragons, is an introvert. Shes quiet and reserved until she has a reason not to be, is very independent â€" especially once she becomes khaleesi â€" but doesnt make a spectacle of herself. She gets the job done in the best way she knows how. Her brother, Viserys, is a textbook extrovert. Hes overblown, loud, demands all the attention and hates it when things dont go his way. The Real Introvert The real introvert isnt anything like the characters portrayed in television and movies. Whats correct, and what isnt? Myth: Introverts dont have any friends. An introvert might have a huge social circle, but they are very selective in who they choose to call a friend. Truth: Introverts prefer time to themselves. Social environments are often exhausting for introverts, especially ones with large crowds. Myth: Introverts escape from parties and write poetry on the bathroom walls. Truth: Introverts might escape from parties and write poetry, but few of them do it on bathroom walls. (Thats what notebooks are for!) Myth: Introverts dont talk to anyone. Truth: Introverts are naturally reserved. Rather than speaking over someone, like extroverts are prone to do, theyll stay quiet until they feel they have something of value to add to the conversation. Many prefer writing over talking, which is why you may have better success texting them, instead of calling. Myth: If you invite an introvert anywhere, theyll say no. Truth: Social interactions are exhausting for introverts, so they may decline an invitation to a huge party or an event where there will be a large crowd of people. Theyll also need time to recharge afterward. Where to Find Accurate Representation Where can you find accurate introvert representation in popular culture? The Introverts Web Series is a comedy series that focuses on introverted characters. The creator and her team are primarily introspective, and found they couldnt relate to women in pop culture because theyre all portrayed as extroverted. Most of the cast of the TV series Bones is introverted â€" each works well alone and has their specialty, but can collaborate with the rest of the team when necessary. I love this show because it also demonstrates how an introverts tendencies can complement an extroverts boldness â€" Booth and Bones are two sides of the same coin, with Booth being an almost textbook extrovert. Sherlock in BBCs titular show may appear to be extroverted, but hes an excellent example of a social introvert, and one of my favorites. Hes brash and bold, outspoken when its necessary and presents his thoughts in an unbiased manner. He only has one close friend â€" 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

Which SAT Subject Tests Should I Take

Which SAT Subject Tests Should I Take SAT Subject Tests are exams offered by The College Board that further illustrate to potential colleges and universities what you bring to the table. With 20 tests in five different subject areas, its key to select the SAT Subject Tests that best reflect your strengths by examining criteria such as what courses you have taken or are currently enrolled in, knowing what your potential major might be, and identifying schools of interest. Choose SAT Subject Tests based on your course schedule Technically, you can take an SAT Subject Test at any point in your high school career. However, its key to be strategic about what tests you take and when you take them. For instance, if you are doing well in French 4 or Spanish 4, taking the corresponding subject test may be a great decision. On the other hand, it would likely be unwise to take Mathematics Level 2 as a freshman. [RELATED: How to Succeed on SAT Subject Tests] Examine what your schools of interest require when selecting SAT Subject Tests Have you started compiling a list of schools that youre interested in? If so, visit their websites and make note of any SAT Subject Test requirements. Some schools may require one or two exams, while others may not require them at all. Even if a college or university doesnt require SAT Subject Tests, a great score on them could help your application stand out. Its important to be aware of these requirements during the college application process so that you dont have to cram in any last-minute testing. [RELATED: Should I Take SAT Subject Tests?] Choose the right SAT Subject Tests by identifying your potential major If youre thinking about a particular major, it might be a great decision to take SAT Subject Tests that reflect that specific area. Chances are, if youre leaning toward a certain major, your strengths and interests lie in that subject area. Use this to your advantage, and take an exam in that niche. For example: Ifyoure interested in studying engineering in college, determine if Mathematics Level 1 or Mathematics Level 2 best shows your strengths. Ifyoure hoping to study biology in college, register for the Biology E/M Subject Test. [RELATED: What to Know About the Mathematics Level 1 SAT Subject Test] Since these tests allow you some freedom of choice, select wisely. The exams are a great opportunity for you to show schools what you are interested in and familiar with, and just how well you know the material. Examine your strengths, and identify which SAT Subject Tests will best support your application. 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.

