Analytical Chemistry - What Is It?

Analytical Chemistry - What Is It?Analytical chemistry refers to a branch of chemistry dealing with the investigation of the properties of substances, their origin and behavior. It deals with the crystallization and decomposition of chemical compounds. It also deals with the study of how different substances react to one another. There are many elements of analytical chemistry and some of them are: spectroscopy, microscopy, microanalysis, nanoanalysis, quantum mechanics, thermodynamics, electrical analysis, electronegativity, temperature measurement, photochemistry, organic chemistry, biomolecular chemistry, peptide chemistry, and protein chemistry.For example, if an atomic level experiment is done it can help in the study of the properties of a substance by revealing the latent potential consequences of various parts of the substance. This is because the property is revealed by the state of matter of the sample. In general, the properties of an element or compounds are determined by the binding energies of all of its atoms that are contained in the body of the molecule. This binding energy is the amount of energy required to bind the atoms together so that the molecules of the elements form new atoms. The binding energy of an element can be determined by employing techniques such as radioactive decay or by studying the molecular structure of the substance or any chemical compounds.Among other things, analytical chemistry is used in physics and chemistry in that it uses the skills of scientists in order to develop models for solving complicated problems. These models are needed because the properties of a certain substance or compound change when subjected to different conditions. In this way, all the information from the previous experimental findings is used in order to provide the model with the most appropriate results. This is important because it provides an experiment that allows scientists to compare different values that would otherwise not be obtainab le. This means that analytical chemistry makes use of the efforts of scientists in order to solve complicated problems and provides a solution.In analytical chemistry, there are three steps to analyze substances. The first step involves the identification of the various types of compounds that have been identified by methods such as X-rays, ultraviolet, radio-chemistry, neutron scattering, and optical-chemistry. The second step involves the analysis of the data that have been collected and the third step involves the synthesis of models based on the different observations. Analytical chemistry is divided into three main areas. The first is the field of fundamental studies of the substances. Here, the analytical chemistry is defined as the study of a particular substance that is an absolute or complex element such as oxygen, nitrogen, silicon, sulfur, calcium, magnesium, iron, sodium, potassium, sodium, calcium, potassium, sodium, ammonium, boron, iodine, selenium, and mercury.The se cond area of analytical chemistry deals with the interaction of a substance with other substances, the influence of its internal factors, its physical properties, the reactions it undergoes in the process of synthesis, and the reactions it undergoes in the process of synthesis in reaction with other substances. Here, the analytical chemistry is the study of the chemical properties of compounds or substances in their natural and metallogenic environments. It also involves the study of substances that have been found to have properties that are different from those of other substances.The third area of analytical chemistry deals with the effects of properties of substances on their environment, the effects of other substances on substances, and the effects of the interaction of substances with their environment. It involves the study of compounds that have properties that are different from those of other compounds. In this way, it is possible to study the effects of different substan ces. The most famous examples of analytical chemistry include the chemical synthesis of vitamins, various pharmaceutical drugs, organic chemistry, radiometric, biophysical, and the biological systems.Analytical chemistry is the science that investigates chemical properties of a substance by analyzing its chemical composition, material properties, nature and biological activities of a substance, various analytical or physical parameters, and laboratory conditions. Analytical chemistry can be done in many ways. In some cases, it can be done by observing how substances behave when exposed to different conditions such as heating, mechanical shock, ultrasonic, heat, etc.

How Much Does Studypoint Tutoring Cost?

How Much Does Studypoint Tutoring Cost?Are you wondering how much does studypoint tutoring cost? There are many ways to find out. First, you will need to determine the age of your child as he/she will require some form of ongoing attention throughout his/her academic experience. This will be very helpful in estimating how much does studypoint cost.If your child is a toddler, then you will not have to pay that much to enroll him/her in studypoint lessons. Kids at this age can learn at their own pace, so there are no fixed costs involved. They may take a lot of time and get distracted by extraneous things. Because of this, this type of teaching will not be as efficient as an older child. But, the great thing about it is that you don't have to shell out a lot of money for tutoring.If your child is an adult, then you will need to pay more than the usual cost for tutoring. This is because they will have greater demands on their time, and their concentration level will be higher. It is com mon for adults to become confused during their lessons, and so they may not learn as much as they normally would have. In other words, adults who are enrolled in studypoint lessons will not be able to absorb the lessons to the fullest. One solution is to join a class for children who have the same interests as yours, so you can learn at the same time and solve problems in tandem.For students who need tutoring in the middle or even for students who are already with a college or university, you may want to find out how much does studypoint cost. You can find this information by asking the guidance counselor or the school administrators. Most schools and colleges will provide you with a list of tutors. If you ask around, you can also find the tutors' names, telephone numbers, and even home addresses. Once you know all this information, you can evaluate which tutors are worth the price and which are not.What will be the best way to compare studypoint tuition fees between different tutor s? The simplest way to do this is to look online. You can do this through several different websites, such as StudypointCollegeReviews.com, TutorCompare.com, CollegeBoard.org, and Yahoo Answers. When you use these resources, you will come up with all sorts of different prices that you can compare.You will also want to find out how much does studypoint costs if you just want to start tutoring. You will be able to assess this by doing your homework. Look into the testimonials given by other students who have used study point. Ask them how much did they charge and how they managed to help the students at that point.When you shop for a tutor, be sure to look into all the details. Even if you are using these tutors for one or two sessions, make sure that you take a look at the fees. You will only want to spend that much on tutoring if you truly think that you will benefit from it.

