Tips and Ideas For Learning English

Tips and Ideas For Learning EnglishIf you are reading this article, chances are you are looking for some tips and ideas for learning English. There are many different ways to learn a language, and many different approaches, but when it comes to learning English there are several ways that you can learn the language and many different approaches you can take to make the process more effective.Tips on how to learn any language are easy to find. Try out a website like Rosetta Stone, which is one of the most popular websites out there for learning languages. You can download a free trial version and see how easy it is to learn.There are also many different approaches to learning English as well. Some people use a course such as Rosetta Stone or other programs to learn the language, while others use online resources to learn English. An approach to learning that I personally find to be the most effective is to take some vocabulary lessons with your friends.Whenever we talk with someone ab out a subject that is English related, we all tend to use the same words. With a few basic vocabulary lessons you can learn how to write these words correctly and use them effectively in conversation.For example, you could look at a word and say it out loud, or look at a word and say the name of the thing it refers to, such as toothpaste. By doing this you will get a feel for how to use a word.You could also spend some time with your American friends in order to get used to the US phonetic alphabet and how to read American slang words. This should help you be able to learn words easily and correctly.If you use the tips I have given you for learning English above, you will be able to not only understand the conversation, but you will also be able to speak correctly. This is a great way to learn English and hopefully one day you will be speaking fluent English.

What Color is the Dress An English Listening Exercise

What Color is the Dress An English Listening Exercise Ok, so if youve been on the internet anytime recently, youve probably heard about the dress below. THE dress.The question is, do you see a white and gold dress, or a black and blue dress? I avoided checking this dress out for a few weeks, even as I saw everyone I knew posting about it on Facebook. Finally a friend assured me that it was really worth checking out. As it turns out, I see a gold and white dress, my wife and daughter are sure its blue and black. What do you think? Watch the video below to learn about why people see it differently, then see if you can answer the listening questions.Answer the questions in comments, and well make corrections.1. Alright, so the world has ______ become _____ divided on this dress.2. ____ ___ __ ___ we have team black and blue, __ ___ ___ team white and gold.3. ___ ___ ___ ___, we both saw black and blue.4. What does the idiomatic expression above mean?5. What did they think about the dress at first?6. Why do the squares on the cube appear to be different colors?7. How do they explain why different people see different colors on the dress?8. From a _____ _____ the dress is blue.9. Finally, what color do you think the dress is?

Where can I get free board games and card games for my ESL class

Where can I get free board games and card games for my ESL class Despite the enormous popularity of video games, young learners still love to play board games with family and friends. Designing a game for others to play can double the fun. And it can add engaging learning opportunities to a course on any subject, including English as a Second language. Why are games so engaging? Most people would explain the appeal of games by saying that games are simply funand they are funbut why are they fun? What makes a game enjoyable to play? I have a few ideas on the subject. Games are Stories You Play Games are a lot like stories. You have probably noticed that there are elements that both games and stories sharecommon elements that help to explain their common appeal. Like fiction, what happens in a game feels like it matters but doesnt really. When the tears begin to flow, we console each other saying, Its just a game, or Its just a story. Both games and stories engage the imagination and are non-literal. Like the protagonist in a story, we start off with a goal, hoping for success. Depending on our luck or skill, we experience sudden reversals of fortune. Like a well-told story, the outcome of the game remains uncertain. Our fortunes change for better or worse when we draw a card or roll the dice. There has to be enough excitement in both stories and games to keep us engaged. However, when we encounter long chapters of exposition or periods of grind during a game, we remain patient and wait for the excitement to start again. There is mystery and adventure. Like any protagonist, we take risks in games with bold moves, hoping that our fortunes will improve by tempting fate. The bigger the risk, the bigger the emotional highs and lows. Ups and Downs Games and stories provide a kind of emotional exercise. Whether they end on a happy or sad note, the emotions we experience as we travel through a game or a story leave us emotionally refreshed. As with stories, we feel real emotions when our luck changes. We feel elated when our luck suddenly improves. We feel frustration and disappointment when we fall behind. When our opponents draw a lucky card or roll sixes, we feel envy, and our desire to win heightens. In our imaginations, the other players can transform into threatening antagonists that draw out dark competitive instincts. We imagine that we must defeat them. When we lose, it feels tragic. When we win, we feel relief and satisfaction. Until that point, we feel uncertainty because we can never be sure what will happen next. The emotions are real. In this