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6 Tips to help you pass an English Exam

3/28/2019

 
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Preparing for any exam can be nerve-racking, especially when you are feeling unequipped for the test. The pressure of making good grades does not make the process any easier. What if there was a way to pass your English exam hands down?

Here are several tips you must incorporate to pass those English exams:

1. Keep up with the reading

Any reading materials given to you in class is essential in the coursework. When preparing for an exam, you cannot afford to lag on the assigned reading. Notice that bits of your test will source from selected texts in the reading assigned in class.

2. Actively participate in class

English courses are designed to train you to read and process all kinds of information. These are invaluable skills that you can only gather by being very active and present in class. That said, do not hold yourself back from asking questions and making necessary comments. Ideally, the more active you are, the more your brain is alert to grasp the new content being shared. Notice that the core areas of English require active learning if at all you are to reflect any of the lessons in the exams.

3. Research more about the exam

In any English test, there are core areas that are tested, ideally, reading, writing listening and speaking. Knowing this, you can go ahead and learn a little more about the exam you are about to sit. For one, how are the nature of the questions? Are they open-ended or not? Does the test major in one testing area, for example, reading and writing? Take it an extra mile by analyzing more about the length of the test, the topics covered, among others, you can even invest in an up-to-date course book based on the exam, and start practicing early on.


4. Practice


Most people do not understand that even the
MyMathLab answers are the aftermath of proper practice. To get better at anything, you must be consistent and intentional in doing it over a period. Since you cannot access the questions that will be on your English exam, the best way to prepare is to practice with another test. Take different tests to check your grammar, spelling, pronunciations, among other aspects of English. Check out some of the free samples that are online on different websites. You can even get the best advice on the type of practice you should do form a reliable data driven research tool. However, ensure you are taking the practice exams under the right test conditions. This way, you condition your mind to be ready for the English test.


5. Show up early


On the day of the exam, you cannot be late because this will get your body all anxious about passing the exams, along with being late. When you arrive in good time, you set your brain at ease in the test environment, and you are likely to attain great results.


6. Read all the instructions carefully


​Whether the instructions are on a screen or paper, take your time to deduce the intended meaning of each of the instructions provided. Even so, be watchful that you do not spend too much of your time on one section of the instructions because of the test is being timed.



Author Bio: Danny Kariuki
​
Dancun has been working with writing-challenged clients for over five years now. He offers ghostwriting, ghost editing, coaching, and SEO writing for businesses that want to see their sites at the helm of Google SERPs. His education background in communications and public relations has given him a concrete base from which to approach different topics in various niches. His writing skills can be confirmed on upwork.com, where he is a top-rated freelance writer. He especially enjoys writing website and blog content for startups and established businesses. Visit Takeyourclass.com and Linkedin profile.

Can Diet Help You Boost Your English Language Learning?

3/18/2019

 
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Elbows to the table. Highlighter in hand. Coffee mug filled with Java. Is this all that is required to learn and progress in your English language studies? Science has been moving in a very positive direction over the past couple of decades, with more and more researchers revealing that how we learn, the happiness we feel, and our overall sense of health and wellbeing, are intricately tied into the lifestyle choices we make. Diet is one key consideration when it comes to improving our mood, battling stress, and keeping our memory (a crucial component of English language learning) in optimal condition. How can what you eat affect your memory and your ability to learn a foreign language?

The Mediterranean Diet can Enhance Your Cognitive Performance

A 2016 study published in the journal Frontiers showed that a Mediterranean diet improves key aspects of learning – including attention, memory, and language. This is great news considering the fact that the English language has around 200 irregular verbs and even more phrasal verbs. You will need to play close attention to understand how these verbs work and the contexts in which you might expect to use them. To hone these skills, consume a diet comprising lean proteins, fruits and vegetables, beans, seeds, nuts, legumes, and healthy Omega-3-rich essentially fats, found in foods like fatty fish and walnuts.

