GCSE French

GCSE French How to Tackle Your French GCSE Revision and Ace Your Exams ChaptersWhy Study French at GCSE Level?Know the SyllabusMaster Your French VocabularyPractice Your Written Skills with GCSE French Past PapersImprove Your Listening ComprehensionGetting Essential Practice for Your Oral ExamEveryone knows at least a few words of French, but have you ever considered studying the language and working towards a qualification? Or maybe you’re already studying GCSE French and looking for some exam tips.Language GCSE qualifications are incredibly valuable. Holding such a certificate demonstrates a high level of perseverance and willingness to learn a new skill to employers, as well as being a rewarding skill which you can make use of throughout your life.Whatever stage you’re currently at in your learning of the French language whether you're still working on building your vocabulary or have mastered the grammar rules, getting to grips with the GCSE French syllabus and finding out ways to make your learning and revision more effective will not only set you up for academic success but ensure that you are able to confidently use your new language skills in the real world.So, whether you’re in the process of deciding which GCSE options to take, currently studying GCSE French or you’re about to sit your final GCSE exams, this article will tell you all you need to know about getting to know your course and preparing for exam day. 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) £60/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutorsWhy Study French at GCSE Level?Nowadays, it’s not uncommon for people to sit GCSE exams in languages from all over the world â€" so why should you choose to learn to speak French?As a global language and the language of our neighbours across the channel, there are many advantages to knowing how to speak French.Here are three reasons why learning French is a great option at GCSE level:1.           Learn a Global LanguageThere are over 220 million French speakers around the world today â€" that’s a lot!Not only is French the official language of France, but it is also widely spoken in other European countries like Belgium and Switzerland as well as further afield in Canada, Madagascar and even the Seychelles!With its status as an official language in 29 countries, having even a basic knowledge of French will come in handy wherever you travel!2.           Explore Francophone CultureFrench and French-speaking culture is famous around the world â€" but can’t you just experie nce it in English?Of course you can! However, being able to experience such a fascinating culture and discover its history in its own language will make for a much richer experience.While you’re exploring the streets of Paris and visiting all of the famous monuments, as a French speaker, you’ll be able to rest assured that nothing is lost in translation ¦ source: Visualhunt - y.caradec3.           Become More EmployableIt’s a well-known fact that employers love languages on a CV. Not only do they represent your global outlook but having a GCSE qualification in a specific language certifies your intellectual ability in language learning.Know the SyllabusIf you’re a current GCSE student studying French, it can be helpful to put in extra work over the course of the academic year to give yourself a strong foundation for exam revision when the time comes.It is essential that you know the specification of your course back to front if you’re serious about getting the most from y our French classes and achieving academic success.So, where do you start?In your very first GCSE french lessons, your teacher will make clear the assessment pattern for your course.Here is the assessment pattern for AQA GCSE French higher tier:Paper 1 â€" Listening: Students will be asked to respond to questions on a set of audio recordings by a native French speaker.Paper 2 â€" Speaking: Students will be asked to prepare a discussion based on a topic given to them before meeting with the examiner to engage in the discussion. Following this, students will take part in a further general discussion of two themes which have not yet been discussed.Paper 3 â€" Reading: Students are required to answer questions on a piece of text as well as translate a set of sentences from French into English.Paper 4 â€" Writing: The writing paper comprises of three questions. The first two are writing exercises in French and the last is a translation of around 50 words from English into French.Throughou t your study of GCSE French, you will also cover a range of topics which will form the basis of each assessment you take.Knowing these topics like the back of your hand will stand you in good stead when it comes to discussing them with an examiner or answering essay questions on them. This means being able to use the relevant vocabulary and the avantages et inconvénients (advantages and disadvantages) associated with each topic fluently and with confidence.Success in your French exams required that you be armed with the right French learning resources. Whether it's course-specific textbooks or knowing about certain websites, learning materials can make all the difference. 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 Thib autFrench 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) £60/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutorsMaster Your French VocabularyLearning a wide range of vocabulary is one of the most important things about learning to speak a second language well.Unsurprisingly, your range of vocabulary is something that you are marked on in your GCSE exams â€" so it’s worth every bit of work you put into expanding it!But where do you start?When it comes to learning a set of new words, lots of people like to list each word and its English equivalent. While this is a good starting point for arranging your vocabulary, getting each word to stick in your mind takes much more than this.Notecards will become your best friend during your revision time ¦ source: Visualhunt - k4dordyEverybody’s learni ng styles are different, but there are lots of revision strategies that most learners find helpful.Here are just a few of them:Post-it notes: Write each word on a post-it note and stick it somewhere in your house. If you’re seeing the word on a regular basis, even when you’re not thinking about revision, it is more likely to stay in your mind.Flashcards: On one side, write the French word, on the back, write its English equivalent â€" et voilà! You’ve just created a great way to test your vocab.Use your vocabulary: The most effective way to remember new vocabulary is to use it. Take the words you’re struggling with and write a paragraph that includes them or uses them in your next French conversation.Practice Your Written Skills with GCSE French Past PapersWhat better way to improve your exam technique than to use real GCSE exam papers which have already been taken?Papers for GCSE French exams from years gone by can be found online along with their mark schemes â€" so there ’s plenty of opportunities for you to learn about what examiners are looking for in your answers!Although past papers aren’t much use for speaking exams, they’re great for practicing your reading and writing skills in particular.Each paper will specify the amount of time that you would be given if you were sitting it for real â€" so why not take this into account and set up your own mock exam at home? This is a good way to get used to exam conditions and sticking to a set amount of time per question â€" which can be an unexpected difficulty for many candidates.Improve Your Listening ComprehensionListening comprehension is not just important for your listening paper â€" you’ll also need good French listening skills for your speaking exam, too.Being able to understand a language is a fundamental part of learning how to speak it for yourself.So, what can you do to practice your listening?Aside from using the recordings from past papers on the exam boards’ websites, there are lots of things you can include in your routine to boost your listening skills as well as your French pronunciation.Here are a few ideas to get you started:YouTube: There are lots of French YouTubers out there with interesting content for the GSCE age group.Watch French News: Not only will watching French news help with your understanding of native French speakers, but it will also keep you up-to-date with what’s going on across the channel!Listen to French Radio: French radio is another good way to stay up-to-date with the added advantage of being able to listen while on-the-go.Getting Essential Practice for Your Oral ExamFrench-speaking exams are all about testing your understanding, pronunciation, and level of fluency in French.For a lot of GCSE students, the speaking exam is understandably the most daunting GCSE assessment of the four papers.Surrounding yourself with French even when you're not revising will ensure that you learn the language properly, rather than learning how to pass an exam ¦ source: Pixabay - sweetlouiseThe best way to alleviate the anxiety around your speaking exams and speaking French example is to get as much practice as you possibly can.Most schools provide a number of opportunities to help their French students improve their French speaking skills and gain confidence in the area. These may include French exchange programmes, native French in-class language assistants and extra-curricular French clubs. If you’re serious about learning how to speak French to a good level, taking advantage of these opportunities is vital.However, there comes a time when you need to work on your speaking skills without the help of a teacher or French native â€" so what do you do if you have nobody to talk to?It might sound silly at first but talking to yourself in French is a brilliant way to get used to speaking French in all kinds of situations and improve your French accent.Talking to yourself is also good for solidifying any new vocabulary and becoming more fluent as your speech becomes more natural.Once you've completed your GCSE in French, you may find that you enjoy it so much that you choose to pursue an A Level French qualification.