way, games and stories are cathartic, clearing away fear, pity, envy, and aggression to re-balance our emotions. Like a house cat stalking a leaf in the backyard before reclining and preening itself in the sunshine, we summon the wildness inside us momentarily in games and stories before reattaching the collar and leash of civility. In other words, games and stories help to tame the the wild animal within us by giving it a safe form of expression. In short, games and stories domesticate us. Cooperation Games produce cooperation. Players must establish the rules at the beginning of the game, taking turns and agreeing to pay attention to the game until the end. Players who withdraw from the game before the end have broken an important rule. You must stick it out until the end. Games involving cards or dice require players to accept the consequences of drawing a card or the roll of the dice and act accordingly. If designed well, the game will provide multiple opportunities to reverse your fortunes before the game comes to an end. In this way, the game rewards continued cooperation with chances to advance. Winners and Losers Games build to a climax after a significant investment of time and attention, and so the end feels like it matters. Games then produce at least one winner and one or more losers. Mysteriously, games reward winning with an enjoyable ego boost, but protect the ego from damage when we lose. We shrug off the loss with the claim, It was just a game. In other words, a win feels real, but a loss feels fictional. Everyone recognizes that the winner has earned the right to celebrate. But while losers may feel a little crestfallen and resentful, hope and peace return when someone says, Cmon! Lets play again! Skill versus Luck While many games involve elements of luck using cards and dice, we tire quickly of games that depend entirely on luck, especially if there is no prize at the end. When no skill is involved, there can be no significant ego boost for the winner. Then, the reward has to be extrinsic. Door prizes and lotteries are examples of games entirely of chance. The less likely you are to win, the the bigger the prize has to be at the end for anyone to want to play. Games of skill are different. Players need to be pretty evenly matched for the game to seem fun. If one player is much better than the other, the novice will soon lose interest in playing when every game predictably ends in a humiliating defeat. Nevertheless, if the novice gains skill quickly while playing the game, a loss is not really a loss. Skill is the reward. Ideally, games should have a combination of skill and luck for players of different levels to play together. Weaker players feel hopeful that this time they will win. Stronger players feel the uncertainty that comes while drawing a card from a shuffled deck, blindly selecting tiles from a bag, or rolling unpredictable dice. In games involving skill, players can observe their opponents strategies and tactics, and then emulate or prepare for them. Players can increase their chances of winning trivia games by studying. Scrabble players study the dictionary. Chess players read books on strategy and study the games of the grand masters. Winning a game of skill that you usually lost in the past can be immensely satisfying. Game Design Because games require goals, investments of time, rules, and reversals of fortune, designing a game can be a learning opportunity for students. Not only will students gain a deeper understanding of what makes a successful game fun, they can review grammar, vocabulary, and facts related to their lessons while designing a game for others to play. Creating card game and game board templates, however, can take time away from the content of a course. Adjusting borders, cell padding, and tables can take hours away from the language you are trying to teach and or the concepts you are trying to review. It would be a whole lot easier if someone would just make a bunch of templates and share them with everyone else, right? Well, thats exactly what I have done. Board games teach us cooperation and relieve us of aggressive and competitive instincts Download free board game and card game templates here On this page, you will find a variety of board game templates that you can download and adapt to your learners. All the templates are in MS Word DOCX format for letter-size printers. My goal is simply to share. Sharing gives me a reason to tidy up unfinished ideas that I have had knocking about my hard drive for years. These templates are something I started working on in 2002 while working at Chonnam University in Kwangju, South Korea. Sharing might also bring in new visitors to my website and could introduce them to my free grammar checker, a project I have been working on since 2012. If you would like to share these templates with your students or colleagues, please share this link to my free board games and card games page. (Right-click and copy address.) Please feel free to send the link by email or on social media so that all of this work doesnt disappear into internet obscurity. For more free games, have a look at my free downloads page. For example, there is a card game for learning sports-games-and-exercise, a free Go Fish card game, and a game for learning advanced vocabulary and tricky translations from French. If you are looking to order a textbook that uses vocabulary card games in a college-level English class, see my products page. Escape from Summer School Board Game This board game template helps to drive home the importance of reviewing concepts from the course if you dont want to have to repeat the course during summer vacation. The idea is that you should start in the middle of the game board. To earn points and move toward summer vacation, players draw cards from the card deck and answer