What Qualifications Do I Need to Become a Singing Tutor

What Qualifications Do I Need to Become a Singing Tutor Where Should You Train to Become a Voice Coach and Start Singing Tutoring Jobs? ChaptersDo You Need a Degree to Teach Singing?Studying A Level MusicCan You Study to Become a Voice Coach at University?Joining a Music Teaching ServiceHas music always been a passion of yours? Do you consider your singing voice to be one of your greatest assets? If the answer to both of these questions is ‘yes’, then you have two fantastic reasons to become a vocal coach!Singing is a daily activity for many people, whether it’s in the shower, doing the dishes, rehearsing with a choir or taking part in musical theatre productions.For those who make a career out of their passion for song, helping others who are learning how to sing is a fabulous opportunity to share a passion and enthuse others.So, which qualifications are required of aspiring singing teachers? CalumDrama School Entrance Teacher 5.00 (15) £50/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors ToriSpanish Teacher 5.00 (1) £15/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors OliviaSchool support Teacher 5.00 (2) £21/h1st less on free!Discover all our tutors MarkESOL (English) Teacher 4.76 (17) £20/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors YuweiChinese Teacher 4.33 (6) £19/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors JenniferMusic reading Teacher 5.00 (1) £30/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors LouiseAutoCAD Teacher 5.00 (3) £60/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors RickyPercussion Teacher 5.00 (7) £35/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors NicolasGuitar Teacher 5.00 (2) £35/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors MyriamOrganic chemistry Teacher 5.00 (13) £20/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors JonathanEconomics Teacher 5.00 (9) £40/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors Oluwakemi imoleMaths Teacher 5.00 (1) £30/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors AlexPhysics Teacher 5.00 (1) £50/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors AdamSinging Teacher 5.00 (14) £48/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors ValentiniMusic reading Teacher 5.00 (2) £50/h1st lesson free!Discover a ll our tutors MilenaMaths Teacher 5.00 (5) £25/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors RashmiEconomics Teacher 5.00 (1) £35/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutorsDo You Need a Degree to Teach Singing?From a legal perspective, the simple answer is no.It all depends on the way in which you want to teach singing.If you want to give private lessons in singing, you’ll need to register as self-employed, but no degree is necessary.Accomplished musicians can teach privately without a university degree ¦ source: Pixabay - KrimifreundinIf you’d prefer to work in a state school as a music teacher, you’ll need to have achieved at least a grade C in your GCSE maths and English exams and have earned a degree in a relevant subject in addition to gaining a Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE).Before we look at specific qualifications for becoming a music teacher in more detail, it is important to note the necessity of a good knowledge of music theory and a good musical ability before launching your career in vocal training.Graduating from a conservatoire will give you the highest level of qualification in your chosen area of music. However, musical conservatoires are notoriously selective when it comes to their applicants and aspiring music teachers usually apply to study music at a university instead.A degree in music is probably better suited to the chosen career paths of those who aim to get into vocal coaching at a school, as conservatoires generally provide training for aspiring professional musicians.Studying A Level MusicFor those who know that they want to work towards a career in music very early on, options begin opening up from the end of their academic careers. One major step on the path towards teaching singing professionally is choosing your A level options at the end of year 11.Here are some recommendations about how each option can help you on your way to teaching.A Level MusicGaining an A level qualification in music is an essential step for anyone looking to become a professional musician or school music teacher.The course content for music at A level is varied and offers plenty of opportunity for self-expression. For example, A level music students are assessed in their ability to perform on one or more instruments (including voice) as well as their composition skills and their understanding of musical theory and their level of musical ear training.A level music courses usually also involve the close study of a particular musical work. For instance, this could be the first two movements from Ludwig van Beethoven’s first symphony. The students’ knowledge of the piece is assessed in written form as they are asked to answer a question on the piece in the format of an essay.Aside from the written part, A level music exams also involve a test of the students’ musical listening skills, as they are played chords and asked to identify their relationship to a piece of music as well as their makeup.The varied nature of A level music courses ensure that students end their study with a well-rounded knowledge of the world of music as well as an appreciation and understanding of the intricacies of musical composition.A Level Drama and BTEC Performing ArtsSixth-form students who choose to pursue studies in drama or performing arts are also likely to work with music as part of their studies, particularly if they take an interest in musical theater.Performing arts tends to focus more on singing than playing instruments, and performers have a better opportunity to develop their stage presence as well as becoming confident in their own abilities.Studying music or performance at school will set you up for professional success ¦ source: Pixabay - BarnImagesThis is especially useful for aspiring teachers, who can experiment with their personal performance style and learn how to help others do the same.A level and BTEC courses in music and performing help prepare students who are looking to study music at degree level. The breadth and method of assessment give students a flavour or what may be to come in the future and can help them to overcome obstacles such as stage fright.Can You Study to Become a Voice Coach at University?Even though it isn’t essential for tutoring jobs as a voice teacher, musical training at degree level is advised.When you’re heading towards a musical career, studying music at a high level will open you up to a wider knowledge of the art of music and give you a deeper understanding of the musical disciplines that interest you.Exploring the wider world of music may confirm your desire to pursue a career in teaching, or it could also help you discover a new passion.At universities and conservatoires, like lower down in each student’s educational career, teaching focuses on the practice of an instrument (including voice) as well as musical theory.In addition, you may also study:The history of musicMusical compositionOrchestral or choral arrangementConservato ires are notoriously strict when it comes to their admissions, and even for universities, your level of ability in your instrument is expected to be very high.As a degree subject, music is incredibly practical to study. Students are required to perform, as well as lead performances as conductors or choirmasters. The musical leadership skills demonstrated at university are useful for future teachers who can see themselves leading ensembles.Learn how to set your rates for Singing lessons.Joining a Music Teaching ServiceAnother option for those who would like to teach singing is to join a music service. Regional music services provide musical instrument and voice lessons to primary and secondary school children all over the UK, with teachers visiting schools in the area.Lead a school choir and inspire a generation of singers ¦ source: Pixabay - GemmaRay23Music service teachers are trained professionals who often lead local ensembles and play for orchestras in addition to teaching in t heir career.Depending on the local authority they are associated with, music teaching services offer a range of options, which may include:Listening and introductory sessions for young childrenPrivate instrument instructionGroup instrument lessonsClass choirsThe wide range of services offered by such organisations  means that its teachers must be adaptable in their approach to teaching, whether their services are required as part of the national curriculum or as an extra-curricular activity. Learn how to prepare you singing lessons  and get the right singing equipment for singing classes.As professional musicians, music service teachers should be able to prove their competence in their chosen instrument with certifications such as ABRSM grades and diplomas.The possibilities for teaching singing are vast, regardless of the teacher’s level of qualification.In order to fulfil your potential as a home singing teacher, it is a good idea to make the most of your personal experience (as a student of music, a choirmaster or a performer) and take inspiration from the parts of music that you love, including your preferred musical styles (such as jazz, classical, or gospel).This will keep you motivated in your work to help your students with breath control, vibrato, moving from chest to head voice, using their diaphragm and improving their tone quality and overall confidence in themselves as they learn to sing and blossom as a vocalist.Singing teachers in particular also have a responsibility to teach their students about maintaining their vocal health with appropriate warm-ups,  breathing exercises and singing techniques to avoid the risks of straining the voice by trying to reach too high a pitch. This is proving an attractive option for former music teachers searching for jobs for ex teachers.Being a teacher is all about putting your students at the forefront of your expertise and giving them the knowledge and skill they need to succeed in their musical careers.So, the answer to the question about whether any certain qualification is required to teach singing depends on the chosen field and aspirations of the teacher. One thing is, however, always the same: your own musical ability must be fantastic  if you want to help other achieve singing success.