A Cup of Learning in Just One Olive

When learning a challenging area of English grammar such as verb tenses, mixed conditionals, or false friends, your memory needs to be sharp and your brain, clear as the day. If you enjoy snacking while studying, forego butter and sunflower or corn oil when cooking and opt for cold-pressed, extra virgin olive oil. A 2017 study by scientists at the Temple University Health System found that this golden oil can help with memory and learning. Researchers noted that its high Omega-3 content reduces brain inflammation and helps the brain get rid of toxins that can eventually cause diseases like Alzheimer’s. Another study by the American Academy of Neurology showed that fruits and vegetables can also help decrease the chance of memory problems. Ideally, you should enjoy around 400 grams of fruit and vegetables a day. If you are pressed for time, a nutritious breakfast smoothie is a quick, ideal way to start the day with zest.

Forego High Fat, High Cholesterol Diets

If certain foods can promote learning, others can prove to be a big obstacle to memory. Doctors from the Medical University of South Carolina warn that high-fat, high-cholesterol diets can cause memory loss, since they promote inflammation in the brain. Your eye and ear health can also be affected, which isn’t good news when studying is a goal. Don’t underestimate your eye health when studying for an ESL exam. You will have to rely on various sources, not all of which will have large, clear fonts. Your eyes will also be strained if you are studying on the computer or online, so keep your snacks low-fat yet delicious by utilising cooking methods such as grilling instead of frying.

We have mentioned just three studies pointing to the benefits of a Mediterranean diet for learning and memory. One of the best things about this diet is that it is easy to enjoy both in the home and when you are dining. Opt for grilled foods, use extra virgin olive oil as your dressing, and make sure to eat enough fruits and vegetables every day. You may find this diet has additional perks, including helping you shed a few extra pounds or maintain a healthy weight.

​Author Bio:
 Karoline left her corporate job to spend more time with her family and indulge in her passions of writing and travel. She now works as a freelance writer, offering advice and tips on a range of topics.


How to Pay for a Study Abroad Trip

3/7/2019

 
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Regardless of your major, studying abroad is an exciting opportunity for all students. It gives you the opportunity to learn about a different culture while furthering your own education. It can also help you learn new skills and further your career opportunities.

So it’s not surprising that studying abroad is a popular trend worldwide. In the U.S. alone, the number of students that studied abroad grew by 2.3 percent from the previous year.

Many students hope they will have the opportunity to study abroad while they’re in college. While most hope for the chance, few students consider the logistics of how they will pay for 
the experience.

How to Finance the Learning Experience

Studying abroad is an enriching experience, but it can come with a hefty price tag. Research from the International Institute of Education found that the average cost is about $18,000 per semester.

With an average price tag that high, many students don’t even try to work out the financing, assuming they’ll never be able to afford it. But there are many ways you can pay for your dreams of studying abroad without breaking the bank. Let’s look at four different options below.


Paying out of Pocket

If loans or scholarships aren’t an option, it is possible to pay to study abroad out of pocket. To do this, you’ll need to calculate the full cost of your trip, beyond just the program fees. This includes things like food, travel expenses, school materials, and more.

You’ll also want to consider the exchange rate. In some countries, the U.S. dollar is weak compared to the local currency. This means you’ll need to save more than you anticipated.

You might consider fundraising and asking for donations to help pay for the trip. And it’s also possible to find a job while you’re studying abroad to help pay for living expenses and food. Or you could consider taking on a side hustle to save money for the trip ahead of time. 


This is easily the hardest way to pay for study abroad upfront; however, you’ll have much less of a headache later because you didn’t take on any debt in the process.

Taking Out a New Student Loan

You may want to consider taking out a student loan for study abroad. Your current federal loans may cover some of the costs, but you’re likely to incur some unexpected expenses along the way. Private loans are a way to bridge the gap and cover any expenses left by the gap in funding.

​However, you should think long and hard about this option. Student debt is a well- known problem today, impacting millions of college students. Do you really want to add another $18,000 to that problem?


Finding a Scholarship

One of the best ways to finance your dreams of studying abroad is by getting a scholarship to pay for it. There are thousands of study abroad scholarships available, but most people just don’t know where to look. Start researching early and often. If you get started early, your chances of securing a scholarship will only go up.

