Learning German the Basics of Grammar

Learning German the Basics of Grammar German Lessons: An Overview of German Grammar ChaptersContrasting English and German GrammarLearning German Gender and CasesHow To Master German Sentence StructureGerman Verb TensesSome Books To Help You With Your German CoursesIf you want to learn German, you have to get used to the fact that German is a foreign language. As you are an educated person, this may seem obvious, yet many a language student has given up because they didn’t realise just how much work taking language courses can be.It’s not simply a question of learning vocabulary - the grammar is different, too.Things that seem self-evident to us in English - such as the order of words in a sentence - are suddenly very different in German. Here are some examples, and a few tips for books on learning German to get you started. But you can learn german online too.Find a German language course London.The Everything Essential German Book” and Collins Easy Learning Complete German all offer chapters sorted according to parts of speech.For more visual learning, child ren’s books and illustrated dictionaries are a must, for example from the Usborne language series or Gisela Specht and Juliane Forßmann’s “Bildwörterbuch Deutsch”. There are even some illustrated flashcards by Berlitz.

Economics During the Turbulent Interwar Period

Economics During the Turbulent Interwar Period Europe Between The World Wars ChaptersThe Interwar Years Were Characterised By StruggleThe Interwar Economy of the United StatesGermany's Economy in the Interwar PeriodEconomics of The United Kingdom Between the WarsThe Interwar Period From An Economist’s Point Of ViewBetween 1919 and 1938, Europe, as well as other countries across the world, experienced a period of relative peace and stability, politically speaking.This came after the horrors of the First World War, which had a variety of short- and long-term causes, although the assassination of Archduke  Franz Ferdinand in Sarajevo in 1914 is generally considered to have been one of the more immediate triggers.Although the First World War lasted a little longer than  four  years, when the war did finally end, after years of armed conflict and occupation, the time came for countries to rebuild.From an economic point of view, this interwar period between the First World War and the Second World War was not particularly smooth sailing. Although European economi es did have periods of brief stability during this twenty year period, stability has to be considered against a backdrop of intense loss, both emotionally, physically, and financially, coupled with a rise in nationalism in Germany during the 1930s.Many European countries, including France, Belgium and Germanyhad been torn apart by fighting, meaning that many towns, cities, and communities needed to be rebuilt. This, on top of the fact that many millions had lost their lives or had become casualties of war, left workforces sparse, and nations suffered as a result.Finally, there’s the fact that the sheer cost of the war was extraordinary, and decimated the reserves of more than one country.Easy credit terms, along with a plethora of goods for purchase stimulated the American economy. In this time of prosperity, the American government, with a newfound sense of magnanimity, eased the burden of Germany's repayment obligations, first through the Dawes' Plan; later under the Young Plan. The Dawes' PlanDue to their inability to make their second reparations payment to France, Germany lost access to its most fertile industrial area, the Ruhr region. Their inability to make use of the installations in that region formerly theirs was unfairly crippling their ability to rebuild their own economy. That, in turn, led to them taking punishing measures to repay their war damages to other nations.Whereas initially, German banks were conducting elaborate financial manoeuvers to meet their obligations, it soon became apparent that the system was a house of cards, destined to fall. All of the allied nations - Britain, France and the US knew something must be done to stave off another flavour of German disaster.The Dawes Committee, so named because it was chaired by American banker Charles Dawes, drafted a plan that would give Germany more leeway to rebuild both its country and economy while still meeting its obligation to repay for the war.Allied troops would clear out of the R uhr area, permitting German manufacture to begin once againThe Central Bank (Reichsbank) would be reorganised under the supervision of AlliesGermany would be made a loan of around $200 million, most of it from Wall Street bonds, to get things startedA portion of revenues derived from transportation, taxation and customs fees would be earmarked for reparations paymentsGermany would be held liable for 1 billion Marks repayment the first year, that amount increasing in subsequent years to a total of 2.5 billion Marks within five years.Now with liquid assets to pay France and Great Britain, and with industry once again humming along, Germany soon joined America and France in celebrating the Roaring Twenties.In accordance with the Treaty of Versailles, the U.S.A. was to be repaid for their war loans in dollars and gold. Germany found clever but ultimately damaging ways to meet that burden. France, relying on Germany to pay their debts, ended up unable to repay their obligation due to Ger many's default.This created additional strain on the Western European economies, who then found themselves borrowing from other nations to make the payments, leading America to further eased reparation obligations for Germany through the Young Plan.The Young Plan expected Germany to default on around two-thirds of its obligation to American banks and so, wrote the plan in such a way that only one-third of the total debt must be met unconditionally. The plan further relaxed repayment terms, making it easier than ever for Germany to comply.It's better to get a little than get nothing at all.So   was the prevailing attitude in American government and on Wall Street and, with an influx of money and through their increasingly protectionist policies, the U.S.A. enjoyed a period of relative stability and economic growth during the mid-1920s, which in turn led to an increase in world trade as well as speculative trading.Nevertheless, this period of stability was not to last, and in 1929 the Wall Street Crash occurred, which sent the U.S.A., as well as Europe, into a deep economic depression.  It was against this backdrop of economic turmoil that extremist parties, including the Nazi and Communist parties in Germany, gained greater popularity.No German felt the humiliation of the Versailles Treaty more than Adolf Hitler, who fomented unrest and sought to overthrow the existing government even as the economy hummed along. He would later be appointed as German Chancellor, rewrite the laws so that they would permit him absolute power and ultimately, start  World War Two in 1939  by invading Poland.Following the Treaty of Versailles, western Europe's borders were redrawn Source: Pixabay Credit HansGermany printed yet more banknotes to meet that demand.The cost of a loaf of bread is often used as an example of the extreme hyperinflation that Germany experienced during the interwar period. (Source: CC BY 2.0, Jeff Keacher, Flickr)For some  context of how extreme Germany’s hyperinflation was...Imagine going into a supermarket to buy a loaf of bread. The price of that loaf when you first entered the supermarket hovered around £90 but then, as you shopped, it doubled or tripled in price. By the time you finished your shop, that loaf of bread will cost you 82 times as much as it had when you first entered the shop!In an effort to avert an economic