questions. A correct answer moves you closer to summer vacation by one square. An incorrect answer moves you two squares closer to summer school. Teachers can create their own cards with review questions that will be on the final exam, or even better would be to get students to create review questions from the chapters in their textbook. Blank cards are below. Alternatively, use the Virtual Writing Tutors Error Correction Card Game by clicking on the link. Summer School Board Game TemplateDownload Summer School vs. Summer Vacation Board Game Template for MS Word Blank Card Game TemplateDownload Blank Card Game Template Snakes and Ladders Board Game Everyone has probably heard of Snakes and Ladders or by its other name Chutes and Ladders. The concept is simple. Players try to race to the end by rolling a die. If a player lands on a square with the head of a snake, he or she slides down to the snakes tail. Conversely, if a player lands on a square with the foot of a ladder, he or she climbs up the ladder to the space at the top. In my version of the game, I have included spaces that require student to select a card and answer a trivia question. You can use the blank card game template to make your own questions or you can use the questions I have made, adding and changing them as you like. Snake shaped board game with laddersDownload Snakes and Ladders Board Game Template Snakes and ladders trivia cardsDownload Trivia Card Game Template Four Start and Race to the Middle Game Board Here is a game board template designed specifically for 4 players. The spaces are large enough that you can write instructions in each square. When players land on a square, you can have them select a card or instruct younger players to do silly things like sing a song or count by fives. 4-start-blank-board-game-templateDownload 4-Start Board Game Template Thirty-Two Square Game Board Template The game board contains 32 squares. You can write instructions in each one or instruct players to select a card. You can get students to colour squares different colours that match the colours of cards. Possibilities abound. 32-square-blank-board-game-templateDownload 32-Square Game Board 30 Square Irregular Circle Game Board Template This template has a nice shape with a double headed cross in the center. You sacrifice spaces and room to write in the boxes when you experiment with the shape of the game board. Therefore, experimenting with colours and cards, money, or another kind of point system could work. Irregular circle board game templateDownload 30-Square Game Board Monopolist Board Game Template This board game template will remind you of a famous real-estate game. I never enjoyed the original it that much, but my kids like itat least for the first 20 minutes. Essentially, you go around and around buying the spaces you land on or paying rent to visit. There are chance cards to complicate things. The person who buys everything and impoverishes everyone else wins. It is more of a lesson on the immorality of Capitalism than a game for kids. Nevertheless, it is a well-known board game to model a new game on. Monopoly-circular-board-gameDownload Monopoly Game Board Template Cubic Worm Game Board Template This funny worm-shaped game board has 26 spaces. It might appeal to someone and spark an idea for a fun game. You never know. The Candy Land Board Game has a snaking path like this. cubic-worm-game-board-templateDownload Worm-Shape Game Board Freaky Five Shaped Game Board Template Perhaps you dream of knights and dragons or soldiers and tanks. This 35-space game board template has a big empty space in it to allow the game designer to add a decorative or thematic element in it. Why not? freaky-five-shaped-game-board-templateDownload Game board shaped like the number 5 Sixty-Six Squares When the goal is to get to the end and you dont want the game to end too quickly, you will need more squares to slow the players down. This game board template has 66 squares. The fastest you can get to the end is to roll eleven sixes. With two players, that 22 turns. With three, thats 33 turns. You get the idea. Many squares means more game play. This game board template reminds me of a library with many bookcases to navigate. A game board template with 66-spacesDownload 66-square game board template Conclusion So there you have it. A bunch of templates that you and your kids or students can use to build your own board games with chance or trivia cards. I hope you like them and share them with your colleagues. Please be sure to check out my other blog posts and try the grammar checker with students. I keep adding new features to this website, hoping to provide teachers and students everywhere with something non-trivial that could help. Contact me if there is a feature or resource you would like me to develop. Please follow and like us:

16 Super CEFR Placement Tests That Speak for Themselves

16 Super CEFR Placement Tests That Speak for Themselves 16 Super CEFR Placement Tests That Speak for Themselves Do you remember that Kids in the Hall skit about the shopkeeper who speaks no English?If you dont, feel free to take a peek. Ill wait.Hummm-dee-dum-dee-dum…Oh, good! Youre back.You can imagine the frustration of the young man who just wanted to buy a pair of shoes, only to be toldâ€"quite eloquentlyâ€"that his would-be interlocutor didnt understand a word he said.While such an articulate expression of ignorance is rare, its not uncommon for language learners to feel chagrined when trying to describe our fluency.Fortunately, theres no need to stay in the morass of uncertainty.Thanks to the efforts of the Council of Europe, we can now attain a standardized measure of our proficiency in a host of languagesâ€"in Europe and beyond.So lets see how you can use these tests as motivation to grow your fluency and get