How to Develop a Growth Mindset

How to Develop a Growth Mindset What You Need to Know about Developing a Growth Mindset ChaptersWhat are the Key Aspects of a Growth Mindset?Strategies to Develop a Growth MindsetHave you ever tried to learn a new thing and stopped, thinking ‘oh, I’ll never be able to do this â€" I’m just not made for it’. Have you ever described someone else as being ‘naturally clever’? Have you ever shied away from doing karaoke, say, because you claim that ‘you just can’t sing’?If you have done any of these things, you may well have what the Stanford University psychologist, Carol Dweck, calls a ‘fixed mindset’, an attitude towards or an outlook on the world that tells you that your intelligence â€" as well as your character and your creative ability â€" is innate and that it is set in stone.Such a belief has a variety of ramifications that you can read in our article on fixed vs growth mindsets. However, briefly, the fixed mindset makes us more averse to take risks, less appreciative of the success of others, and less willing to put in effort and to persevere.W e All Have a Growth MindsetDweck tells us that we all have a bit of a fixed mindset. All of us sit on a continuum between a fixed mindset â€" the conviction that we have an unchangeable, innate ability â€" and its opposite: a growth mindset, which gives all those who have it in their possession a belief that intelligence is, in fact, a process, something that you can learn and grow. Hence the name growth mindset.Yes, despite much of the stuff that you will read about this online, there is a continuum between a growth and a fixed mindset. It’s that continuum that prevents people from harbouring the possibility of learning how to fly, or from thinking that all guitarists were born being able to play the guitar.We all have a bit of the growth mindset in us. Yet, in order to increase our chances of success in life, it is worth trying our hardest to develop this to the greatest extent that we can.Because whilst the fixed mindset tells us, when we suffer a setback, to give up, the growt h mindset tells us that every failure, every challenge is an opportunity for personal growth. It helps us in cultivating perseverance, and it helps us to praise others in their achievement and success.So, whilst you may once have thought ‘oh no, I’m not a natural singer!’ or ‘I’m just not a maths person’, it’s time to change that. Because we all can.Check out our introduction to growth mindset first if you need to - but here’s how to develop your growth mindset! Teach your child a growth mindset from an early age.The Importance of Praising and Being Able to PraiseDweck’s theory was born from the studies that she undertook in the education system as a professor. Here, on returning test scores to students, she either praised their effort or their intelligence. Those whose effort was praised went on to much greater academic achievement than those whose intelligence was flattered.The theory of the growth mindset came from this finding. Because drawing attention to the level of effort rather than the amount of intelligence drew attention to the process of learning rather than the starting point.Throughout schools in the UK, effort is one of the basic qualities to be measured in schools, rather than their ‘natural’ talents and abilities.Failure and PerseveranceOne of the defining characteristics of the growth mindset is its attitude to failure. Whilst fixed mindsets take failure badly â€" as an indictment of their natural, innate ability â€" people with growth mindsets are more likely to see failure as an opportunity for learning and growth.The fixed mindset’s belief in the way our brain works is more than just an epistemological assumption. Rather, according to Dweck, it involves all other aspects our lives too.Find out the difference between a growth mindset and fixed mindset! Develop your growth mindset in the classroom.Strategies to Develop a Growth MindsetSo, how do you go about developing your growth mindset? How can you go from believing that intelligence is innate and immovable to believing that one can develop it?The most important answer to that is that a mindset is not just an opinion you consciously hold. Because, according to Dweck, your mindset is shown through your actions: your habits of mind, the ways you respond to making mistakes, the simple ways that you go about living your life.Just as intelligence is not a static thing, nor is your mindset. And changing our mindset needs to be conceived of as a process too: you do it through your daily behaviour, not through a simple change of opinion.Having said that, let’s look at some ways in which you can change your mindset.Rethink What It Means to Be a GeniusWhat do you understand geniuses to be? People who were born smart and who changed the world just through easy thoughts and actions? Or peo ple who worked hard, who gave their life to a love of working?The stereotype of the genius is wrong â€" and you need to relearn this. Geniuses don’t have innate genius; they work at it. And you can too.Remember that Being Clever is Worth Less than Becoming BetterTo develop your growth mindset, stop that pose in which you believe you are clever and want everyone to know it.Great, you’re clever â€" who cares? Now what? Success doesn’t come through being clever at all, but what you can do with that and where you head with it. Rather than focusing on being anything at all, focus on becoming something better.Take Criticism Well (It’s Not an Attack)People with a fixed mindset are generally not very good at taking criticism. It rings in their ears like something of an attack.This shouldn’t be the case. And if you are hoping to develop your growth mindset, this is something you need to work on. If someone gives you advice, don’t get defensive. Take the value from it and use it t o help you to become a better person. Stay curious about learning with your growth mindset.Turn Failures into LessonsFailures aren’t reasons never to try again. That’s what the fixed mindset tends to convince people of.Rather, you should see failures as lessons â€" as reminders that you are not perfect, as mistakes that you never need to make again.So, when you fail â€" which you will, inevitably â€" pick yourself up and keep on keeping on.Share Your Successes â€" and Those of OthersDweck suggests that people with a fixed mindset do not like to acknowledge the successes of others. Rather, they feel intimidated or threatened by successful people.Rather, in your pursuit of a growth mindset, you should find ways to see that which is inspiring about other people. Always look for what you can learn from in others.Ditch the Desire for Instant ResultsPart of the growth mindset is knowing that results never come quickly.  And so, if you are after instant wins, remind yourself to slow down.Check out growth mindset resources!

8 Beautiful Opera Arias for Beginner Singers

8 Beautiful Opera Arias for Beginner Singers Suzy S. It is always exciting when a vocal student is ready to start studying his or her first operatic aria! One of the best things about being a classical singer is knowing you have so many great years ahead of you. After all, you’re considered in your prime in your 40s. That being said, realize that the voice you have now and the repertoire you’ll first study will be very, very different from  what you sing later on in your career. It’s absolutely crucial that you sing repertoire that is not too heavy for your young voice, or you may damage it. Fear not here is a list of some of the most beautiful opera songs, organized by the different voice types. Keep scrolling below the video to find even more options! Opera Arias for Sopranos “L’ho perduta” This cute little aria is from one of Mozart’s greatest hits, “The Marriage of Figaro”. The character singing it is Barbarina. Believe it or not, the soprano who first sung this role was 12 so this is indeed suitable for a young singer with operatic aspirations! “O mio babbino caro” from Puccini’s “Gianni Schicchi” This is another short but wonderful aria that everyone knows and loves. It’s beautiful and perfect for a lighter, lyric voice. Do be careful to avoid dragging the tempo: many sopranos have taken it too slowly. Opera Arias for  Mezzo-Sopranos “Voi che sapete” from “Marriage of Figaro” This charming aria, sung by the page boy Cherubino, is a terrific intro to the “trouser roles” often sung by mezzos. With a lilting melody and a chance to show off some chest voice, it’s a true winner. “Must the Winter Come So Soon?” from Barber’s “Vanessa” This is a beautiful  aria from an American opera that  is not performed too often. It may not be a long aria, but the vocal line is gorgeous. It’s essential that young singers prepare a few arias that are in English. SEE ALSO: Its Time to Refresh Your Arias When   Opera Arias for Baritones “Se vuol ballare” from the “Marriage of Figaro” Lets face it: this opera has an aria for everyone! This aria, sung by Figaro, is a solid choice for beginning baritone. Its a perfect moderate tempo and also has a few high notes. “Vecchia zimarra” from Puccini’s “La Boheme” It may be another short aria, but it packs a powerful punch since it’s from a very dramatic opera! This one is a favorite for a reason. Puccini didn’t write an awful lot for baritones! Opera Arias for Tenors “Quanto e bella” from Donizetti’s “ L’elisir d’amore” This moderate tempo aria is ideal for a light lyric tenor! The character is the lovestruck Nemorino, and this opera song  has been sung by many of the greats, including Luciano Pavarotti. “Lonely House” from Kurt Weill’s “Street Scene” Weill’s music may be challenging to learn, but this haunting aria suits a young singer’s voice. This aria will also give a strong actor a chance to set himself apart from other tenors that just want to stand there and sound pretty. Want more song recommendations by voice type, beyond opera? Check out our song ideas  here, including best picks for auditions, talent shows, and gigs. Your voice teacher is another great resource for suggestions. He or she will undoubtedly have many more ideas  for you. If classical singing interests you, its very important to be working with a voice coach, as opera is a lot tougher to sing than many other genres. Have fun exploring the rich and wonderful world of opera! To continue learning, check out our Ultimate Guide to Singing Styles and Genres! Readers, what are your picks for the most beautiful opera songs? Let us know in the comments!   Post Author:  Molly R. Molly R. teaches online and in-person singing lessons in Hayward, CA. Her specialties include teaching beginner vocalists, shy singers, children, teens, lapsed singers, and older beginners. She joined TakeLessons in November 2013.  Learn more about Molly  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  Jas?n