meltdown, American investment banker J.P. Morgan organised a series of reparations conferences in June 1922. These meetings yielded no satisfactory results and the Mark devalued even further - now it took 7,400 Marks to buy one dollar.Germany asked for a moratorium on reparations payments at various times. Amendments to the payment terms were granted through the Dawes Plan and, later, the  Young Plan but these changes did not provide for a long-term solution.Through these two initiatives and, most importantly, the restoration of the Ruhr industrial zone - one of the terms of the Dawes Plan, the German economy recovered enough to enjoy what they called Die Goldene Zwanzige - The Golden Twenties, their version of the Roaring Twenties.Although Germany’s economic situation was nearly untenable at the beginning, when the Great Depression hit Europe in the early 1930s, they were economically sound enough to weather it with minimal damage.Economics of The United Kingdom Between the WarsThe U.K. had its own set of struggles during the interwar period, due to the fact that, like their European Allies, a huge amount of the country’s wealth had been spent in order to finance the First World War.Taxation was the primary indicator of this economic shift: prior to the war, a wealthy man might pay up to 8% of his income in taxes; after the war that percentage jumped to more than four times that amount - around 33%.In spite of wealthy citizens' higher tax burden replenishing state coffers, the following four factors  made for a lackluster economy in Great Britain:The labour shift away from coal and steel production meant that more people were unemployed and relying on the dole to see them through.Approximately 5% of the national revenue went to support families during periods of no work.Our country's resistance to modern methods of business and industry such as assembly line work, consumer credit and eliminating surplus goods served to further weigh our economy down.The shipping industry, once dominant in world trade, failed to turn a profit since the war despite several stimulus packages.Winston Churchill, at that time Chancellor of the Exchequer, put the country back on the gold standard - a move criticised by many economists as keeping the economy down.By the mid-1920s, the British economy had at least stabilised, even though revenues were rather slim and unemployment was still rampant, especially in the industrial north and in Wales, where mining was a main source of employment.This caused a political shift rather than an economic one. the Liberal party collapsed, bringing the Labour Party to the forefront as contenders against the Conservative Party.  As Labour represented (and still represent) trade unionists, much was done to protect the rights and benefits of workers during that time. However, in spite of their best efforts, Scotland and Northwest England still suffered long periods of economic uncertainty and hardship.Because Britain's actual financial cost of the war was relatively low - it suffered more economic stress because of disability and death, our country only reluctantly supported the Treaty of Versailles.As mentioned before, our chief economist, John Keynes, felt that the treaty was far too harsh on Germany and would, in fact, prevent that country's economic recovery.With America financing Germany's repayments for war damages, Britain was guaranteed her share of the monies which she used, in turn, to repay her debt to America.Looking ahead, our country's leaders hoped to forge trade relations with Germany once that country was restor ed, but hopes of bringing Germany onto the global economic stage as an equal partner through various trade deals soon were dashed.The horrors of war were still fresh in everyone's mind. The great powers - America, Britain and France believed that strong alliances would serve as a deterrent to war.In their efforts to prevent another worldwide conflict, they also sought to limit, among other instruments of war, naval might and weaponry. Furthermore, these allies sought peace with Germany through a series of treaties negotiated at Locarno, in Switzerland.Through such cooperation, forethought and rigorous planning, the United Kingdom weathered the global economic depression fairly well.  We had just time enough to enjoy our bit of the Roaring Twenties before the global economy crashed, but even that event did not impact us so severely.During this time, our country's trouble was more political. The Chanak Crisis nearly set us to war with Turkey but, in the end, even that conflict was ave rted, albeit narrowly.What really rattled British sabres was the rise to power of Adolf Hitler. The uncertainty of another possible war with Germany, coupled by the death of our beloved King and the abdication of his son, who soon made highly publicised appearances in Nazi Germany... that's what put our country in turmoil!  The Great Depression hit during the interwar years. (Source: CC0 1.0, geralt, Pixabay)The Interwar Period From An Economist’s Point Of ViewThe interwar period is a fascinating one, both from a historical and economic perspective.Although the period only spans around twenty years, the world as a whole saw tremendous shifts during that time.While one of the most famous results of the interwar period â€" namely, the rise of Hitler and the Nazi Party â€" is well known, it’s equally true that other countries faced their own political and economic struggles during this period, as countries tried to move on from the horrors of the First World War and rebuild their n ations and economies.This attempt to rebuild peace was ultimately shattered with the start of the Second World War.Historians have pointed out the short- and long-term causes of World War Two. One of the most prominent factors was the long-simmering German resentment over what they saw as the subjugating terms in the Treaty of Versailles. To reassert its might, under orders from the Führer, German troops marched on relatively defenceless Poland in September 1939, leading Britain and France to jointly declare war on Germany.The start of World War Two undid all the work that had been made to encourage a lasting global peace, including the work of the League of Nations, which was founded in 1920.Oddly enough, the interwar period is not always a primary focus of economics courses, whether at school or university. Although an  emphasis is placed on areas such as macro- and microeconomics, economic history does have a tendency to fall by the wayside.However, economic history can be very satisfying, not to mention enlightening, area of economics to study. So, if you’re offered the chance to take a module covering economic history, it is well worth studying it.If such a course is not offered as a part of your curriculum syllabus, you might see if such is offered as an online course, as a massive open online course (MOOC).Economic history classes can cover all sorts of historical economic events, including:The Industrial Revolution;The interwar period and the Great Depression;The workings of ancient economies; andThe 2008 financial crisis.If you’d like to study or learn more about economic history, then you can also reach out to an economics teacher on Superprof for help. Superprof has economics tutors with specialisms and interests across a wide range of economics subjects, so you should be able to find a tutor that specialises in economic history at a price point that suits your budget.By entering your subject preference and postcode, you can be matched with tut ors in your area. However, online sessions with a Superprof tutor are also an option for anyone who would prefer to study remotely.Read more about the Roman Empire economy.Read more about the post-war boom.Read more about behavioural finance.