results! CEFR: A Standard for Standardized TestsGreat moments in linguistic history: How it all beganSo, just what is the CEFR? How did it come about?Nearly thirty years ago, the Council of Europe decided to create an official framework for measuring language proficiency. Developed throughout the 1990s, the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) laid out standards for language proficiency at six different levels, based upon an individuals skills in four areas of communication: listening, reading, speaking and writing.The culmination of decades of linguistic research, the CEFR created a standard to be used not only for language education, but also to help language learnersâ€"and their teachers and employersâ€"better gauge levels of fluency.In many ways, the languages we speak are like an invisible road, connecting us with others who speak them. Its no coincidence that the release of the CEFR coincided with the formation of the European Union (EU) at the turn of the 21st century. Since EU leaders wanted to ensure that people, products and money could move freely through member states, the Council of Europe needed a way to build a solid linguistic infrastructure in a multi-lingual environment.The standardization of CEFR placement tests means that their results give a clear picture of how well someone can communicate in a given language. Thanks to the CEFR, a school in Berlin can accept students from Rome, knowing that they can interact effectively with German-based teachers and students. The Grenoble Institute of Technology can confidently hire a professor from London, since his CEFR placement test shows that he can communicate in near-native French. Rolls-Royce of Derby can welcome an engineer from Barcelona, understanding that shell have no problem discussing designs in English with her team.The CEFR levels: A six-pack of proficiencyThe CEFR is broken down into a half-dozen levels, giving just enough granularity to equate a learners skills with specific capabilities in a language. The six CEFR proficiency classifications can be understood as follows:CEFR LevelsOfficial DescriptionApproximate Proficiency LevelA1 A1Basic UserBeginner to Low IntermediateB1 B2Independent UserIntermediate to Low AdvancedC1 C2Proficient UserAdvanced to FluentWithin each CEFR level, there are corresponding can-do statements for the three primary skill-sets involved in language use: understanding (listening and reading comprehension), speaking (spoken interaction and production) and writing.Finding Your Place: How CEFR Placement Tests Benefit YouAnd now, for the question of the ages: How can the CEFR help you in your quest to study or work overseasâ€"or simply to become a better language learner?Studying abroadCEFR language placement tests can qualify you to study as a foreign exchange student at overseas secondary schools. No matter where you come from or how long you studied, the results of these standardized tests will reassure the admissions officers at your chosen school that you have the linguistic chops to keep up with their programs of study.Sometimes, CEFR placement tests are used to measure the langua ge proficiency of teachers who wish to educate the youth of another country. Even if you plan to teach your native language, you still need to communicate effectively with your students.If youre an academic who wants to perform research at a university in a different country, CEFR placement tests can demonstrate that you have the language proficiency needed to work smoothly with other researchers while conducting complex experiments or evaluating statistical data.Working in another countryIf takin care of business and workin overseas appeals to you, taking a CEFR placement test could be just the ticket to winning your dream job.CEFR is used by many businesses as a standard to measure language proficiency. If you meet the businesss standards via standardized testing, and you have the other needed qualifications for the job in question, you could be well on your way to a rewarding career in the foreign country of your choice.Assessing your learning levelSometimes, when youve been stud ying another language for a long time, its difficult to figure out just how fluent or proficient you are.You might breeze through the daily news reports in Le Monde… but be hard-pressed to get through a contemporary novel. Or you may be able to sing along like a native to all your Fanta 4 albums, but struggle to remember word genders or conjugate verbs.Yes, language learning is a complicated and multifaceted business. Relying solely on unofficial self-assessments to determine your proficiency level can leave you frustrated and confused. Using the CEFR self-assessment grids for the languages youre studying can be a good launching pointâ€"but these grids cant give you the same objective measurement as a placement test.CEFR placement tests can help you assess your language levels realistically, measuring your performance in several different skill sets (such as listening and reading comprehension or writing).Even if you dont achieve your intended level at first, dont despair. These t ests will give you an objective evaluation of your language skillsâ€"so you can see where you need to improve, and get a better idea of how to focus your efforts.Once you have the official report from your CEFR placement tests, you can employ tools like language learning trackers to keep yourself on target.You can also use FluentU as a handy tool to study for future tests and continue advancing your studies. FluentU takes real-world videosâ€"like movie trailers, music videos, news and inspiring talksâ€"and turns them into personalized language lessons. Like the CEFR, FluentUs materials are divided into six levels that you can use to self-assess and learn level-appropriately.With FluentU, you hear languages