Really, How Hard is it to Become a French Citizen

Really, How Hard is it to Become a French Citizen How to Become a French Citizen ChaptersBecoming A French Citizen at BirthBecoming Naturalized a French CitizenMultiple CitizenshipHow to Apply for CitizenshipIs There a French Citizenship Test?Tips for Applying for French CitizenshipPeople that Can Help Your Application.Advantages of Being a French CitizenWhat a Tutor Can Do for You.So you’ve taken French courses, learned to speak French, know everything there is to know about French culture and  French etiquette and have been living in France for some time. And so, in view of the impending Brexit and a hope to continue to move freely in the Schengen area, you would like to become a French citizen.It's not an incredibly straightforward process - and it is clearly not an option available for everyone. It is only applicable to those who were born on French soil, who were born to French parents, who have lived in France for five years, or who are married to a French spouse.Here, we walk you through some of the conditions set by the French government to determine wh o can be French citizens - and we talk you through the process of acquiring the papers you need.abroad, you should contact your consulate or embassy.You will need to fill out form cerfa n °12753*02 in duplicateYou will have to furnish proof of the information given on form cerfa n °12753*02, such as a certificate of birth, marriage certificate and the relevant residence and work permit.You will need to decide if you want your name and that of your children to be Gallicised  or not. For example, famous French actor Jean Reno was born Juan Moreno y Herrera-Jiménez of Andalusian immigrants in Morocco.If something changes (residence or work situation) after having deposited your application, there is an additional form to fill out to inform the authorities.Legally, the préfecture is charged with sending on your dossier to the ministry in charge of naturalisation within six months; the delay for processing your petition is of eighteen months, twelve if you have been resident in France for at least ten years.If the decision is favourable, you will be notified by post and the naturalisation decree will be published in the official Journal. Unlike acquiring American citizenship after you had been issued a Green card, there is no naturalization ceremony.If your application has been rejected, you have a two-month delay to appeal.local and national elections and in the presidential election.Voting and taxes are two sides of one medaillon; it’s up to you whether it’s worth all the red tape.If you should then move abroad, your children will be eligible - if they, too, have the French nationality through you - to obtain a permit allowing them to study at a foreign French school - these Lycées Français are found in every major global city, stick to the French curriculum and are ideal for those who move around a lot for work.What a Tutor Can Do for You.You might find that your French needs a bit of a polish - or your knowledge of French culture. When the stakes are hi gh - i.e. when the risk of failure is having to wait a further two years - it's worth making sure that your chances are as high as they can possibly be.So, if you are worried about your level of French, get a French tutor to settle your nerves. And if you can't tell Louis XII from Louis XIV, it might be worth taking some classes a tutor of French history.

5 French-Learning Games Your Kids Will Actually Love

5 French-Learning Games Your Kids Will Actually Love Madalyn Danielson The best way to help your kids learn French is to make the language fun, and with all the resources available both online and offline, this has become easier than ever. The following French games will give you the chance to learn with your kids, as well as encourage them to practice in their free time. 1. Dominoes Dominoes is a great choice to introduce kids to the French language, particularly if they already know how to play. Instead of using regular tiles, print out a set with pictures and French words,  such as these. Play together to teach your kids meanings and proper pronunciation. 2. Mix and Match Choose from a huge number of topics at both beginner and intermediate levels to play  this simple game  that involves dragging a picture to the correct word to score a point. This is a good place to start if your own knowledge of French is quite limited, as it gives you and your kids the chance to learn vocabulary as you go along, either through the game or the accompanying tutorial. 3. To Be and To Have As they progress with the language, your kids will be able to start forming sentences.  This game  teaches the verbs to be and to have in all their conjugations for the present tense. After finishing the game, consider having a role play with your kids to continue practicing and to keep the topic interesting. 4. Guess Who? If you do not already have the game Guess Who? at home, you should definitely purchase this two-player game you can use the same set to play in any language. Each player has a set of 24 tiles featuring cartoon images of different people along with their first names. In addition, you both select a card with one of these faces. You then take it in turns to ask each other simple questions to discover which character the other player has, eliminating faces according to the answers. Your kids can play French games of Guess Who? to practice both their speaking and listening skills, forming sentences and answering your questions. 5. The Magic Cards This  matching game  involves flipping over cards to match numerals with their written numbers. Your kids can play online to learn correct pronunciation, but you can also create your own cards to play a memory game with two or more players. Once your kids have developed a love for French, they will want to continue learning. Starting young will improve the chances that they become fluent by adulthood, opening the way to many more opportunities in the future. To help your kids progress with French, find a private tutor who will make learning the language fun. Bonne chance! 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  Geraint Rowland

How To Solve Linear Equations By Graphing

How To Solve Linear Equations By Graphing The solution of a linear equation: - We say that x=m, y=n is a solution of ax+by+c=0. How to solve linear equations by graphing: - i) Express y in terms of x. ii) Choose at least two convenient values of x and find the corresponding values of y, satisfying the given equation. iii) Write down these values of x and y in the form of a table. iv) Plot the order pairs (x, y) from the table on a graph paper. v) Join these points by a straight line and extend it in both the directions. This line is the graph of the equation a x + b y + c = 0. Example: - Draw the graph of the equation 2 x y + 3. Using the graph, find the value of y, when x = - 2. Solution: - 2 x y + 3 = 0 implies y = 2 x + 3 When x = 0, then y = 2 * 0 + 3 = 3 When x = 1, then y = 2 * 1 + 3 = 5 X 0 1 Y 3 5 Now, plot the points A (0, 3) and B (1, 5) on a graph paper. Join AB and extend it in both directions. Then, the line AB is the required graph of 2 x y + 3 = 0. Given: x = -2. Take a point M on the x-axis such that OM=-2. Draw MP, parallel to the y-axis, cutting the line AB at P. Clearly PM=-1. Therefore x = -2, then y = -1