What Is the Cost of Piano Lessons

What Is the Cost of Piano Lessons How Much Do Private Piano Tutors Cost? ChaptersCost of Piano Lessons: What You Need to Take into AccountPiano Lessons: Price According to LocationThe Private Piano Tutor’s ExperienceThe Price of Piano Tutorials by LevelAdvice for Saving Money on Piano Tutorials“The piano keys are black and white but they sound like a million colors in your mind.” - Maria Cristina MenaA lot of people in the United Kingdom are interested in learning to play the piano or keyboard but are struggling to find the right way to do it.After all, playing piano is a lot of fun. If you feel like learning to play piano, here’s some advice on getting private tutorials, finding a piano teacher, and becoming a great pianist! LouisPiano Teacher £40/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors AlisonPiano Teacher £32/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors BarbaraPiano Teacher £50/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors Chi yuenPiano Teacher 5.00 (5) £30/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors TomPiano Teacher £25/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors ErenPiano Teacher 5.00 (5) £40/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors ValtiePiano Teacher £35/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors DanielPiano Teacher 5.00 (5) £37/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutorsCost of Piano Lessons: What You Need to Take into AccountA lot of Brits enjoy playing the piano. With electronic pianos, grand pianos, and upright pianos, pianos are far more accessible than they were in the past.There are different ways to learn to play the piano. (Source: Sebastiano_Rizzardo)There are electronic pianos for all budgets allowing any budding pianist to get started with beginner piano lessons.In addition to buying the instrument itself, you also need to consider how much you’ll pay for learning how to play the piano.Piano lessons and music theory go hand-in-hand. Of course, you can find piano tutors who’d be happy to use piano tablature to teach you, but it’s far more common to learn how to read sheet music.While some people get music less ons in school or at a dedicated music school, others prefer to learn about music from the comfort of their own home.Private piano lessons allow you to go at your own pace without having to travel anywhere. This can be particularly useful if you have kids to look after at the same time. However, it’s much better to fully focus on playing the piano if you really want to progress.The price of a piano lesson will vary according to a number of criteria.In particular, the type of the lesson will change how much you pay for it. Private tutors often offer a variety of different types of lessons:Weekly lessonsIntensive lessonsOccasional lessonsGroup lessonsEtc.Some tutors may charge a fee based on how far they need to travel in order to reach you.To help you better understand how the price of private piano lessons can vary, here are a few of the criteria.Piano Lessons: Price According to LocationYou’ve probably seen a variety of rates depending on the town.As with almost everything else, the cost of piano tutorials tend to be higher in London. (Source: Free-Photos)For example, it tends to be more expensive in London than elsewhere in the UK. However, there are often far more tutors in the capital than in the countryside.In London, the average cost of piano tutorials is £35 per hour. Of course, this will vary according to exactly where in London you live.Other towns and cities around the UK tend to be cheaper than the capital. However, there are some that cost more.CityCostLondon £35Manchester £24Birmingham £24Leeds £22Glasgow £22Liverpool £23Southamptom £25Newcastle £22Nottingham £22Sheffied £20Bristol £26Piano lessons tend to cost more (in London) than other musical instruments, too:InstrumentAverage CostPiano £35Acoustic Guitar £25Electric Guitar £27Violin £36Drums £29Bass £29Saxophone £35Cello £40Percussion £28Flute £35Accordion £30Ukulele £38Of course, these are average rates and if you shop around, you’ll be able to find cheaper rates. You can also look aro und for piano lessons online, which you can get from tutors anywhere in the world! LouisPiano Teacher £40/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors AlisonPiano Teacher £32/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors BarbaraPiano Teacher £50/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors Chi yuenPiano Teacher 5.00 (5) £30/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors TomPiano Teacher £25/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors ErenPiano Teacher 5.00 (5) £40/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors ValtiePiano Teacher £35/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors DanielPiano Teacher 5.00 (5) £37/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutorsThe Private Piano Tutor’s ExperienceHowever you look for your ideal tutor, you’ll surely come across several potential candidates.A piano tutor with years of experience will probably charge more than one who's just started. (Source: ArtsyBee)Not every tutor has the same knowledge. Some have many more years of experience as music tutors than others who mi ght be new to tutoring.It doesn’t matter which instrument you’re learning to play (banjo, electric guitar, saxophone, cello, flute, etc.), there are various tutors available to teach you a variety of skills.  