in real-world contextsâ€"the way that native speakers actually use them.Just a quick look will give you an idea of the variety of FluentU videos on offer:FluentU really takes the grunt work out of learning languages, leaving you with nothing but engaging, effective and efficient l earning. It’s already hand-picked the best videos for you and organized them by level and topic. All you have to do is choose any video that strikes your fancy to get started!Each word in the interactive captions comes with a definition, audio, image, example sentences and more.Access a complete interactive transcript of every video under the Dialogue tab, and easily review words and phrases from the video under Vocab.You can use FluentU’s unique adaptive quizzes to learn the vocabulary and phrases from the video through fun questions and exercises. Just swipe left or right to see more examples of the word youre studying.The program even keeps track of what you’re learning and tells you exactly when it’s time for review, giving you a 100% personalized experience.Start using FluentU on the website  with your computer or tablet  or, better yet,  download the FluentU app from  the  iTunes store  or  Google Play store.16 Super CEFR Placement Tests That Speak for ThemselvesCEFR p lacement tests can be extremely useful, whether youre planning on studying abroad, working overseas or just trying to get a grip on your true proficiency in a foreign language.Below, well look primarily at six tests that evaluate your mastery of three of the most widely-spoken European languages. While you cant take them for free, you can prepare for them without breaking the bank. Then, well briefly look at more tests that expand further through Europe and beyond.Well lead you directly to a host of free online resources for savvy learners who want to familiarize themselves with the nitty-gritty of these important tests… so, when testing day comes, youll feel fully preparedâ€"and confident about showing off your skills.FrenchThe two primary CEFR placement exams for French are the DELF and the DALF. Lets look at some of their characteristics.No prerequisites: Everyone is welcome.  Anyone who wishes to do so can take the DELF or DALF exams; you dont need to go to a certain school, r ead a particular text or meet any other prerequisites.Registration: Face-to-face.  Registration must be done in person, at the examination center. At this time, theres no remote alternativeâ€"not even online. You can find approved examination centers both within France and elsewhere in the world. Be sure to check the calendar for the available exam dates in your area. (If youre taking the test outside of France, youll need to select your local examination center first.)Retakes: Try, try again.  There are no limits on the number of times you can take these exams. You can retake them as many times as you need to pass.Diploma: No expiration date.  Once youve passed the DELF or DALF, you hold the diploma for life. You never need to take the exams again or do anything to renew the validity of your results.Test information sources: Alliance Française CIEPThe Alliance Française (French Alliance) is the official French-language educational organization that offers preparation for both th e DELF and the DALF tests.Detailed information on the tests themselves is available from an organization known as CIEP (Centre international détudes pédagogiques, the International Center for Pedagogical Studies).DELF:  Diplôme d’Études en Langue Française  (Diploma in French Language Studies)The DELF exams, which span CEFR levels A1 to B2, come in five different versions. These are based upon several factors, including the learners age, background and purpose for taking the test.Here’s a breakdown of the main types of DELF exams and the CEFR levels they cover:Exam NameCEFR Level(s)Intended AudienceAge Range (years)DELF PrimA1.1 to A2Primary school students7 to 12DELF junior*A1 to B2Middle school high school students12 to 17DELF scolaire*A1 to B2Foreign students of French12 to 17DELF tout publicA1 to B2Adults (general)over 17DELF ProA1 to B2Adult job candidatesover 17*The DELF junior and DELF scolaire exams are identical in content. However, the DELF scolaire (DELF for Sch ools) is administered by educational institutions that have an agreement with their local French embassy.Free online resources to prepare for the DELF examsDELF PrimSample papers are broken down into the different skill categories:Compréhension de loral (listening)Compréhension des écrits (reading)Production écrite (writing)Many of these samples can be downloaded and printed. The corresponding audio files can either be downloaded or played in your browser.  Level A1.1Sample 1QuestionsAnswersSample 2QuestionsAnswers  Level A1Sample 1QuestionsAnswersSample 2QuestionsAnswers  Level A2Sample 1QuestionsAnswersSample 2QuestionsAnswersDELF junior/scolaireThe main page for the DELF junior/scolaire prep includes the audio files for the oral comprehension parts of the exam.These test prep materials for the DELF junior/scolaire exams will give you a good idea of what to expect:A1A2B1B2At the beginning of each packet is a summary of the total number of points each section of the exam is wor th, as well as the length of time available to complete it.Theres an answer key at the end of each set of test prep materials.DELF tout publicDesigned to be taken by adults, the DELF tout public tests the French language knowledge of those outside France.The Sample Papers page contains the questions, answer keys, audio files and spoken interaction guides for the DELF tout public at each level.DELF ProAlso known as the Diplôme détudes en langue française, option professionnelle (Diploma in French Language Studies, Professional Option), the DELF Pro is geared toward those who wish to work in France, or who are trying to advance in a French-speaking workplace.Both sample exercises and the corresponding answer keys are available for each level of the DELF Pro:Level A1QuestionsAnswersLevel A2QuestionsAnswersLevel B1QuestionsAnswersLevel B2QuestionsAnswersDALF:  Diplôme approfondi de langue française  (Diploma in Advanced French)Here are a couple things that apply to the DALF specifi cally.Top-drawer design for upper-level learning.  