Ask an Admissions Expert Deena Maerowitz

Ask an Admissions Expert Deena Maerowitz Varsity Tutors brings you insider tips and advice straight from nationally recognized admissions experts. Deena Maerowitz was previously the Associate Director of Admissions at the Columbia UniversityBusiness School. She holds a professional membership in the Independent Educational Consultants Association and is also a member of the Association of International Graduate Admissions Consultants. Deena currently works with students on their college applications with a personalized approach in guiding them through the college admissions process through her independent consulting firm. VT: How far ahead of time should a student begin working on his or her college application? Deena: I would say that it doesn't hurt to become familiar with the common app and the process for applying in the spring of junior year. I work with clients on applications and essays during the summer prior to senior year. Of course, its always great to try to visit campuses when they are in session, and if you can do this during your sophomore and junior year, youll be ahead of the game. VT: What are the best ways to go about selecting a terrific essay topic? Deena: Think about a time, a snapshot in your life, where you really learned something about yourself. Try to identify a time of growth, development, and a real interest in your life. The most important thing about the admissions essay is that its about an experience that only you have had. This doesnt mean you cant write about something that you do with a team, or that other kids participate in, but it means that the story you tell about your experience should be one that only you could tell. Focus on times when youve really challenged yourself to think differently about something, or how your views on an experience have impacted who you are now. VT: Are there any essay topics you get tired of seeing or would warn students to stay away from? Deena: I'd definitely say that applicants should stay away fromwriting about things that arent really about you, re: it focuses on someone else's experience and not about how that person or event impacted you. Some other things not to do? Dont write about how you dont want to write the essay, or become too abstract or rhetorical. Dont use the essay to rally against the admissions process. VT: What is the biggest mistake a student can make on a college application? Deena: Not knowing enough about the college and why it's a good fit. Not thinking through essays or application questions. Not making the effort to visit if you're close by is also a sign that youre not really taking this college seriously. Make sure that every step of the way, through your visits to campus, interviews, essays, etc., that youre conveying your knowledge of the college and why you want to be there. Conveying a lack of interest is a big mistake. VT: What is the typical process an admissions officer goes through to evaluate applications? Deena:I would read applications, take notes on the side, give my thoughts, and pass onto another member of the committee. Often, I would re-read essays and give myself some time to think about the applicant, what they would bring to the community, and how they would fit in with the academics of life on campus. Often, one admissions officer will advocate for a particular applicant once they form a relationship with that candidates application, and sometimes especially when theyve met them in person and are impressed with what theyve seen. VT: What do you think is the single most important thing a student should make sure they present in the best possible way on their application? Deena: What they will bring to the community, why that college is a fit for them, and how they know that about themselves. Applicants should take this process seriously. Applying to college is hard, but try to think about it as a step by step process. Its important not to rush through the process. Each step, research, visits, interviews, and essays are important, so if you have the opportunity and time to experience the college as much as you can before you apply, you should. VT: How should students go about determining the culture of a university, and whether they would be a good fit? Deena: Visit, research departments, Google professors and areas of interest, and see what turns up. Talk to students, get off the beaten path on campus visits. Taste the food, sit in on a class, see what is happening on weekends. Look at the dorms that they don't show you on the tour. Check out what people are doing in the library. There are so many ways to determine what life is like on campus. VT: Early-action, early-decision, binding/non-binding, regular decisions...With so many choices when applying, what do you recommend to students? Deena: It really depends. Early decision is great for applicants that absolutely know that a particular school is their first choice, and that they will not regret withdrawing applications from other schools if they're accepted. Many colleges accept Early Decision applicants at a higher rate than those from the regular decision pool. I also think that Early Action is a great way for students to find out sooner about admissions so that April and May dont feel so loaded. VT: How important are grades and standardized test scores when admissions decisions are being made? Deena: They are incredibly important, but of course, not at all the only thing! Colleges want to know what you will bring to the community, what your interests are, what type of thinker you are, and what you are like as a person. What sports do you enjoy? What clubs? How have you been a leader? Admissions committees will look for a link in a students experience. So, its more important to show commitment and focus in outside activities than to be scattered. Grades and scores count, but so do all of the other aspects of what you can convey about who you are and what youve achieved. VT: What tips do you have for students asking their teachers for letters of recommendation? Deena: I suggest they bring a resum to their teacher, to give them a more full understanding as to who they are outside the classroom. I also suggest students hold onto their best pieces of work from that class and are able to really articulate important issues they learned about or why that class was important to them. Do whatever you can to make the process easier for your teacher, and don't forget to waive your right to see the recommendation, and to thank your teacher for their help! For more information, visit UndergradAdmit.com. The views expressed in this article do not necessarily represent the views of Varsity Tutors.