Start by contacting your college’s study abroad office and ask them if they know about any scholarship options. From there, you’ll need to do your research and apply for as many scholarships as possible. Keep in mind that scholarships can be quite competitive, so it’s even more important to apply early and often.

Getting a Grant

There are also grants available for students looking to study abroad. For example, the Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship is a grant program that helps students with limited financial means finance a study abroad trip.

The most important thing is to look for every grant and scholarship opportunity you can find. The more aid you can find to pay for your trip, the less you will have to pay out of pocket. And it’ll save you from taking on more student loan debt.

​
Is the Trip Worth the Trouble?

College students are often encouraged to broaden their horizons and pursue study abroad programs. Studying abroad can give you a broader perspective of the world and help you learn about new cultures.

There are scholarships and grants available as solutions if you’re motivated to look. And it is possible to pay for the trip out of pocket by saving far in advance, fundraising, and working remotely.

But be wary of relying on high-interest loans to pay for the experience. Student loan debt can hamper you financially and limit your options down the road. You should carefully consider whether it’s worth the additional burden.

Studying abroad may be worth the high price tag, but make sure you understand what you’re getting into first. Figure out the real cost of the program and look for scholarships, grants, and other ways to pay for it without taking on more debt.


By Matt Lenhard– the Webmaster of The Student Loan Report

Can Supplements Help You Ace Your ESL Exams?

3/6/2019

 
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If you are studying English as a second language, what are your biggest bugbears? Are they the verb tenses, irregular verbs, or phrasal verbs? Language study sometimes puts your memory to the test, and some students may seek a little edge through supplementation. If this is your case, make sure that you choose what you take wisely. Not all products deliver what they promise, so go with tried and tested supplements only.

Supplements that Benefit Brain Health

​
‘Nootropics’ is the term used to define supplements that have the potential of boosting brain health and memory. The term was coined by a chemist who set out specific requirements for a supplement or food to fit the bill. He stated that nootropics must improve learning or memory, protect the brain against chemical or physical injury, and have few or no side effects. Nootropic supplements and foods enhance the learning process through their powerful effect on neurotransmitters (including noradrenaline and dopamine). Different nootropics have a different effect on the brain, so it is important to make the right choice. The quality of supplements is also key. Any supplements you buy should be safe, concentrated enough to make a difference, and manufactured by a reputable company.

Which Nootropics Can Aid in Language Learning?

It is important to consult supplementation with your doctor to discuss issues like dosage, suitability, and compatibility with any other medication you may be taking. Some supplements you may mention include choline. The latter is often used to enhance learning and memory, and one study by scientists at the University of Granada found (in lab studies) that this nutrient did improve long-term memory and attention-holding capacity. Choline is actually found in eggs, chicken and beef liver, soy, and wheat germ, so that consuming these foods may be useful when you are studying and your memory needs to be in tip-top shape. Other useful supplements include Acetyl L-Carnitine (which enhances creativity – this might be useful when you are completing a creative piece for an ESL class); ginkgo biloba (which has been found to slow down the rate of cognitive decline); and 7-hydroxmitragynine (which is used to battle stress).

The Importance of a Healthy Diet and Sleep

If you follow a Mediterranean-style diet (packed with healthy proteins, fruits and vegetables, and healthy Omega-3-rich fats) and you make good sleep a priority, you may be able to reduce or do away with the need for supplementation. Studies have shown that cramming before an exam can lead to significantly poorer results, yet so many students continue to stay up late, and leave study for a few days before an exam. Create a study plan in the weeks leading up to an exam, dividing what you have to learn into specific chunks, completing a set number of these every day. 

To ace your next ESL exam, tackle stress and nerves from a multifaceted perspective. Make time for exercise and stress-busting activities like meditation and controlled breathing, prepare yourself healthy meals, and make sure to get around eight hours of sleep a night. If you need a little help, ask your doctor about whether or not supplements are ideal for you and make sure to invest in quality products that will deliver the results they promise.



Author Bio: Karoline left her corporate job to spend more time with her family and indulge in her passions of writing and travel. She now works as a freelance writer, offering advice and tips on a range of topics.

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