Picking up where the DELF exams leave off, the DALF exams cover CEFR levels C1 C2. These are the highest levels of proficiency described by the CEFR framework.For adults only.  Unlike many of the DELF exams, the DALF tests are designed to be taken by adult learners.Free online resources to prepare for the DALF examsDALF (C1 C2)Like the prep materials for the DELF Junior/Scolaire exams, the DALF sample papers include a breakdown of the test scoring and section durations.At the C1 level, the answer keys and audio transcriptions are included in the same booklets.Since responses at the C2 level are essentially free-form, answer keys are not included. (C2-level audio transcriptions are linked separately.)DALF C1, Sample 1DALF C1, Sample 2DALF C2, Sample 1 (corresponding audio transcription)DALF C2, Sample 2 (corresponding audio transcription)The links to the audio files themselves are on the main DALF sample papers page on the CIEP sit e.GermanGoethe-Zertifikat  (A1 C2)The Goethe-Zertifikat used to be called the Zertifikat Deutsch. The Goethe-Institut adopted the new name around May 2013.Heres what you need to know about it.The full spectrum.  Theres a Goethe-Zertifikat corresponding to each level of the CEFR. You can use this German-language self-assessment tool to get an idea of which Goethe-Zertifikat test you should take.For young and old(er).  Goethe-Zertifikat levels A1 through B1 can be administered to both young people and adults. However, the B2 through C2 levels are for adults only.All-access pass.  Test prep resources include practice materials for those with low vision or other special testing needs.Test information source: Goethe-Institut (HQ in Munich, with offices worldwide)Free online resources to prepare for the Goethe-Zertifikat examsCEFR LevelAge Range/Intended AudienceExam Name (and Link to Resources)A1Ages 10 16A1: Fit in Deutsch 1AdultsA1: Start in DeutschA2Ages 12 16A2: Fit in DeutschAdul tsGoethe-Zertifikat A2B1Young people adults; same testGoethe-Zertifikat B1B2Adults only; for higher ed or employment, especially in the medical fieldGoethe-Zertifikat B2C1Adults only; same goals as the level B2 examGoethe-Zertifikat C1C2Adults only; those who wish to research or study in Germany, or to teach at a German schoolGoethe-Zertifikat C2: Großes Deutsches Sprachdiplom (GDS) (Advanced German Speaker Diploma)TestDaF:  Test Deutsch als Fremdsprache  (Test of German as a Foreign Language) (B2 to C1)Skills, not levels.  TestDaF is a single exam that assesses your CEFR level from B2 to C1, based upon the skill you demonstrate with listening, speaking and writing modalities. To find out if youre ready to take the TestDaF exam, try this brief skills check.Test locally.  You dont need to travel to Germany to take the TestDaFâ€"you can probably do it much closer to home, no matter where else you live in the world.Go to school or go pro.  TestDaF is used for foreign students who wis h to study in German undergraduate or graduate programs. All undergraduate and graduate schools in Germany accept the TestDaF as proof of your German-language proficiency. Although its primary focus is academic, TestDaF can also assess your readiness for German-language career opportunities. (An alternative exam for business professionals is the adaptive Goethe-Test Pro.)TestDaF is forever.  Once youve passed the TestDaF, you will not need to renew it or take it again. Your TestDaF certificate will never expire. And you can take the TestDaF exam as many times as you’d like to achieve your desired score.Test information source: TestDaF-Institut (Bochum, Germany)Free online resources to prepare for the TestDaF examThese practice tests include sample questions, an answer key and a hints and tips guide.Based on the organization of the CEFR levels, sample tests are broken down into Reading Comprehension, Listening Comprehension, Writing and Oral Expressionâ€"just like the real exams.Te stDaF Hints TipsTestDaF Model: Set 02TestDaF Model: Set 03(Please note: There appears to be no TestDaF Model: Set 01 on the TestDaF-Institut website.)SpanishDELE:  Diplomas de Español como Lengua Extranjera  (Diplomas of Spanish as a Foreign Language) (A1 to C2)Spanish in all flavors.  The DELE accommodates all varieties of Spanish, especially starting at the B1 level. So whichever style of Spanish you learned, you can have it fairly tested through the DELE exam.Direct correspondence to the CEFR.  The six DELE test levels are matched directly to the six proficiency levels defined by the CEFR. Use this handy-dandy assessment grid to see which of the six DELE exams would suit you best.Unconditional registration.  There used to be several requirements for taking the DELE. For example, candidates could not be native Spanish speakers, or have had Spanish as a primary language.This all changed in November 2015. Now, anyone who wishes can register for the DELE examsâ€"including native Sp anish speakers.The test is used by both schools and employers to assess Spanish-language proficiency, so it benefits both students and workers in a Spanish-language environment.No expiration date. The DELE certification never expires, and is recognized throughout the world.Taking the test: Papers, please!  DELE exams are still taken on paper. Theyre administered in over a thousand test centers throughout the world, in over a hundred countries. If youre taking the test within Spain, you can register over the internet. However, if youre taking it in another country, you must register in person at the test center.Test results: Allow 12 weeks for delivery.  