Ten Best French Podcasts Targeted to French Learners

Ten Best French Podcasts Targeted to French Learners French Learners Listen to These Ten Best Podcasts ChaptersLearning the Language via PodcastA Word on PodcastsRounding Out the Top TenLanguage learners these days have so many resources at their disposal, from the traditional classroom setting to immersion programmes in the countries that speak the language they study.Our ancestors had those selections as well, but they did not have web-based tools.They had no opportunity to learn French online and, while they may have heard occasional broadcasts in French, there were no such things as podcasts in those days.By comparison, our airwaves are saturated with a glut of language learning, and we have our choice of language courses for our listening pleasure.How can anyone be expected to find a steady staple of quality French speaking out of that morass?Let Superprof filter results of the series of podcasts available for the beginner, the intermediate French speaker and for those who understand advanced French. All to help you along in your French lessons.Our forebears did not have the tech nology to learn French that we have today Source: Pixabay Credit: Ryan McGuireRead about finding your ideal online French teacher. AnnieFrench Teacher 4.89 (9) £20/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors CarolineFrench Teacher 5.00 (13) £25/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors LowriFrench Teacher 5.00 (9) £90/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors MarianneFrench Teacher 5.00 (8) £30/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors ThibautFrench Teacher 5.00 (3) £19/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors AnnickFrench Teacher 5.00 (6) £20/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors DéborahFrench Teacher 5.00 (10) £35/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors SamyFrench Teacher 5.00 (2) £100/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutorsLearning the Language via PodcastThe thing about learning French in particular is that resources abound! In print and online, you'll find no lack of French learning materials, especially as compared to many other languages.The key to effective l earning would then boil down to what suits your learning style.We hope you will find a gem or two in these...FrenchPod101First, a disclaimer: Innovative Languages publishes language 'pods' in Spanish, in Chinese, in Italian... in 34 different languages. Thus we cannot call it a site dedicated exclusively to the French language.However, each language they present has its own web address, denoted by the language name, followed by pod101.Why 'pod', you wonder? Hint: it has nothing to do with a figurative pea pod...Podcasts were originally meant for download exclusively to Apple products, specifically the Ipod.  These days, you can listen to podcasts on any device you want.  With that in mind, you can download any and all of FrendPod's casts, to listen to and replay at your leisure.When you create your account, the first question you will be asked is what your level of French is. The selection runs from absolute beginner to advanced.From there, you would have your choice of learning pat hs, organised into topics.For example, you might choose Mastering Level 1 French and, starting at Lesson 1, you would progress through all of the lessons until that module is finished.This linear progression learning method is optional. You may also skip around until you find exactly where you need to be, and start your learning from there.Everything on FrenchPod101 is downloadable: the audio, the video and the lesson notes.Indeed, they thoughtfully provide notes for every installment that you can keep and refer back to.Isn't that considerate of them?News In SlowThis podcast series uploads a new topic weekly, generally dealing with some current event.Their pages are well organised, providing links to the various features they offer, such as a grammar overview, and a list of expressions used in the audio discussion.There is also a series of flashcards available for download!At the very top of the page, you would select what level you can understand French at, and then it is just a ma tter of applying yourself to the materials at hand.What if you are beyond beginner French but don't quite understand intermediate?The best part about News in Slow is that they discuss current events so, even if you don't catch every word, there is a good chance you know something about the topic at hand.Besides, that gives you more new language to study!One major difference between FrenchPod and News in Slow is the emphasis on French grammar.FrenchPod's philosophy is that absorbing grammar will be the inevitable result of hearing French conversation.News in Slow dedicates an entire page, linked to each lesson, in order to expound on grammar particulars for that podcast.If you are the type of language learner who needs to assimilate language mechanics in order to grasp language functionality, this would be an important distinction for you.If you are more of a free agent, you might appreciate this next French site...You can download a word of culture and language to your smartphone th rough podcasts Source: Pixabay Credit: FunkyFocusTalk in FrenchThis is more of a freestyle, random topic podcast site. Unlike the others discussed thus far, it tends to be targeted more toward advanced French speakers, and it does not provide a transcript, or lesson for lesson grammar page.It does include a grammar notebook, free for download when you subscribe.If you are at intermediate level or higher, this would be a great podcast to listen to, even if you don't yet know all of the vocabulary.By listening to this fluent narrative, you could really train your ear to pick up French slang expressions, also known as verlan.If you are ready to jump into advanced language and culture discussions, this might be the best podcast for you!Although it is subscription based, there are a number of sample podcasts you can listen to for free, just to see if it would be a good fit.On those free podcast pages, you may take advantage of their free French learning package!A Word on PodcastsBefore w e continue with our list of best French podcasts, let us go over some benefits of podcasts in general.Some people who learn language cannot see the point in exercising only one aspect of French study â€" listening comprehension, while being given no chance to speak French themselves.That is a valid point. After all, nobody has ever asked 'Can you listen to French?'.The question is usually 'Can you speak French?'Nevertheless, there are tremendous benefits to be had in subscribing to an effective, intimate means of immersion into the French language, such as:portability â€" you can download a segment and take it with youtime-efficient: listen to podcasts while doing other things, such as household chores.Money-saving: you would have to go to a classroom or abroad to get this level of immersionpersonal: The French language goes directly into your ears, if you use earbuds, or surrounds you if you play it in your caron-demand: you do not have to tune in for your next lesson, or rush to a ny class. Podcasts will be there, ready for you to download and make use of, whenever you want them.All of these make excellent points for podcasts, but them being on demand is really the clincher, isn't it?That, coupled with the fact that most French podcasts we've investigated come with transcripts, grammatical notes, lists of new words and phrases, exercises and quizzes make this type of learning essential for the serious student of French.You may choose to download several French podcasts Source: Pixabay Credit: PIX 1861Rounding Out the Top TenDaily French Pod originates in France, and covers a variety of topics, from sniffling to China's relationship with France.Each segment comes with a downloadable transcript, a French vocabulary list and an exercise page. They are most suited to beginners.These French lessons are by subscription only.Another French for beginners podcast is Podcast Français Facile. Perhaps the best aspect of this site is that the lessons are organised accord ing to your level of fluency, as ranked by the French proficiency exam structure of the DELF.The possible downside is that the entire page is in French. As it is meant for beginners, there might be some difficulty navigating it.French etc. is in English, but the topics discussed are in conversational French.All topics are narrated by a native speaker of French, and are preceded by a short lesson in grammar.You can practice your spoken French by reading along with the transcript as your francophone host speaks.The bar at the top gives you the option of choosing what level  of French you can understand, and even offers a dictation exercise.If you have trouble with French verbs, there is a page to help make the subject clearer.There is a measure of free study materials, but a subscription will give you access to premium learning tools.To get away from language lessons, our final recommendation is to listen to news commentators discussing current events in French.France Info News specia lises in informative reporting, often adding humour and satire to their broadcast.If you are more advanced in your French studies, listening to these personalities is sure to give you an in-depth understanding of the history and culture of France.Even if you are not quite so advanced in your French learning, listening to these podcasts will introduce you to the rhythm and flow of French words, as spoken by someone whose native language is French.There are so many online resources available for online French learning that we could not possibly review and critique them all.However, we can direct you to a summary page with links to relevant podcasts, so that you might try them out for yourself, and select the best ones for your learning needs.We accept your heartfelt merci!Find out about the best French dictionaries and translators for learning French.