The Guide to Visiting Venice

The Guide to Visiting Venice How To Prepare for a Trip to Venice ChaptersWhen and For How Long Should You Visit Venice?The Different Neighbourhoods of VeniceWhere to Stay in Venice?Top Things to do in Venice“In the glare of the day there is little poetry about Venice, but under the charitable moon her stained palaces are white again…” - Mark TwainWhen you go to Venice, you have to plan your trip according to how long you’ll be there for, the sites and monuments you want to visit, and the time of the year you’ll be there. Whether you’re there for 3 days or a week, which neighbourhood you’re staying in, and the weather can all affect your trip.Over 20 million tourists visit Venice each year and the numbers visiting the city have increased 5% each year in recent decades.Thus, the number of tourists visiting Venice doubles every 14 years. While the city centre attracts 30,000 tourists a day, an estimated 80,000 people visit daily during the summer.Despite all this, do you still have your heart set on Venice?Here’s our mini guide to vis iting the city. DanielaItalian Teacher 5.00 (9) £50/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors LuciaItalian Teacher 5.00 (4) £17/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors MarilùItalian Teacher 5.00 (8) £22/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors MarcoItalian Teacher £15/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors AntonellaItalian Teacher 5.00 (2) £14/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors GiusyItalian Teacher 5.00 (3) £25/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors EnricoItalian Teacher 5.00 (2) £20/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors FedericaItalian Teacher 5.00 (2) £30/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutorsWhen and For How Long Should You Visit Venice?Most travellers don’t stay anywhere near a week in Venice. Visiting Venice in the summer is nothing like visiting it in the winter. Plan accordingly! (Source: Free-Photos)Of the 25 million visitors to the city each year, 12 million of them only spend a single day there.More and more tourists are opting for free tours of the city, which does nothing for the local government’s coffers.Despite all this tourism, the city only received around £3 in taxes per tourist.Venice is the most powerful and influential city in the former Republic of Venice of which it was the capital for over 1,000 years between 697 and 1797.Most of the city and the Venetian Lagoon are UNESCO World Heritage Sites and the amount of cultural and historical heritage is incredible.There are plenty of reasons to visit Venice throughout the year:Carnival of VeniceThe canals and streets in the centre of VeniceGondola ridesThe restaurantsVisiting the islands Giudecca, Murano, Burano, Torcello, and the Lido.The San Marco neighbourhood (Saint Mark’s Square, Saint Mark’s Basil ica, the Palace of the Doge).The magnificent Venetian architecture and art.In addition to all these things, there are also incredible monuments and attractions to see: the Bridge of Sighs, the museums (Museum of Glass, Natural History Museum), the Rialto Bridge, Teatro la Fenice, Gallerie dell’Accademia, and the Cannaregio, San Marco, Castello, Dorsoduro, and Santa Croce neighbourhoods.So when are you going to Venice?Venice is home to a warm and humid continental climate. Temperatures can often exceed 35 °C, it gets muggy, and there are often violent storms. Similarly, during the high season, prices go up.If you want to visit in autumn, the weather’s much more agreeable: it’s regularly sunny and it remains warm until the beginning of October.Then it starts to get grey and rainy. In winter, it can get really cold and even snow. However, this is a great time to visit because there are much fewer tourists. Of course, not during carnival.The best time is to visit during spring (be tween May and June) and autumn. You need at least between 3 days and a week to see everything Venice has to offer.This will give you enough time to visit the different monuments, neighbourhoods, the Venetian Lagoon, and the Grand Canal.Find out more about how long you should spend in Venice.The Different Neighbourhoods of VeniceSo in the city of the canals and bridges, where can you stay? If you're sick of tourists, head to Venice's other islands. (Source: Alois_Wonaschuetz)There are six neighbourhoods in Venice:San MarcoDorsoduroSan PoloCannaregioCastelloGiudeccaSan Marco is the most popular neighbourhood as it’s home to the most historic monuments. It’s also the political, economic, and religious centre of the Republic of Venice.If you’re not a fan of historic relics, you’ve seen it all, or you want to avoid the crowds, you might want to head to the Dorsoduro neighbourhood.  