Exam results are sent to candidates via email three months after the exam date. The exams are graded by Instituto de Cervantes, and candidates can also see their certification through a secure online portal.Test information source: Instituto de CervantesFree online resources to prepare for the DELE examDELE A1 A2/B1 para escolares ( Students 11 17 years old)DELE A1 C2 (Ages 16 and up)SIELE:  Servicio Internacional de Evaluación de la Lengua Española  (International Evaluation Service for the Spanish Language)A test for the 21st century.  Introduced in 2015, the SIELE is similar to the DELEâ€"with the significant difference that the SIELE is administered on a computer. While SIELE assesses candidates based on the six CEFR levels of proficiency, it does so using one adaptive test. Skills are tested in five different categories (each explained below with its own video summary):Listening comprehensionReading comprehensionWritten expression interactionSpoken expression interactionRegistration is online, no matter where you take the test. (Like the DELE, the SIELE is administered in official examination centers around the globe.) Youll receive your results electronically within three weeksâ€"as opposed to the three-month waiting period for results from the traditional DELE.Dont panicâ€"its pan-Hispanic.  From t he beginning, the SIELE was designed to cover all types of Spanish, regardless of which variety the candidate speaks.Choosing your SIELE Exam: Four-course meal or à la carte.  Go gourmet with the SIELE Global Exam that uses all assessment modalities (reading, writing, speaking and listening) to test your Spanish-language mastery… or try the à la carte model, with the Independent Modalities (S1 through S4) exams. The S1 through S4 tests measure your performance in various combinations of the assessment modalities:Test NameModalities TestedS1Reading Compression + Listening ComprehensionS2Reading Comprehension + Written Expression InteractionS3Listening Comprehension + Spoken Expression InteractionS4Spoken Expression InteractionTheres even a newer S5 option, that covers Written Expression Interaction and Spoken Expression Interaction. Depending on why youre taking the SIELE exam, just one of these combinations might cover every skill set you need to test.Flexible scheduling.   Although you need to take the SIELE at a designated test center, you can choose which center to use, and you can select a test date that works for your schedule.Dont forget to renew.  Unlike the DELE, which is permanently valid, the SIELE certification you earn will need to be renewed every five years.Test information source: Instituto de CervantesFree online resources to prepare for the SIELE exam(Official) Guide to Sitting the SIELE Exam (PDF)SIELE Objective: Online Preparation Materials (test registration required for full access)Instituto de Cervantes makes these materials available for free when you register to take the SIELE exam. These resources are organized by test format (Global or S1 S4 Objectives), or by modality (speaking, writing, etc.). They include interactive practice activities and a practice test.European Languages and BeyondAlthough were focusing in on testing for three of the more prominent European languages, CEFR has become a standard of testing and classific ation for students of many languagesâ€"even those languages based outside of the European Union.Tests using the global CEFR standard (or an equivalent standard) are now available for many languages, including these seven.Chinese:  HSK Exam?The HSK Exam from the Confucius Instituteâ€"known in English as the Chinese Proficiency Test or the Chinese Standard Examâ€"doesnt correspond precisely to CEFR standards. However, the Hanban agency, who administers the test, has made some effort to match up their levels to CEFR standards, starting with HSK Level 1.English:  TOEFL?,  TOEIC?,  IELTS??There are three major CEFR placement tests for the English language:TOEFL is the Test of English as a Foreign Language, intended for the evaluation of non-native speakers. It corresponds to the CEFR levels, starting with the Speaking and Writing components of level A2.TOEIC is the Test of English for International Communication. Its purpose is to assess the English-language skills of speakers who use En glish to communicate with people from many lands. Like the TOEFL, scores on the TOEIC can be understood in the context of the CEFR levels.IELTS, the International English Language Testing System, is accepted largely by academic institutions in Canada, Australia, New Zealand and the UK, as well as a few thousand schools in the United States. It’s also used for visa and immigration purposes in Britain, Canada, New Zealand and Australia. Its scoring doesn’t match directly with the CEFR levels, but there are reference materials available to help you understand the correlation of IELTS scores to the CEFR.Italian:  CILS CELIYour Italian-language skills can be tested by one of two major exams, the CILS or the CELI. There are many online resources you can use to prepare.The CILS (Certificazione di Italiano come Lingua Straniera, or Certification of Italian as a Foreign Language) exam is headquartered at the Università per Stranieri di Siena (the Foreigners University in Siena). Corres ponding roughly to the CEFR levels, its accepted by the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and helps visitors gain admittance to Italian universities:CEFR LevelCILS QualificationA1CILS A1A2CILS A2B1CILS UnoB2CILS DueC1CILS TreC2CILS QuattroThe CELI, or Certificato di Conoscenza della Lingua Italiana (Certificate of Knowledge of Italian Language), is administered by the Università per