Their experience and their qualifications if drastically affect the price.A student who taught themselves to play probably won’t charge as much as a music tutor who formerly was educated at and taught in a prestigious music school.Even just a few years of experience can change the rates of a private tutor by over £10 per hour.So which type of piano tutor should you choose?It completely depends on your expectations. If you want to become a professional piano player and start teaching others to play, you’ll probably want to opt for an experienced tutor.On the other hand, if you just want to get into playing the piano for fun, an experienced piano tutor isn’t necessarily essential. You could benefit from a tutor who’s just starting out who charges less per hour.The Pr ice of Piano Tutorials by LevelThe way the piano is taught will vary from student to student. It’s far more complicated teaching advanced techniques to experienced pianists than teaching a new student the basics.  This means that lessons for beginners tend to be cheaper than those for advanced students.You can find piano tutorials for almost any budget. (Source: kstuttard)The higher a student’s level, the more time the tutor will also have to spend planning and preparing their tutorials. Prep and planning can affect the cost of a tutorial.Starting to play the piano and learning about reading music also takes some time, but often less time than teaching a student how to play Beethoven’s Fifth in its entirety.The style of music (be it chamber music, jazz piano, or classical, etc.) will also affect how much you’ll have to pay for the hour. There are certain styles that can be much harder to find tutors for.Work out what your objectives are with the help of your potential tutor and explain your level so that you can be sure that you’ve picked the right tutor. If you’re a beginner, don’t forget to enjoy playing the piano! This is as important as putting the effort in.Advice for Saving Money on Piano TutorialsThere are a lot of advantages to learning how to play the piano with a private tutor, including ways of saving money.You could always get a group lesson to save money. Some piano tutors offer this option. The tutor goes to one student’s house where they’ll teach several students how to play the piano.This might be the perfect solution for someone who doesn’t want to learn to play the piano on their own and could benefit from the motivation you can get from your friends. Group classes are also a good choice for families and friends who are looking to do something together. Of course, each student won't get as much time with their instructor as they would in a classical piano lesson as the instructor teaches all the students at once.Getting a class as a group means that you’ll not pay as much each per hour whereas the tutor can earn more money for the hour. It’s a solution that works for everyone. The tutor benefits from teaching several students while only filling up one hour of his timetable.Even if this means that the total is higher per hour, there are a lot of benefits for the students.  You can also save money by learning the piano with online private tutorials. Your tutor can teach you how to play via webcam. You just need an internet connection.This method allows you to save on travel costs for the tutorials without losing the benefits that you get when you learn piano with a private tutor.If you hire a private tutor or music teacher on Superprof, there’s another way to save some money. Some of our tutors offer free piano lessons for the first hour of tuition so that students who want to learn to play the piano can see if learning piano is for them. This means you get to see if the tutor’s right for you b efore you hire them.Whether you're a beginner, intermediate, or advanced piano player, you can work with a private tutor to create your own piano course. Whether you just want to focus on your piano playing, learn to read music or master sight reading, improve your rhythm, practise improvisation, or just do a bit of ear training, private tutors can help you learn the piano however you want. This is great for those with specific goals or awkward schedules.Whether piano for beginners, lessons on the history of piano music, children’s piano lessons, or online piano lessons, the piano instruction is becoming increasingly accessible. By knowing what you're looking for and how much you'll be expected to pay for it, you'll find getting the right way to learn this magnificent instrument without wasting your time or breaking the bank!Now you’re ready to become the next Chopin, Mozart, Beethoven, or Bach!