This is the artistic and bohemian side of town, with plenty of bars, restaurants, trattorias, osterias, and places to drink Aperol Spritz.  It’s far more relaxed than San Marco.If you cross the Rialto Bridge, you’ll end up in San Polo, the city’s oldest neighbourhood.On the other side, there’s the Cannaregio region.  This is the area where the Jewish population were forced to live from 1516 until 1797 when the city came under Napoleonic occupation.  This is the least regularly vi sited neighbourhood in Venice, making it rather relaxing.In the southeast of Venice, there’s Castello, home to the Santi Giovanni e Paolo Basilica, the city’s biggest church.The Napoleonic Gardens provide a welcome green space and home for the Biennale di Venezia, a music, dance, architecture, and cinema festival.That’s not all: Venice is an archipelago consisting of 121 islands.The taxi boat (the Vaporetto) is a great way to get to the other islands like Burano, home to San Martino Church, the Venice Lace Museum, and the fish market, Murano, home to the Glass Museum, and Torcello.  The Lido is home to beaches on the Adriatic Sea where you can bathe in warm water.Are the neighbourhoods in Venice too busy?You can always go to Mestre on the mainland. This is also a good place to get accommodation.Find out more about the different parts of Venice.Where to Stay in Venice?Got your boarding card and ready for a trip to Venice?  Where are you going to stay in Venice? If you want accommodation in the best parts of Venice, you're going to have to pay for it. (Source: martaposemuckel)Venice can be quite expensive. Especially considering that the city is home to 261,905 inhabitants but welcomes nearly 30 million tourists looking for accommodation.Your budget will determine which neighbourhood you’ll stay in and whether you’ll get a hotel room or private accommodation.  You can look for hotels and holiday flats near Saint Mark’s Square if you have the budget. You can also look for somewhere a few minutes from a gondola ride or a Vaporetto stop. In any case, we recommend booking ahead of time to get the best offers.For short stays, you have a few options:AirbnbHomeAwayBooking.comOn HomeAway, you can get accommodation for anywhere between £100 and £3,000 per night in the centre of Venice.  By booking on Airbnb you can find accommodation for between £60 and £100 per night in the historic centre and between £40 and £60 per night in Mestre. The latter is cheaper but you’ll need to use public transport.Keep in mind that the cost of renting will depend on the type of accommodation you get, the neighbourhood, and the season.Find out more about accommodation in Venice.Top Things to do in VeniceLet’s have a closer look at exactly what you can do in Venice. There’s something to do for all types of travellers. The Rialto Bridge is one of Venice's most famous sights. (Source: huebistar)What can you do when visiting Venice?Here are a few things worth seeing and doing:Saint Mark’s SquareSaint Mark’s BasilicaThe Doge's PalaceThe Grand Canal, VeniceCarnival of VeniceCannaregio, Europe’s first Jewish ghettoBasilica of Santa Maria Della SaluteThe Venetian BridgesThe islands in the Venetian LagoonA gondola rideThe city’s museumsMost of these monuments are a testament to Venice’s power in Europe and date back to as early as the 13th and 14th centuries. The San Marco neighbourhood should be top of everyone’s list. Of course, it’ll depend on what you want to see.Saint Mark’s Square is without a doubt the most visited part of the city. However, you might want to avoid it if you don’t like crowds.For tourist attractions, you might want to get queue-jumps!On the square, you can find Saint Mark’s Basilica, Saint Mark’s Campanile, and the Doge’s Palace, the official residence of th e Doges of the Republic of Venice.  