Everything to Know About Japanese Entertainment

Everything to Know About Japanese Entertainment Entertainment in the Land of the Rising Sun ChaptersThe Must-See Films of JapanBest Japanese TV SeriesJapanese Game ShowsManga Publication MagazinesNippon is one home to one of the oldest civilizations on earth and, because of this, has witnessed countless examples of artistry in the forms of sculpting, painting, photography and film-making. Having influenced East Asian popular culture since time immemorial, Japan saw artistry flourish even in the Heian and Meiji periods.Today, Japan travel and tourism isn't just centred around understanding Japanese government, culture and society but also aspects such as street fashion, Japanese television, media and more. From the 17th century, Ukiyo style of painting to the Tokyo and Kyoto subculture of Harajuku's Lolita fashion - art created for and by Japanese audiences has been steadily gaining traction on the world stage for decades now.Whether it be anime and manga or television documentaries, getting to know Japanese culture and language doesn't strictly mean you have to take a trip to Japan. On the contrary, Japanese language and popular culture has been made much more accessible thanks to the help of 21st century technology.While Studio Ghibli, Akihabara kawaii pop culture, otaku, and more have put Japan on the map in terms of entertainment, it’s the entirely original and deeply rooted cultural media that have helped export Japanese pop culture to the rest of the world. Whether you want to get to know more about Japanese society and Japanese people, want to improve your Japanese language skills or even want to design your own manga anime one day, learn everything you need to know with this guide on everything to do with entertainment in the country.Japanese films have made an impact on generations of filmmakers NanaJapanese Teacher 5.00 (3) £30/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors YukoJapanese Teacher 5.00 (3) £25/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors EllyJapanese Teacher 5.00 (1) £20/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors MomokoJapanese Teac her £20/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors MelanieJapanese Teacher £14/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors JamesJapanese Teacher 5.00 (5) £20/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors PippaJapanese Teacher £15/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors MarikoJapanese Teacher £25/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutorsThe Must-See Films of JapanWhether you're preparing for your upcoming trip to Osaka, want to know more about kawaii, or cuteness, culture, or are simply curious to learn more about everything from Japanese pop songs to Japanese animation - the easiest way to start learning about culture in Japan is by watching movies!Japanese style is, like all cultures in the world, made up of a plurality of identities and subcultures. The yen, kimono, woodblock prints - Japanese fashion, architecture and lifestyle are as diverse and historically nuanced as any. Movies, however, can help bring both the main ideas and subtleties of Japanese society and history to the fore front. Here are some of the best Japanese movies you must see.Seven SamuraiA cult film considered by many to be the best movie ever made, Seven Samurai was directed by acclaimed Akira Kurosawa in 1954. The movie's plot centres around a 16th century village that hires 7 samurai in order to defend and protect their citizens against the bandits in the region. Known for its epic scenes and classic plot, the movie has influenced generations of directors and actors since its initial debut. Earning praise both domestically and internationally, the film has continued to receive awards throughout the years.The GrudgeWhile this film might already be popular with English speaking audiences thanks to the help of its American remake released in 2002, many movie lovers have recognized the original as the best of its kind out of all the iterations that have since come out.Created in 2000 under the title Ju-On and directed by Takashi Shimizu, the film tells the story of school teacher Shunsuke Koba yashi. Kobayashi, worried about a truant student, pays his family home a visit only to find out that the boy is dead. After that spooky encounter, Kobayashi starts experiencing strange phenomena happening all around him.Some of the other notable Japanese movies you should check out are:GodzillaTokyo StoryHana-biBattle RoyaleBest Japanese TV SeriesWith classic theatre drama like Kabuki, subcultures like visual kei, and sports like sumo wrestling, Japanese artists have had an impact in the world arena for centuries. Boasting some of the best comic books, anime manga and more - it's no wonder much of contemporary youth culture includes many Japanese idols.While modernity has taken much of the guesswork out of finding