Learning German Discover the German Language

Learning German Discover the German Language Everything You Need to Know About Germany’s Official Language ChaptersDiscover the Fabulous History of the German LanguageGerman: A Germanic LanguageThe Peculiarities of German CulturesWould You Pass a German Citizenship Test?10 German PersonalitiesGreat German WritersDid you know that German is the most spoken language in Europe?In fact, with almost  100 million speakers worldwide, Germany’s official language surpasses English in the European Union.The UK has a close diplomatic, economic, and commercial relation to Germany.When you learn German, you’ll inevitably want to go to Germany or another German speaking country and you'll probably learn more about German culture and even German grammar!Do you feel like living in Germany? (Source: Pixabay.com)Don’t forget that language and culture go hand in hand. It’s important to learn about the German language if you want to learn about German culture and there are a few things you should know if you want to become bilingual or study in a German university.What are the origins of the German l anguage?  How has it changed over time?The German language is full of surprises. It’s your turn to discover them.was as German as they come! We say “was” because he fled Nazi Germany in 1933 shortly after Hitler came to power and became stateless. He subsequently became Swiss and then Swiss-American and died in Princeton in 1955.When it comes to famous Germans, it’s hard not to mention Martin Luther, the father of Protestantism and the leader of the Christian religious revolution. You’ve heard of the Lutheran bible, right? He translated the Bible into German!Anne Frank is also a well known German. She is famous as a symbol of the suffering at the hands of the Nazis during the Second World War. Anne Frank’s Diary, which was written while she hid from the Nazis during the the Second World War, is a literary classic. She was killed aged 15.Finally, here are a few more famous Germans:Claudia Schiffer, modelImmanuel Kant, philosopherLudwig Van BeethovenBoris Boris Becker, ten nis legendKarl Lagereld, fashion designerJohann Wolfgana von Goethe, writer. The Shakespeare of GermanHorst Tappert, actor who played DerrickKarl May, writerGreat German WritersThere are plenty of famous German writers. If you’ve never studied German literature, it’s not too late! Check out our  short list of the must-read writers!To start, you need to read Johann Wolfgang von Goethe as he is to German what Shakespeare is to English. The German Shakespeare, if you will. He is the author of Prometheus, Faust, Part One, Faust, Part One, and Elective Affinities.We shouldn’t forget Patrick Süskind, either. He’s the author who wrote the thriller “Perfume”.Finally, here are a few other great German writers that are worth mentioning.The Brothers GrimmThomas MannStefan SweigYou can learn even more by attending german lessons london.