What Makes a Sonnet a Sonnet

What Makes a Sonnet a Sonnet Sonnets: Shakespeare's Favourite Poetic Form ChaptersSo, what is a Sonnet?The Most Important Features of a SonnetThe Main Types of SonnetThe Main Types of Sonnet: A SummaryPlaying with the Form: Other SonneteersWriting Your Own SonnetA Step by Step Guide to Writing a SonnetFind Out More about Different Poetic FormsIf you are studying poetry, Shakespeare, or English literature at any level, you will inevitably have to grasp with this thing called the  sonnet.  Any idea what this might be? No worries if not, because we are here to walk you through all aspects of this poetic form. By the time you have finished this article, you'll be able to identify the main features - metrical, thematic, and rhymed - of this literary form, and you'll be able to consider how to write your own!We hope you find it helpful!Find some fun poetry lessons on Superprof.Secondly, the sonnet, given its brief length, is great for expressing a feeling, thought, or idea. The brevity facilitates the communication of a strength of feeling that can be lost in lo nger forms.Thirdly, whilst the sonnet is traditionally known for focusing its attentions on the theme of love, the form allows for a great flexibility in its content. You will these days see sonnets written on everything from politics to war to ice cream. What makes this possible is the form's argumentative structure, which, as you will see below, is an essential part of the sonnet.The Lady of Shalott, though not a sonnet, makes use of the iambic pentameter Source: Pixabay Credit: MZ Matuszewski0The Most Important Features of a SonnetAs we saw above, a sonnet is simply a poem written in a specific form. But to recognise a sonnet when you see one, you need to know the specific characteristics of that form. So, to summarise, here are the need-to-know features of a sonnet.The Sonnet's Main FeaturesFourteen linesGenerally, all sonnets have fourteen lines. You will find some exceptions, but the poets will do this deliberately.VoltaThe fourteen lines are divided into two sections, usually of eight lines and six. The break between the two parts is known as the volta.Iambic pentameterThis is what we call the metre of the poem: the number of syllables in each line of the poem. An 'iamb' is a set of two syllables, the first unstressed and the second stressed. 'Pentameter' shows that there are five of these 'iambs' in a line. So, you have ten syllables: unstressed, stressed; unstressed, stressed, etc.Rhyme schemeDifferent types of sonnets have different rhyme schemes, and some don't rhyme at all! You'll see more about this below.Let's Add a Little More Detail...So, to flesh this about a bit, let's pay a bit more attention to each feature.Lines and StructureWe've just noted that a sonnet has fourteen lines. But what you need to remember is that depending on the type of sonnet, these lines are arranged in different ways.So, in a Petrarchan sonnet (we told you he'd come up again!), the lines are grouped into two: an octave (that means a group of eight lines) and a sestet (a group of six).In Shakespearean sonnets and Spenserian sonnets, on the other hand, you have three quatrains (four lines) and a couplet (two lines). You'll find more on how these lines rhyme in the sections on each type of sonnet below.The VoltaWhilst you will find a volta in many other forms of poetry, they are really quite important to the sonnet. What do we mean by the volta, then? In Italian, this word means 'turn' - and, in the sonnet, this is the moment at which a change occurs in the poem. This change might be in tone, argument, or thematic focus - but it is very rare to find a sonnet without one.As we note above, these usually occur after the eighth line of the poem - for Petrarch, after the octave, whilst for Shakespeare and Spenser after the second quatrain. You'll notice this change quite easily, as they are usually signaled with a 'but', 'however', or 'and'.Iambic PentameterThis may look like a scary poetry word, but don't worry about it too much. Let's break it down.'Met re' refers to the rhythmic structure of a line in poetry: how many syllables, how these are grouped together. 'Penta-' comes from the Greek word for 'five'. So, from 'pentameter' you know that the metre of a sonnet has something to do with five.As we said above, the word 'iamb' refers to a group of two syllables, one unstressed and one stressed.  There are five of these in each line when we talk about iambic pentameter. As all English literature teachers will tell you, the line will scan like this: dee-DAH  dee-DAH  dee-DAH  dee-DAH  dee-DAH.To see this in action, look at this line from Shakespeare's famous Sonnet 18, in which we have highlighted the stressed syllables:Shall I compare thee to a summer's day?Count the syllables in the line (there are ten!). Now, count the stressed syllables (there are five!).But if we switch the stressed syllables with the unstressed ones, we can see how the line becomes a little clumsy:Shall I compare thee to a summer's day?The Sonnet SeriesOne of t he main historical conventions of the sonnet is that they usually come in series. Think about Shakespeare's poem above. Why is it called 'Sonnet 18'? He didn't name it that. Rather, because he wrote 154 sonnets, each individual one is known by its number.A lot of people have written sonnets in sequences. The most famous early sonneteers all wrote series: Philip Sidney's Astrophil and Stella; Shakespeare's  Sonnets; Spenser's  Amoretti.  This convention has remained with us, as, in the twentieth century many other writers have composed sonnet sequences: Rainer Maria Rilke's  Sonnets to Orpheus,  John Berryman's  Sonnets.  These are the things that have developed the association of sonnets with the theme of love - as all of these sequences deal with a passionate speaker talking to a loved object.The Main Types of SonnetIn the English-speaking world, we usually refer to three discrete types of sonnet: the Petrarchan, the Shakespearean, and the Spenserian.All of these maintain the featu res outlined above - fourteen lines, a volta, iambic pentameter - and they all three are written in sequences. The primary difference is the rhyme scheme.We'll look at these three types of sonnet, and then finally consider some of those that don't really fit into the structure we have all been taught.Petrarchan SonnetThe first sonnet is the Petrarchan, or Italian, sonnet. Named after one of the form's greatest practitioners, the Italian poet Petrarch, the Petrarchan sonnet was the earliest strict sonnet form (he lived from 1304 to 1374).As we noted above, the Petrarchan sonnet is divided into two stanzas: the octave (the first eight lines) followed by the answering sestet (the final six lines). Let's take a look at a Petrarchan sonnet, by the English poet William Wordsworth (as this is easier than reading medieval Italian!).London, 1802(A) Milton! thou shouldst be living at this hour: (B) England hath need of thee: she is a fen (B) Of stagnant waters: altar, sword, and pen, (A) Fire side, the heroic wealth of hall and bower, (A) Have forfeited their ancient English dower (B) Of inward happiness. We are selfish men; (B) Oh! raise us up, return to us again; (A) And give us manners, virtue, freedom, power.