new music, books and shows to try out - it can still be overwhelming to navigate the crowded space of Japanese entertainment. If you're looking for cool Japan guides for understanding many a fandom, music, pop culture, manga and anime - the best place to start is by watchi ng TV!While it may surprise you, whether you're currently living in Japan or want to visit someday, real-time viewership is still higher than internet audiences. Take a look at some of Japan's most famous shows and you'll probably figure out why.Learn about Japanese culture through their entertainment industryMy Boss, My HeroTouching on the same themes as the wildly popular Japanese manga Great Teacher Onizuka, this 2006 drama was released on Nippon TV in 2006. The story's main character, Makio Sakaki, is a 27-year old Yakuza member whose gang leader is actually his father.When his father decides Makio must go back to high school and finish his degree, he is forced to disguise himself as a 17-year old and re-integrate into a society that is not only unrecognizable, but with whose modernity he's lost touch with.One Litre of TearsCantered around the narrative of Aya Kito, the drama was released in 2005 under the Japanese title Ichi Rittoru no Namida. In the story, Aya's expectations o f starting her high school experience on the right note are shattered when she starts to lose function in her body. Diagnosed with an incurable disease, she must re-orientate how she views her place in the world. Be warned, the title is what it is for a reason!Whether it be the style in Shinjuku, the history of the Edo period, postwar economics, or a traditional tea ceremony - Japan has been at the forefront of style, finance and history for centuries. Getting a glimpse of Japanese popular culture can help you start to untangle their society's long and diverse narratives. Here are some other Japanese dramas you should check out:Switch Girl!!Hanazakari No Kimitachi ENodame CantabileHibana: SparkJapanese Game ShowsCat cafes, pop music, Japanese tea and Japanese comics - Japanese soft power has consisted of exporting its entertainment to the world for decades now. One of the most well received of these has come in the form of game shows. Regardless of whether you're interested in build ing your own Japanese garden or can't point out Japan on a map - you're bound to love the drama, comedy and suspense contained in an episode of some of Japan's most famous game shows.Ninja WarriorRemade into many similar game shows in countries around the world, Ninja Warrior is made up of 4 rounds where contestants must complete obstacles and tasks within certain time limits and physical boundaries. The typical set up of a round consists of an obstacle course that each contestant must complete by reaching the buzzer at the end of the line. Out of the nearly 100 candidates put to the test, only four are allowed at the final round.Tetsuko's RoomOriginally airing on TV Asahi in 1976, the show is hosted by Tetsuko Kuroyanagi. Running for half an hour, the talk-show made history in 2015 when, celebrating its 10,000th episode, it was inaugurated into the world's hall of fame for the longest running, single-hosted talk show in the world. Tetsuko Kuroyanagi is one of the most admired women in the country and has been an ambassador for UNICEF since 1984.Take a look at some more instances of Japanese artists, Japanese history and more through some other great Japanese game shows like:Dero!Takeshi's CastleMarshmallow Funny FaceJapanese Literature, Culture and MoreInterested in post war autobiographies, Japanese anime or science fiction? Here are all the different types of Japanese publications you should check out to learn more about the language, culture and economy!Read some of the best popular Japanese manga!Manga Publication MagazinesWhat started with Osamu Tezuka, often hailed as the father of manga, has grown into an international art form loved by many. Before manga get published as graphic novels, they often get their start by being included in pre-publication magazines specifically for manga. The different types you can check out are:Shojo mangaJosei mangaShonen mangaSeinen mangaThe first word in these different types of manga stand for the Japanese word for wo man, young adult female, boy and man.Beauty MagazinesIf you want to learn more about beauty tips, trends and fashion, take a look at some of Japan’s most popular beauty magazines:JellyMamagirlElle JapanArts and Culture MagazinesInterested in Japanese music, sports and politics? Some of the magazines you should check out include Records Collectors' Magazine, Music Magazine and Bungeishunju.LiteratureHere are some recommendations if you're just getting started with Japanese literature. From science fiction like Gundam to classic texts.Tale of Genji by Murasaki ShikibuConfessions by Kanae MinatoSnow Country by Yasunari kawabataLearn more about the different kinds of publications Japan has to offer!