A Student Review of Washington University in St. Louis

A Student Review of Washington University in St. Louis The tutors behind Varsity Tutors are not just here to teach theyre sharing their college experiences as well. Mimi is a Chicago tutor specializing in various foreign languages tutoring, Algebra tutoring, Writing tutoring, and more. She graduated from Washington University in St. Louis in 2009 with a Bachelors degree in French and Economics. Check out her review of her school: VT: Describe the campus setting and transportation options. How urban orsafe is the campus? Are there buses or do you need a car/bike? Mimi: Wash U is set in a somewhat urban-suburban setting. The main campus straddles Clayton, which is a fairly tony, first-ring suburb of St. Louis, and the city of St. Louis itself. The campus is very safe, partly because there are relentless police patrols at night. Students have a pass for the public transportation system, which includes buses and the light rail, which go where you would generally need/want to go. VT: How available are the professors, academic advisers, and teachingassistants? Mimi: Responses to emails come frighteningly quickly and there are advisers galore. You are assigned a faculty advisor who stays with you throughout your time at school and I found it invaluable to discuss my academic goals, questions, and uncertainties with someone who knows me well. The professors are there to teach and interact with students. I took a seminar with the head of a major research institute who lamented the size of the class (there were 12 of us), which he felt prevented him from being as interactive as he would have wanted. VT: How would you describe the dorm life rooms, dining options,location, socialization opportunities with other students? Mimi: Students tend to be very involved on campus and with their residential communities, which are a hub of social activity. There's generally an inverse relationship between the size of your room and the level of sociability of a dorm, and students who choose cozier accommodations tend to have more opportunities to interact with dorm- and floor-mates. That said, I recently heard that the undergraduate dorms now have TempurPedic mattresses, which boggles my mind. I met many of my college friends in my first two years of undergrad, but obviously, many friendships develop at all different times. People at Wash U are very easy to get along with, and to this day, I've never found it difficult to spark up a good conversation with a Wash U alum. VT: Which majors/programs are best represented and supported? Whatdid you study and why? Did the university do a good job supporting yourparticular area of study? Mimi: Many incoming students have an eye on the sciences. However, there are plentiful opportunities to do research and independent study at the undergraduate level in almost any field. I majored in French and Economics, and my academic advisor helped me through the process of obtaining a two-year funded research fellowship from a national foundation. I also worked as a translator and research assistant for one of the literature professors. Students in the sciences who are interested in research often work as research assistants and lab techs in one of the many Wash U-affiliated labs. Wash U is a powerhouse research institution, and students generally take advantage of the opportunities. VT: How easy or difficult was it for you to meet people and make friendsas a freshman? Does Greek life play a significant role in the campus sociallife? Mimi: It was very easy to meet people as a freshman, especially since everyone in college is looking to expand their circle. Rush takes place at the beginning of second semester, and a noticeable minority of students take part in Greek life. However, membership in a fraternity or sorority is not at all essential or even that important in finding friends. It's simply another way to be involved and to meet people you may not otherwise meet through your residential community, clubs, or classes. VT: How helpful is the Career Center and other student supportservices? Do many reputable companies recruit on campus? Mimi: The Career Center was wonderful. I was matched with a career counselor and he was the one who took all of my subsequent Career Center appointments. We workshopped my rsum, discussed my goals, and talked about recruiting strategies. Many blue chip companies recruit on campus, and the student body is a healthy mix of the romantic and the careerist, which helps put students in roles that are good learning opportunities for internships and after graduation. VT: How are the various study areas such as libraries, the student union,and dorm lounges? Are they over-crowded, easily available, spacious? Mimi: I've never had a problem securing a study area. Go for it! VT: Describe the surrounding town. What kinds of outside establishments/things to do are there that make it fun, boring, or somewhere inbetween? To what extent do students go to the downtown area of the cityversus staying near campus? Mimi: St. Louis is small enough to not be overwhelming but large enough to have places to go to. The Delmar Loop is right off campus and is an easy afternoon/night of eating, walking, shopping, and live music. One great thing about St. Louis is the fact that all the museums in Forest Park (all dating from the 1904 World's Fair) are free. The park itself is great, too, of course. Across Forest Park is the Central West End, where more adventurous undergrads and grad students tend to spend time. Alternatively, you can gather up a good group of people in your dorm and stay up until all hours entertaining each other. VT: How big or small is the student body? Were you generally pleased ordispleased with the typical class sizes? Mimi: I have no complaints. The school has a mid-sized student body and most of my classes were small. The smallest class I took had four people in it and it was one of the best of my life. VT: Describe one memorable experience with a professor and/or class.Perhaps one you loved the most or one you regret the most. Mimi: First, the regret: I took Statistics with a brilliant professor who seemed to be an expert in all things software-related, but the class was too basic for any of us to have been able to fully learn from even a fraction of the knowledge he had. I just regret not having taken a more advanced class with him. The absolute best: There are two. I took an Economics Systems course that opened up my worldview, made me hone my critical thinking skills, and think on my feet thanks to the Socratic method and made experimental design thrilling (how would you measure corruption by proxy?). Then, there was the four-person Women's Literature class in which everyone bonded, we explored all sorts of texts, and I refined my sense of critical theory. Check out Mimis tutoring profile. The views expressed in this article do not necessarily represent the views of Varsity Tutors.