(C) Thy soul was like a Star, and dwelt apart: (D) Thou hadst a voice whose sound was like the sea: (D) Pure as the naked heavens, majestic, free, (E) So didst thou travel on life's common way, (C) In cheerful godliness; and yet thy heart (E) The lowliest duties on herself did lay.So, here, in the first line, we've added markings to highlight the stress of the iambic pentameter (try it for yourself in the rest of the lines!).And we've neatly highlighted the volta after the eighth line (do you see how the poem's tone changes - from a critique of England to a celebration of Milton?). In Petrarch, the volta usually separates the shift from an argument or question in the octave to a resolution in the sestet.But what do those letters mean before each line? This is how we refer to rhyme scheme, in which A rhymes with A, B with B, and where each new sound requires a new letter. So, what do we have here? ABBAABBA, CDDECE.The Petrarchan sonnet will almost always begin with that ABBAABBA octave. However, the rhyme scheme of the sestet can change - so watch out. Here, Wordsworth uses CDDECE, but the most common rhyme schemes in Petrarch are CDECDE or CDCDCD.After the Petrarchan sonnet was first brought to England by Sir Thomas Wyatt, Henry Howard began translating and writing his own versions of Petrarch. His works were considered more faithful to the original than the work of his English counterparts. He made modifications to the Petrarchan sonnet which then became the structure of what we know as the Shakespearean sonnet.This structure was established to better suit the English language which was somewhat lacking in the rhyming words that Italian boasts.The Shakespearean SonnetShakespeare's sonnets are famous worldwide (Source: Pexels)The Shakespear ean, or English sonnet, follows a different set of rules. Here, there are usually three quatrains and a couplet following a rhyme scheme like this: ABAB, CDCD, EFEF, GG. This is the primary difference between the Petrarchan and the Shakespearean sonnet. Let's take a look at Shakespeare's Sonnet 130:(A) My mistress' eyes are nothing like the sun; (B) Coral is far more red, than her lips red: (A) If snow be white, why then her breasts are dun; (B) If hairs be wires, black wires grow on her head. (C) I have seen roses damasked, red and white, (D) But no such roses see I in her cheeks; (C) And in some perfumes is there more delight (D) Than in the breath that from my mistress reeks. (E) I love to hear her speak, yet well I know (F) That music hath a far more pleasing sound: (E) I grant I never saw a goddess go, (F) My mistress, when she walks, treads on the ground: (G) And yet by heaven, I think my love as rare, (G) As any she belied with false compare.Much like in the Petrarchan sonne t, the Shakespearean sonnet contains a volta. There is a difference here, however. The volta can either come after the first eight lines or, as in Sonnet 130,   at the beginning of the couplet. Here, it is used to signal a conclusion, explanation, or counterargument to the previous 3 stanzas.In Shakespeare’s Sonnet 130 the first twelve lines focus on the speaker’s mistress, comparing her unfavourably to nature. But the final couplet changes the tone completely, that despite all of her flaws he does love her.Shakespeare uses Sonnet 130 as a satire of other poets who compare their loves to nature’s beauty. In fact he takes it to the extreme nearly leaving the mistress completely unlovable!The Spenserian SonnetA contemporary of Shakespeare, Edmund Spenser lived from 1552 to 1559. His sequence,  Amoretti, was his main engagement with the sonnet form - and his other works included  The Faerie Queene, an allegory about Elizabeth I, and  The Shepherd's Calendar, a poem about shepherd s, surprise surprise.The Spenserian sonnet has a similar structure to a Shakespearean one, with three quatrains followed by a couplet. The interesting thing about the Spenserian sonnet is, of course, the rhyme scheme. Let's take a look at Spenser's Sonnet 75.(A) One day I wrote her name upon the strand, (B) But came the waves and washed it away: (A) Again I write it with a second hand, (B) But came the tide, and made my pains his prey. (B) Vain man, said she, that doest in vain assay, (C) A mortal thing so to immortalize, (B) For I myself shall like to this decay, (C) And eek my name be wiped out likewise. (C) Not so, (quod I) let baser things devise (D) To die in dust, but you shall live by fame: (C) My verse, your virtues rare shall eternize, (D) And in the heavens write your glorious name. (E) Where whenas death shall all the world subdue, (E) Our love shall live, and later life renew.So, what do we have here? Remembering that Shakespearean sonnets follow the ABAB, CDCD, EFEF, GG form, the Spenserian sonnets are slightly different: ABAB, BCBC, CDCD, EE. So, the second rhyme of the first quatrain is taken to be the first of the second quatrain. Again, it ends with a couplet.Where's the volta? Look at line nine, the first line of the final sestet. 'Not so', says Spenser, introducing a contradiction. As in Shakespeare, the volta either appears here or at the beginning of the final couplet.After first octave.ShakespeareanABAB, CDCD, EFEF, GGAfter first octave or beginning of final couplet.SpenserianABAB, BCBC, CDCD, EEAfter first octave or beginning of final couplet.Playing with the Form: Other SonneteersWhilst what we have just covered are the main historical types of sonnets, lots of poets have decided to take the basic structure of the form and change its content. Consequently, whilst these above are important to know, it is worth stressing that they are not the only forms of sonnets around.Let's take a look at just a handful of different sonnets that play w ith the conventions of the form.Carol Ann Duffy's  Anne HathawayA poem which, if you are studying literature in the UK, you will definitely confront is Carol Ann Duffy's  Anne Hathaway.  Take a read and see what she does with the sonnet form.The bed we loved in was a spinning world of forests, castles, torchlight, cliff-tops, seas where he would dive for pearls. My lover’s words were shooting stars which fell to earth as kisses on these lips; my body now a softer rhyme to his, now echo, assonance; his touch a verb dancing in the centre of a noun. Some nights I dreamed he’d written me, the bed a page beneath his writer’s hands. Romance and drama played by touch, by scent, by taste. In the other bed, the best, our guests dozed on, dribbling their prose. My living laughing love â€" I hold him in the casket of my widow’s head as he held me upon that next best bed.So, what's important here? What is one of those key features of the sonnet that is missing here?You should have notic ed: it is the rhyme scheme! Does the poem rhyme? Only in the final two lines. Other than that, the iambic pentameter is still there, as well as the volta.Elizabeth Bishop's  SonnetCaught -- the bubble in the spirit level, a creature divided; and the compass needle wobbling and wavering, undecided. Freed -- the broken thermometer's mercury running away; and the rainbow-bird from the narrow bevel of the empty mirror, flying wherever it feels like, gay!Now, how is this a sonnet? Is it a sonnet, and why? The poet, Bishop, clearly intends it to be so, entitling the poem the way she does. What do you think?E.E. Cummingshere's to opening and upward,to leaf and to sap and to your(in my arms flowering so new) self whose eyes smell of the sound of rainand here's to silent certainly mountains;and to a disappearing poet of always,snow and to morning;and to morning's beautiful friend twilight(and a first dream called ocean)andlet must or if be damned with whomever's afraid down with ought with b ecause with every brain which thinks it thinks, nor dares to feel(but up with joy;and up with laughing and drunkenness)here's to one undiscoverable guess of whose mad skill each world of blood is made (whose fatal songs are moving in the moonBesides the lack of capital letters and spaces (all of which are intentional), E.E. Cummings is known for his experiments with poetic forms. Can you recognise what he has done here to the form of the sonnet?Writing Your Own SonnetOf course if you’re writing your own sonnet you can choose any style you like. But seeing as it lends itself better to the English language and we all know many of them, our guide will stick to writing a Shakespearean-style sonnet.When writing a Shakespearean-style sonnet, there are several rules you need to keep in mind. This style of poetry follows a specific format including length, rhythm, and rhyme scheme.To write a sonnet according to these rules, follow this process: - Select a subject to write your poem about (Shakespearean sonnets are usually about love). - Write your lines in iambic pentameter (duh-DUH-duh-DUH-duh-DUH-duh-DUH-duh-DUH. - Structure the sonnet using 3 quatrains followed by 1 couplet. - Compose your sonnet as an argument that builds up as it moves from one metaphor to the next, until you counterargue this argument in the concluding couplet. - Make sure your poem is exactly 14 lines long.Try your hand at writing your own poem (Source: Pexels)A Step by Step Guide to Writing a Sonnet1. Find InspirationWhereas Shakespeare’s sonnets generally revolve around love, you could, in fact, choose any topic for your sonnet.  