The History of New Years Resolutions

The History of New Year’s Resolutions Hindsight is 20/20, so let's begin 2020 by taking a look back at one of our favorite New Year's articles. If you're planning to make a New Year's resolution for 2020, here's some context behind the traditionand maybe some inspiration too. If resolutions have been around for over 4,000 years, can you make yours last more than a couple of months? Now that 2018 is here, you may be thinking about your own history of making New Years resolutionspromises to exercise more often, or to study more regularly. Maybe you lived up to these promises in 2017, or maybe you didnt. But have you ever wondered why we make New Years resolutions in the first place? Consider the history that surrounds this annual tradition: [RELATED: 10 Study Habits to Avoid] The origins of the New Years resolution You may be surprised to learn that the core concept behind New Years resolutions has existed for at least 4,000 years. The ancient Babylonians celebrated the new year with Akitu, a festival that included promises to the gods to repay debts or return items they borrowed. It took place in March, not January, because the new year was tied to the planting of spring crops. However, the idea of starting the year off on the right foot is an echo of our modern tradition. New Years resolutions and the Romans January 1 was decreed the start of the new year by Julius Caesar in ancient Roman times, and the Romans also promised good behavior in the coming year. This practice was linked to the Roman god Janus, who was associated with beginnings, endings, doorways, and transitions. The month of January was named after him, and he was represented as a two-faced god who looked back to the past year and ahead to the next. New Years resolutions and watch night services Another historic tradition related to New Years resolutions is the watch night servicea Christian church service typically held on New Years Eve or New Years Day. John Wesley, the founder of the Methodist faith, began the tradition of holding these services in the 1700s, in the belief that Methodists should reaffirm their covenant with God each year. Watch night services included prayers, song, and self-reflection, and similar services are still held today. [RELATED: The Importance of Self-Reflection: How to End the Year on a Positive Note] The terminology of New Years resolutions As discussed above, the concept of promising better behavior in a new year has existed for centuries, but the current terminology is a more recent development. The first recorded use of the phrase new year resolutions was in a newspaper article from 1813, according to Merriam-Webster. The article noted that there are many people accustomed to receive injunctions of new year resolutions, who will sin all the month of December, with a serious determination of beginning the new year with new resolutions and new behaviour... (Sound familiar?) By this point, its clear that the practice of these annual promises was becoming common enough that people would understand the above reference. Since then, the practice has only become more popular. A recent poll suggests roughly 44% of Americans plan to make changes in 2018. Although few people seem to completely succeed in the long term with their New Years resolutions, about two-thirds of those who made a 2017 resolution said they kept at least part of their promise. [RELATED: 2017 New Years Resolutions for Students] Now that you know the story behind New Years resolutions, perhaps you will be inspired to help keep this tradition alive and to prevent your own resolutions from fading into history. Any topics you want to know more about? Let us know! The Varsity Tutors Blog editors love hearing your feedback and opinions. Feel free to email us at blog@varsitytutors.com.