English Vocabulary related to Movies - English Lesson via Skype

English Vocabulary related to Movies - English Lesson via Skype Despite all the home entertainment we can enjoy these days and in  spite of all the many  other distractions, going to the movies is still as enjoyable as ever. So let’s look at English vocabulary related to movies and learn some English  words and phrases connected with movies.And  at the end, you will also find  English movie idioms. Enjoyed this infographic? Here’s what you can do next: English Vocabulary related to Movies What verb should we use to describe going to the movies? Well,  simply going to is  sufficient as it sums up the exact action of leaving your home and travelling to the cinema to  watch what ever is on.We can of course as easily say to see a movie or to watch a  movie.I am going to see a movie with my friends,  would you like to come along?We are  watching that old movie you like will you sit down and join us?What movie are we watching  tonight then? I saw that movie last week it is great.Have you read the reviews  (what people  had to say about it).What did the critics  (professional reviewers) say?  Did they give it the  thumbs up  (positive)  or did they pan it  (say it was bad)?Nowadays,  we usually book the seats (buy tickets)  in advance online so we just  have to turn up (arrive)  a few minutes before it starts and swipe our credit card and the  tickets print automatically.In the past people either phoned the booking office (or ticket office)  to reserve seats (to have  seats available on the night)  and gave their credit card details over the phone or they  went  along to (visited)  the cinema , waited in a queue  (a line)  at the ticket office/box office and  paid for the tickets in advance.You usually get a choice as where you would like to sit.Front, middle or back.This means  where in the cinema would you like to be seated. The front row, the middle rows or at the  back. The back row traditionally was the favourite place for young couples  who  actually may not see too much of the film!! English Vocabulary related to Movies The movie itself has changed very little over the years. There are still big blockbuster  movies that are that bit better than the rest and those movies with less hype  (excitement) that nonetheless  (even so)  can still be extremely enjoyable.In the past movies used to be shown in  single screen cinemas. However,  today most cinemas are multi-screen (many  screens)  complexes  showing all of the latest movies at a variety of times to provide films of interest for almost  all of us.  Of course,  don’t leave home without your 3D or 4D glasses which are a must  (very  necessary)  to enjoy the modern releases.Before you go into your screen you can buy  some sweets,  pop-corn or soft drinks.  Once  purchased,  you can make your way (go to) to the screen shown on your tickets, show your  tickets to the usher  (official employee of the cinema who checks your tickets)  and take your  seats  (find your row and number and sit down),  relax and watch the trailers and adverts  before your sho w begins.If you have ever been invited to a film premier then you have had an ever better  experience. The premier is usually the opening night of a special movie before it goes on  general release (released in all cinemas).  This special night often includes members of the  cast (the main actors/actresses)  appearing in the cinema to sign autographs and have their  photos taken for the daily papers.  The actors get the full red carpet treatment  (literally walk  on a red carpet and are presented to the audience).So what type of movies do you like? This is usually where the problem starts. Which film you  go to depends on whether you can reach agreement as to the type (genre)  of movie that  most people will enjoy. There are many genres.horror movies scary movies with  frightening scenesromcom romantic comedies (with poor story lines usually)scifi  or science fiction any story related to the future or in outer spacethriller a movie with suspense and murder plot or any story that thrills the viewercomedy a film that tries to make people laughdocumentary a film that shows a true story, often shown on televisioncowboy movies   very old fashioned American  wildwest  moviesaction movie a movie with car chasesMarvel movies very popular movies full of super heroes like Spider-Man English Vocabulary related to Movies Here are some phrases related to going to the movies that you may find useful:What’s on? What can we see there?What’s showing at the local? What film is on at the local cinema to your homeWhen does it start?   What time does it start atHow long is it running for?   How many weeks will it be on forWho’s in it?   Who are the key actors/actressesWhat’s it about? What genre or type of film is it English Movie Idioms And here are some  English idioms related to movies:THE SHOW MUST GO ONOf course, show  refers to the movie or theatre performance and  even if there was a tragedy or serious event whilst filming the directors and actors in one  voice would cry “the show must go on”.  So today in our ordinary lives we use this phrase  for the same reason.Example: Michael had spent weeks organising the business presentation but when the day arrived he had a terrible flu and wasn’t sure whether he good present it properly. However, his boss told him to take some tablets and do it as it was very important. “The show must go on”.TO RUN THE SHOWWhen someone is trying to run the show it usually means someone is  trying to control everything. This could refer to business or in a family or even just  organising a party.Example: David and Mary were annoyed with Stephen, he kept emailing them with new ideas and plans for the family get together at Christmas. “Who does he think he is? He always want s to run the show.”TO STEAL THE SHOWWhen someone in the cast or in a performance (amateur or  professional) performs above everyone else we usually say  that they stole the show.Example: Sam was playing the part of one of the main characters. His voice and mannerisms (way of acting) was very impressive. The audience loved him and he really stole the show.GET THE SHOW ON THE ROADThis refers to getting something started.  Example: Peter and Mary were planning a trip away with their 3 children. Once everything was ready, packed in the car and everyone seated, Mary said: “Right, let’s get the show on the road.”