You could even look to modern pop songs for inspiration!Taylor Swift’s Shake It Off is a prime (and fun!) example of iambic pentameter usage in a modern context.Other songs sung in iambic pentameter include:One Direction â€" HistoryAlessia Cara â€" Here (a particularly good example as she gives each foot’s downbeat extra stress)Halsey â€" New AmericanaG-Easy/ Bebe Rexha: Me, Myself and IGranted, not one of these songs is a sonnet but they do provide you with a way to get the feel of the iambic pentameter and different ways it can be used.If you wanted to see popular songs in sonnet form... some ingenious and creative soul has taken lyrics from the likes of Beyoncé and The Backstreet Boys and turned them into sonnets!2. Master the Iambic PentameterInternalising the iambic ‘beat’ is no chore; you could practice it while walking â€" left foot unstressed/right foot stressed, by clapping your hands (soft-LOUD soft-LOUD), drumming your fingers... any type of rhythmic activity.Mastering the iambic pentameter is vital to writing a sonnet with proper flow.Once you have found a topic to write about and internalised the iambic beat, writing a sonnet is a breeze!Remember that the first quatrain introduces the situation and, at least as far as Shakespearian sonnets are concerned, follows an ABAB pattern â€" meaning that the third line should rhy me with the first and the fourth with the second.Here is an example of just such a quatrain:Ago, I saw you walking fair one day Though fear forbade my presence should come near. Froze, the words that I could never say Though in my heart remain so very dear.Does it meet all of the criteria for a proper iambic pentameter quatrain and the opening verse of a sonnet? Let’s see:Each line contains five iambic feet (in other words, five duh-DUMs).Line three rhymes with line one and line four rhymes with line two.It outlines a situation (we wonder why the speaker fears approaching and what s/he wanted to say)3. Play with Words.You’ll note that there are several words in this stanza that generally would not be used in normal conversation, at least not in the form or in the place they are used here.Poetic license gives you permission to convey meaning by bending common language rules and expanding word meanings.Our great bard Shakespeare was famous for perverting the meaning of words; his frequent use of anon is the perfect example of such.The word anon dates back to 12th century English. Its original meaning was straightaway, or forthwith. Through Shakespeare’s persistent misuse of this word, it has come to mean the exact opposite: soon, or in a while.We can see why he loved that word: it is compact and convenient, subjecting itself neatly and repeatedly to the iambic pentameter. And it’s easy to rhyme!Make Ample Use of Poetic License â€" so long as you don’t completely vandalise the language!Poetic license permits the use of  froze instead of frozen to describe those unuttered words. Doing so even lends urgency to the situation by implying the words froze upon the sight of the person in question.4. Depict a Complete Scene in 14 Lines.To do that properly and effectively, you should use as many words and phrases that would call up visual imagery as you can.The phrase ‘fear forbade my presence to come near’ conveys so much more than ‘I had an anxiety attac k and couldn’t approach you’, even though they represent essentially the same concept, right?This stanza causes us to see fear as a looming, frightening, domineering entity denying the speaker the privilege of approaching the person in question. By contrast, ‘anxiety attack’ sounds paltry, doesn’t it?The QuatrainOur first quatrain has us off to a great start! We have the right number of feet and the right rhyming pattern; we have visual language that has outlined a situation. Now it is time for quatrain #2:Delight in how the sun kisses your cheek; Tortu’r in how I wish that it were me! Mere audience with you is what I seek As though your heart were once again trusting.Can you identify the components that make this a valid quatrain?Now we know a bit more about the situation: the speaker has apparently broken the subject’s heart and is well aware of the fact. S/he is bitter about the supposed lack of potential trust; we see this in the last line. Imagine that line spat out with self-loathing!And we know that it is a sunny day.This build-up of information leads us directly into the next quatrain and, finally the couplet; the denouement of the situation:Ago, I saw you walking fair one day though fear forbade my presence should come near. Froze, the words that I could never say though in my heart remain so very dear. Delight in how the sun kisses your cheek; Tortu’r in how I wish that it were me! Mere audience with you is what I seek As though your heart were once again trusting.Ne’er! Your cry strikes such a cruel blow! Ne’er! Your mien doth passion-tly aver! How did I force love’s door on me to close When soul and mind, it all I gave to her?And then, Divine, the hand that turns your face! Our eyes, searing, questing, entwine, embrace.Note the rising passion throughout; the third quatrain full of fury and agony until the last two lines; a conclusion in direct contradiction of the rest of the poem.Also, there is an escalating use of poetic l icense. In fact, the more ardent the situation becomes the more license is given to express it all!Feel free to use helpful resources to find just the right words for your sonnet! Source: Pixabay Credit: Truth Seeker08A Helping Hand in Sonnet WritingInternalising the iambic pentameter and employing poetic license is child’s play compared to mastering the vocabulary necessary to write in this manner.Fortunately, in most cases you only need to know the words for what you want to say; a thesaurus and a rhyming dictionary can help you find the right words to tell your story in sonnet form.Some of the better ones we know of are:https://www.rhymezone.com: perfect for finding just the word you’re looking for! https://www.synonym.com: you can also find antonyms, should you know the opposite word of what you’re trying to express https://dictionary.reverso.net/english-synonyms more than just a dictionary; it also offers meanings for common phrases! https://www.thesaurus.com: the simples t and perhaps easiest to use!Fortunately, we don't have to write with a quill pen, as Shakespeare did! Source: Pixabay Credit: Andreas160578Find Out More about Different Poetic FormsThe benefit of poetry is that there are lots of different styles  once you have tried sonnets poems. Give the other styles try, Limericks are light-hearted poems, historically  Japanese Haiku poetry is traditional, to show a feeling  an Epic style poem  would work well, Adding music? then the Ballad poetry style is  for you, If you are looking for a show of Friday night  visit a slam poetry  show or  listen to free verse poetry style. So many kinds of poetry, meaning you will find your best style of poetry.