Cooking as a Student

Cooking as a Student How Can You Cook when Studying ChaptersCooking in Bulk to Stretch a Student BudgetFreeze Food to Save MoneyCooking with Seasonal Produce on a Student BudgetHead to Markets at the End of the DayCheap Recipes for StudentsVegetarian RecipesTraditional Recipes“Let food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food.” - HippocratesAs a student, we’re often tempted to make the simplest and quickest dishes. That or fast food, takeaways, or the cheapest thing we can get our hands on.Around a 5th of a student’s budget goes on food. As such a significant amount of the budget, you really want to get the most out of your money when you’re spending so much of it on food.In this article, we're going to look at some of the ways students can cook for themselves including cooking in bulk, freezing food, using seasonal produce, heading to markets, and cooking some traditional recipes. GiovanniCooking Teacher 4.83 (12) £25/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors HalimaCooking Teacher £12/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tut ors HakimCooking Teacher 5.00 (5) £50/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors VincenzoCooking Teacher £30/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors GinellaCooking Teacher £30/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors ArronCooking Teacher 5.00 (2) £9/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors JoshuaCooking Teacher 5.00 (5) £30/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors FlickCooking Teacher 5.00 (1) £50/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutorsCooking in Bulk to Stretch a Student Budget“If more of us valued food and cheer and song above hoarded gold, it would be a merrier world.” - J.R.R. TolkienIt’s a fact that the cost of living is going up. Feeding yourself seems to be getting more and more expensive and on a student budget, you’ll be feeling it.You'd be surprised how much you can save when you cook. (Source: Hans)However, all is not lost. Thanks to certain techniques, you can learn to cook enjoyable and cost-effective meals.Do you like cooking? Do you cook regularly?Yo u may have noticed that you regularly spend a lot of time cooking and very little time eating.Don’t worry! You just need to make more of it. Cook for two, three, etc. While you’ll pay more, you’ll be able to enjoy your food for several days.As you know, buying in bulk saves you money! A great idea if you’re on a tight budget.Freeze Food to Save MoneyThis is a great technique for cooking and saving money as it’ll make your budget and your food last longer. Organisation is key!Cooking is a lot of fun and is a great way to save money on food. (Source: marvorel)Freezing your food allows you to eat better without having to pop round the local shops or get food delivered.  Frozen food retains a lot of the nutrition which is why a freezer is a great idea for students.Even in the smallest flats, most fridges have a small freezer compartment where you can store your stuffed courgettes, spaghetti bolognese, or chocolate cake.Find some great cookery classes London thanks to Superprof .Freezing food allows you to save money as you’ve already made the food and won’t need to go to a restaurant or get a takeaway This means you can enjoy nice food without breaking the bank.Cooking with Seasonal Produce on a Student BudgetIt’s becoming increasingly common for people to eat seasonal produce as it’s better.While you have to prepare under certain constraints, you'd be surprised at what you can make. (Source: StockSnap)But why is it better?There are a good number of reasons:Seasonal products have more flavourSeasonal products correspond to our bodies’ needsSeasonal products are cheaperSeasonal products are ecologicalIt’s a fact that we should eat seasonal produce because it’ll be better for a student budget. Eating tomatoes in October isn’t great for your taste buds or your wallet since they'll be at the end of their season and will have to travel further to get from the farm to your plate.Adapting to the season is also a great way to discover new recipes and eat food when it’s supposed to be eaten. Broccoli in winter, peppers in summer. This is great for your budget. GiovanniCooking Teacher 4.83 (12) £25/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors HalimaCooking Teacher £12/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors HakimCooking Teacher 5.00 (5) £50/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors VincenzoCooking Teacher £30/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors GinellaCooking Teacher £30/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors ArronCooking Teacher 5.00 (2) £9/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors JoshuaCooking Teacher 5.00 (5) £30/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors FlickCooking Teacher 5.00 (1) £50/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutorsHead to Markets at the End of the DaySometimes, there are great ways to save money and still get to make dishes with fresh produce. Try heading to the market just before closing. Some vendors will be looking to cut their losses and get rid of the stock they didn’t sell.There’s not hing shameful about it because you’re helping to avoid food wastage. Of course, this isn’t just for students!Cheap Recipes for StudentsEating on a budget doesn’t necessarily mean that you have to et rubbish. There are plenty of great recipes you can make for very little money.If you learn how to cook for yourself, you can also cook for dietary requirements. If you need veggie meals or gluten-free dishes, you'll be in charge of each ingredient that goes into your food.Vegetarian RecipesAs a student, you can make simple recipes and still eat well. Avocado toast is a fine example because it’s nutritious and cheap.While you have to prepare under certain constraints, you'd be surprised at what you can make. (Source: StockSnap)You just need to mash the avocado onto two slices of toast, season, and you’re done! There’s no cooking involved and you can even add a poached egg, cumin, coriander, or sunflower seeds.Gazpacho is another great vegetarian recipe that you can keep in the freezer. For 4 people (or four meals), you’ll need:5 tomatoes4 cucumbers4 peppers1 onion.4 garlic cloves1 lemonParsleyOlive oilSalt and pepper.Peeling the onions and cucumbers and removing the seeds from the peppers, you just need to blend it all together. This includes the pulp, which you can strain.This is a delightful and healthy recipe. The winning combination!Traditional RecipesWhen you’re cooking in a student flat, you’re often limited by your budget and the equipment you have on hand. That’s why one-pot pasta exists. Put simply, it’s your traditional pasta dish cooked in a single pan.While you mightn't be in a restaurant, you can cook some very nice meals on a budget. (Source: rawpixel)Say goodbye to boring pasta and hello to delicious dishes. One-pot pasta is a versatile dish that anyone can do.For example, for two servings of vegetable pasta, put 1.5 cups of pasta in 3 cups of water, then add all the ingredients you want (cherry tomatoes, seasonal vegetables, bac on bits) and let the boiling water do the rest. Once there’s no water left, you’re done!This is a cheap and original recipe that any student can make.Are you familiar with shirred eggs?This is a traditional recipe and it works on a student budget. To make shirred eggs and ham, you’ll need:1 eggHalf a slice of ham1 tablespoon of creamTarragonA teaspoon of grated parmesanSalt, pepper, and olive oil.Preheat your oven to 210 °C, finely slice the ham, and place it in an oiled ramekin. Add the cream, tarragon, and break an egg on top. Mix slightly and sprinkle the parmesan on top. Bake in a baking tray that’s been half-filled with water.The bain-marie allows you to gently cook the egg, keeping all the flavours in. Cook it for between 6 and 10 minutes. You can eat it with bread. With some seasonal produce, this is a delicious and cheap meal! It’s also very easy to make.As you’ll have understood, a student budget doesn’t mean you can’t eat well. You just need the right techn iques and the right recipes! Bon appetit!  Invest in a good cookbook and get help from a private tutor and you'll never need to eat instant noodles, toasted sandwiches, or TV dinners again!On Superprof, there are tutors all over the UK and around the world offering tutorials in a variety of subjects and skills. There are three types of tutorials available: face-to-face tutorials, online tutorials, and group tutorials.Face-to-face tutorials tend to be more expensive because you're getting a bespoke service and tutorials tailored to you, your learning style, and your learning objectives. While these are the most expensive, they're usually the most cost-effective since your tutor will focus on you and only you.Online tutorials are similar but you'll pay less than face-to-face tutorials since the tutor doesn't have to travel to their student and can charge more competitive rates. Additionally, you can get online tutors from anywhere in the world, which is great for shift workers or thos e with busy schedules.Group tutorials are more like the classes you'd have at school. These are usually the cheapest since the cost of the tutorials is shared among several students. Of course, this comes with less one-on-one time with your tutor. That said, if you and a few friends are all wanting to learn how to cook on a budget, this could be the ideal solution.Each type of tutorial has its advantages and disadvantages and it's up to you to see which one works for you. On the plus side, a lot of the tutors on Superprof offer the first hour of tuition for free, allowing you to see whether you get along with one another and set out your learning objectives and the finer details of your private tutorials.So are you ready to start cooking?