Asking for a Refund in English Useful English for everyday use

Asking for a Refund in English Useful English for everyday use Im sure that most of you at least once bought something that was the wrong size or colour, it didnt fit properly or youve simply changed your mind. Sometimes, the service was not as you expected. What did you do? Did you have to take an item back to a shop? Here are some useful expressions for asking a refund in English.   Asking for a Refund in English When you purchase an item in a shop or contract someone for their services (engage someone to  do some work) you expect that everything will work out well and the product you buy will work and  the service you contract for will be delivered satisfactorily. However, it is not always like this.There  are legal definitions that cover your rights in relation to refunds so I am not trying to challenge  those rights (I do not dispute people’s rights to a legal refund). What I am covering are the different English words and phrases you may need to use when asking for a refund in English. We usually start off in a very pleasant mood hoping the request  (when we ask) for a refund will be  easy and simple. This first request is usually recommended to be polite (well mannered)Could I  please have a refund/full refund. In most situations such a request will be met with a favourable  response (agreed).If you feel that a polite simple request may be ignored you might either pleadfor  (ask with tears in your eyes) or beg for  (almost down on your knees) your refund. However,  when such requests are refused (denied) you may need to up the anti (become a little more  forceful).You can then demand (a little stronger than polite) a refund with words such asI want  my money refunded immediatelyIf this also fails then you may need to go legal (threaten to refer  the matter to your solicitor/lawyer). This usually gets a response as companies may not wish to get  involved in a legal battle which could ultimately end up in court  (in front of a judge).In this situation  someone may n eed to go as far as to send a solicitors letter where a solicitor (your legal representative) will write on your  behalf to the individual or company involved requesting an immediate refund or the matter will be  taken further (this could mean trying to get a court appearance to make a claim for the loss).  The easiest way to avoid all of this is: insist on a receipt when you purchase a product or service, ask  about their refund policy before handing over (making any payment) any money.Other ways you can request a refund in English: I feel you should, at the very least, refund the sum of €50 I paid for (strong) I insist that you refund my money at once (strong) I must insist on a full refund immediately (strong) Id like a refund I want to have my money backEnjoy your shopping  experience! Making Complaints in English How to complain about something in English:I want to complain about (starting a complaint)Id like to make a complaintSomething needs to be done about this (emphasising your discontent)Im sorry, its just not good enoughIm really not happy about this Im running out of patienceIts a disgraceThats just not acceptableI shall expect a reductionHow to reply to a complaint in English:I do understand why youre unhappy about this (sympathising with a complaint)Im very sorry to hear thatIm sorry to hear theres a problemIll see what I can do (agreeing to act)Ill do everything I can to sort this outIll sort it out immediatelyThats really beyond my control, Im afraid (declining to act)Theres really nothing I can do about itI must apologise

What To Do If You Arent Cut Out for a 9-5 Job

What To Do If You Aren't Cut Out for a 9-5 Job via Pixabay How to Know If You Aren’t Cut Out For a 9-5 Job Are you overly ambitious, motivated, and like to take charge? Do you like being active, creating your own schedule, and want to be passionate about your career? Then you probably are not cut out for a regular 9-5 job. The only way to know this for sure is to try it out for a few months. Find a desk job and see how you like it. If you find yourself getting antsy by the end of the day and have a lack of fulfillment, that probably is not the job for you. Now What? So, you’ve established that working a 9-5 job at a desk in an office is not for you. Now what? Now you discover some different career paths! Let’s get one thing straight, just because you do not want to work in a typical 9-5 job, does not mean that your only option is to become an entrepreneur. You don’t have to start your own business in order to make money. Though, this may be a route you’d like to pursue it is not the only option you have. via Pixabay What’s Out There? You’re probably wondering what else is out there that doesn’t involve you starting a business. I’m here to tell you that there are many options! You can still work for someone while being active, working irregular hours, and do something that you love. For example, you could become a nurse or a web developer. The possibilities are endless! Take Some Courses If you aren’t sure exactly what you would like to do, but you know that it isn’t working a 9-5 job, take some courses to discover what you are interested in. Even if you have already graduated from college, there are still plenty of online courses that you can take. You will most likely need to gain some background knowledge and receive certain certifications to start your new career path. Take this time to explore what you enjoy and what you want to pursue. via Pixabay Examples of Non-9-to-5 Jobs Here is a short list of a few possibilities you may want to consider if you aren’t cut out for a 9-5 job. Freelance Writer Do you enjoy writing and blogging? If you get a thrill from knowing that people online are reading your thoughts, then maybe freelance writing is for you. This job does require you to be your own boss and you need some entrepreneur skills. Being a freelance writer is the equivalent of building a business. You must market yourself to clients, conduct business development, and keep track of your income and expenses. It’s all worth it if it’s something you love, though! Nurse If your passion is to help people in need, then you may want to consider becoming a nurse. You do have to go through some intense trainings and courses, but it definitely is not your typical 9-5 job. You are required at all hours of the day and are always moving around on your feet. Rarely will you sit in front of a computer all day long and feel unfulfilled. Web Developer Okay, so this job does require you to sit behind a computer all day, but you get to be super creative at the same time. This job allows you to choose between being your own boss or joining a web development agency. Photographer If you love to take pictures and capture important moments in people’s lives, you may want to consider becoming a photographer. Once again, you can choose to build your own business or join a company. Either way, you still get to be creative, do some traveling, work with different people every day, and set your own hours. Personal Trainer You’ll hardly be sitting with this job! Being a personal trainer allows you to create meaningful client relationships and set your own hours. Not to mention, you’ll always look great and be in fantastic shape! What Is Your Move? Now that you have some ideas of what career paths are out there that do not fall under the typical 9-5 job, how will you move forward? If you still aren’t sure exactly what you want to do, start out by taking courses or talking to people who are in the field already. It’s never too late to change your career!