Brain Rules 6 Ways to Improve Brain Function

Brain Rules 6 Ways to Improve Brain Function Improving Academic Performance In Brain Rules, John Medina, a molecular biologist and student of the brain, dissects the way our brains work, providing practical tips and advice for how to harness your brain’s ability to learn and grow to be more successful in every avenue of life from school to work and more. Oftentimes, students feel that the only way they can improve academically or enhance their performance on exams is by taking an expensive course or hiring a tutor, someone else to teach them. While seeking-out academic help is certainly important and can help you make great strides, there are many things you can do on your own to improve your brain function and ability to better comprehend and recall information. SURVIVAL Overtime, human’s brains have evolved as a survival mechanism from initially being used for necessities such as breathing and keeping us alive to a brain ideal for dissecting complex subjects and problem solving. Humans’ ability to relate to each other became our chief survival tool. By building relationships and creating alliances with others we are best able to learn, grow and problem solve. The same way that humans in the past worked together to survive the environment and a changing ecological landscape, today those same relationships serve us both at school and in the workplace. In our learning environments relationships are equally as important. How many times has a teacher or professor you perceive as being condescending led you to clam up and not seek out help. Under such a circumstance the student does not feel trust, but rather judgement and isolation. Obviously, this is not the ideal scenario for a productive learning environment. When choosing a private tutor or even study partner, you must feel comfortable, you’ll be unable to work successfully with someone who makes you feel self-conscious or insecure GENDER Male and female brains are different. Even something as simple as our gender can affect the ways we process information. Anatomically, male and female brains are different. Due to the different make-up of their brains men and women process information differently. Men tend to take in information and get the gist of it, while women are more inclined to recall more details about any given subject. On the surface, this may not have much to do with learning and retention, but students can put this knowledge to great use. We all recognize that over the course of our educational careers we have a greater affinity for certain professors or instructors over others. Think back to your favorite teacher, was she a big picture type of instructor or did she use plenty of details to paint a picture of the course material? In general, when reading a passage or watching a presentation, are you more likely to recall the main idea of the reading or do certain descriptive details stays with you? By recognizing how you absorb and retain information you can become more efficient while studying. SHORT LONG-TERM MEMORY Once you recognize the ways you absorb information you can work on methods to help you retain this information. We forget much of what we hear within 30 seconds if it’s not repeated. Therefore, it’s imperative to repeat the information in a variety of ways to remember it. This could be as simple as hearing a phone number and repeating it to ourselves over and over until we can jot it down, this goes into our short-term memory. We are essentially encoding the information in our brains to be retrieved later. If we no longer need the information, its purged from our brain. The more intricately we encode information the better it will be remembered. During infancy and childhood, we often learn songs or chants to remember parts of our body, manners, multiplication tables etc. As we grew we began to employ mnemonic devices to help us remember things like the order of operations when working an algebra problem. These mechanisms are more elaborate tools used to help us encode data into our brains. Eventually, if we repeat information long enough and consistently, we can commit it to our long-term memory. But, this takes much more time, sometimes as long as years. It’s said that information learned in the first grade is not completely formed until your sophomore year of high school! Use tools such as repetition and mnemonic devices to help you retain information. STRESS Our bodies were built to handle stress for short periods of time, as we encounter obstacles which will heighten our stress only so long as we problem solve to find a solution. The human brain and body are not built to endure on-going or chronic stress and eventually this type of stress can have a dangerous impact on our brains leading to such serious health events as cardiac arrest, stroke or damage to the hippocampus region of the brain leading to memory problems. Outside of chronic stress, there are forms of emotional stress which can leave you feeling hopeless when things are beyond your control. This type of stress hampers out ability to learn or perform at work. Take measures to keep your stress levels in check, it is hard enough to study and retain information when we are in the right frame of mind. It can prove almost impossible to concentrate when we are under a lot of stress. How can we limit stress? By being vigilant about those things we do have control over. Don’t procrastinate, when we wait until the last minute to cram for a test or pull an all-nighter to complete an assignment we are not only putting ourselves under emotional stress but our bodies under physical stress, this includes a lack of sleep or poor eating habits as we skip meals or fill up on junk and caffeine as we try to power through cram sessions. VISION Vision trumps all our other senses, we remember most, what we see. If you hear a piece of information, 3 days later you will only remember 10% of it. If you are introduced to that information with an accompanying picture, 3 days later you will remember 65% of it! It’s as if our brain takes a snap-shot of the picture and stores it, allowing us to recall the information we have associated with the picture. How do we incorporate this into our studying and retaining of information? When taking notes incorporate more diagrams and flow charts, whenever possible use a picture representation of an event or process. This way, when studying you can quickly pick out visual cues to help jog your memory about the subject matter.