Digital Distractions and School Performance

Digital Distractions and School Performance Learning in the digital age is a frequent topic of conversation here at Huntington Learning Center, and it certainly raises a lot of questions. For parents who grew up without technology so readily accessible like it is today, the main one is: do electronics help or hinder my childs school performance? Here are a few interesting observations about the negative impact of internet-enabled electronicslaptops, tablets and cell phonesreported from several recent studies: A 2016 Psychological Science study recorded college students laptop internet use in class and found that nonacademic internet use (e.g. social media, videos, email and online shopping) was frequent and inversely related to performance on the subjects cumulative final examregardless of interest in the class, motivation to succeed and intelligence (full article: Logged In and Zoned Out: How Laptop Internet Use Relates to Classroom Learning). In other words, even if a student was interested in a subject and deemed intelligent (based on other test scores), the use of the internet in classes had a negative impact on his or her final exam score. The same study did not find that accessing the internet for academic purposes was related to any benefit in performance. In other words, even if a student went on the internet during class for something academic in nature, doing so didnt benefit his or her final exam score. A 2019 study in Educational Psychology: an International Journal of Experimental Psychology found that students exam performance was poorer for the material taught in classes that allowed electronic use than those that did not (full article: Dividing attention in the classroom reduces exam performance). The same study also found that students in the device-permitting classroom that did not use devices still scored lower, which points to the likelihood that such students were distracted by devices around them. A 2013 study inCommunication Educationfound that of students who watched a video lecture, took notes and took quizzes afterward, thosewho did not usetheir mobile phones wrote down 62% more information, took more detailed notes and were able to recall more detailed information from the lecture than those who did use mobile phones during the lecture (full article: The Impact of Mobile Phone Usage on Student Learning). The same study found that the students who did not use their mobile phones during class scored a full letter grade higher on a multiple-choice test than those who actively used their mobile phones. While theres no question that the internet and electronic devices that connect us to it have opened up a world of possibilities for learning and knowledge acquisition, the research is clear: digital distraction is a real problem for todays students. What can you as a parent do to ensure your childs school performance does not suffer because he or she uses a cell phone and/or laptop regularly (in class or outside of it)? Here are a few tips: Teach your child about the importance of concentrating during set periods of time and also taking mental breaks while working. This practice improves focus and retention and encourages your child to separate school work and screen time. If your child doesnt need the computer or phone while doing homework, he or she should set them aside. Teach your child how to set rules for study/homework time and hold him or herself accountable to those rules. Encourage your child to establish short-term objectives for every homework session. Having a to-do list to work from will help your child stay on task and avoid digital distractions. If your child is struggling to focus, it may be that he or she needs help developing a good study systemand its certainly possible that something else is going on. Call Huntington at 1-800 CAN LEARN to learn how we can help your child become a more efficient, productive student in the digital age.