The museum is now home to works from famous Venetian painters like Titien, Bellini, Veronese, and Tintoretto.While a gondola ride may seem a little cliché, romantics will appreciate it and you can admire the city’s 435 bridges.  The most famous bridges include the Rialto Bridge and the Bridge of Sighs, which connects the interrogation rooms of the Doge’s Palace.  Sadly, the Bridge of Sighs is famous for being the place where prisoners caught their last glimpses of freedom before being imprisoned for life.What can you do during your holidays in Venice?If you want to avoid the crowds, you can always stay on one of the lagoon’s islands. Venice is a great place for out-of-the-ordinary holidays despite all the tourists.Torcello, for example, is one of the quieter of Venice’s 121 islands.In terms of museums, you can find the Naval History Museum, the Gallerie dell’Accademia, home to renaissance art, and the Peggy Guggenheim, home to modern ar t.You’ll come home with plenty of great holiday snaps!

ACT Math Strategy Series [Part 1 of 3]

ACT Math Strategy Series [Part 1 of 3] ACT SAT Prep and College Admissions Blog Math is a subject that most students either love or hate. In either case, preparing thoroughly for the Math section of the ACT is important in order to do your best. If math is not your strongest subject, building a solid foundation of understanding will be important for maintaining a decent overall score. If math comes easily for you, reviewing will still be important in order to fill in the gaps in your knowledge, especially if you want your score to truly reflect your ability. Either way, this series of posts gives you valuable strategies that will help you maximize your score. This post is the first of a three part series that looks at strategies for acing the ACT Math section. Knowledge Is More Important Than Strategy Keep in mind, strategy is a supplement for a basic understanding of the subject, not a substitute for it. The ACT measures your knowledge directly and your test taking ability only indirectly, so all the strategy in the world won’t help you if you don’t have the underlying subject knowledge. Focusing on knowledge first and strategy second ensures that you get both the most benefit from your education and the maximum score. Strategy #1: Know Your Outcome Having a target score in mind will help you prepare. If you are strong in math and want your results to show it, you will need to have a very strong understanding of the topics covered as well as be proficient with strategies and shortcuts that will allow you to complete the test questions quickly and accurately. But answering just two thirds of the questions correctly will earn you a solid, respectable 23, which is the average score. This may be acceptable to you if math isn’t your strong suit and you are aiming for a higher score on the other sections. Strategy #2: Use Your Brain Before Your Calculator A calculator is allowed for the ACT Math section, but all of the calculations are based on simple arithmetic (adding, subtracting, multiplying, dividing) and can be done without one. If you are good at basic arithmetic a calculator won’t necessarily help you to answer questions faster or more accurately, and it certainly won’t help you do the necessary thinking to solve the problems. Using a calculator can actually slow you down if you reach for it reflexively every time, especially if you end up hitting the wrong button and have to start over. Using a calculator is just a different skill, and doesn’t make up for a well-exercised brain, which is the most reliable tool that you have. Strategy #3: Use Drawings To Help You Think A picture is worth a thousand words, or sometimes a thousand equations if it helps you to understand a problem more clearly. Some problems will describe a figure but not display it, for example, in which case it can help you to draw it for yourself so that you can have it in front of you. Other problems will just be easier to understand and solve if you draw them out. Don’t draw or write more than you need to, but do make efficient use of the space you have provided for scratchwork. Dane Dormio is an online tutor and blogger with an unconventional approach to education. Visit his tutoring blog at www.synergy-tutoring.com. hbspt.cta._relativeUrls=true;hbspt.cta.load(215486, '89b61843-23df-46ce-834f-80b7364de1b7', {});