Stranieri di Perugia (the Foreigners University in Perugia). Like the CILS exam, its considered an official qualification by the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and can be used to qualify for study in Italian institutes of higher education. (The CELI is also accepted by the Italian Ministry of Education and Research.)You can take the CELI exam at test centers throughout the world. Like the CILS, it matches up to CEFR levels:CEFR LevelCELI QualificationA1CELI ImpattoA2CELI 1B1CELI 2B2CELI 3C1CELI 4C2CELI 5Japanese:  JLPT? (Japanese Language Proficiency Test)Japanese speakers can test their linguis tic know-how with the Japanese Language Proficiency Test. Following the Japan Foundation standard, the JLPT uses six levels of can-do statements to correspond to the CEFR standards.If you want to test yourself first, try this online self-evaluation.Korean:  TOPIK? (Test of Proficiency in Korean)TOPIK, the Test of Proficiency in Korean, basically mirrors the CEFR standards:CEFR LevelTOPIK QualificationA1TOPIK IA2B1TOPIK IIB2C1C2TOPIK results can be used for secondary school admissions in Korea. The test is also used for immigration purposes, and is a qualifying factor for career opportunities (including teaching).(European) Portuguese:  CAPLE (Centro de Avaliacao de Portugues Lingua Estrangeira)The Centro de Avaliacao de Portugues Lingua Estrangeira  (Center for the Evaluation of Portuguese as a Foreign Language, or CAPLE) administers a series of five tests, corresponding to the CEFR A2â€"C2 levels:CEFR LevelCAPLE QualificationA2CIPLE (Initial Certificate of Portuguese as a Foreign L anguage)B1DEPLE (Elementary Diploma of Portuguese as a Foreign Language)B2DIPLE (Intermediate Diploma of Portuguese as a Foreign Language)C1DAPLE (Advanced Diploma of Portuguese as a Foreign Language)C2DUPLE  (University Diploma of Portuguese as a Foreign Language)Russian:  TRKI? (also called TORFL)Russian speakers, rejoice! You can evaluate your language skills with a test that sounds tricky, but matches up fairly closely to the CEFR levels.The TRKI, or ???? ?? ???????? ????? ??? ???????????? (known in English as TORFL, or Test of Russian as a Foreign Language), corresponds to the CEFR as follows:CEFR LevelTRKI/TORFL QualificationA1ElementaryA2PreliminaryB11st CertificateB22nd CertificateC13rd CertificateC24th CertificateAs more and more language placement tests jump on board the CEFR bandwagon, we language learners can come to a better understanding of our own linguistic proficiency. We can demonstrate our fluency in ways that help us get jobs, study abroad or simply satisfy our o wn learning goals.And thats a boon to us allâ€"shopkeepers, shoe seekers and everyone in between.

9 Places to Buy Cheap Work Clothes

9 Places to Buy Cheap Work Clothes pexels.com Professional clothes are a must for most people. At some point in your life, you are probably going to need to suck it up and put on some slacks and a blazer every day for work. This might be hard, especially if you have never had to wear professional clothes before. It means figuring out what you like and what you look good in all the while trying to save money on a new wardrobe. The great thing about work clothes is that there is a big market for them, so a lot of stores carry affordable professional wear. Here is a list of a few places to help get you started on your hunt for professional clothing. Goodwill Goodwill should be your first stop if you are shopping on a budget. If you are committed to digging through the racks, you are sure to find some gems. At Goodwill, you could possibly get an entire work outfit for under $20. It’s an awesome store but because all of the stock is donated, you have to be ready to dig around to find something you like and in your size. Cut out a big chunk of time one day and dive into the racks of Goodwill for a super cheap way to get work clothes. Forever 21 Forever 21 is a great store to get cheap clothes, professional or not. You could potentially get your entire work wardrobe at Forever 21 if you do some digging. They have a wide array of trendy blazers, professional blouses, and slacks it just takes some searching! They also have a great selection of dresses that range from casual to elegant. However, you get what you pay for. Don’t expect your new pair of sleek, black boots you got for $12 to last you three years. HM HM is an awesome place to get your work clothes. It’s inexpensive, and the quality of the clothes is a lot better than a lot of its competitors. The clothes at HM tend to lean more towards professional style, so it’s not hard at all to find a few full work getups. The men’s section is also full of professional wear if dresses aren’t your style. You can find dress pants, button-downs, and blazers all for an affordable price. Target Target’s clothes section continues to get better and better. Their clothes are surprisingly on trend and cover a wide array of styles and elegance. Both their Men’s and Women’s sections are full of affordable professional wear that is of good quality. Don’t expect to leave Target with just a couple shirts there is something about that store that compels you to buy everything you don’t actually need. Zara Zara is a great place to get professional clothes that are sleek and stylish. They have blazers for days that are affordable and come in a variety of different cuts. They also offer up a wide selection of professional dresses and slacks. While a bit pricier than some of the other places on this list, Zara has a great variety of professional wear that is sure to last you a very long time. Old Navy Old Navy is an underrated gem when it comes to affordable shopping. They have everything and it’s all extremely affordable. It’s a great place to pick up nice blazers that are sure to give any outfit a flare of professionalism. From shoes to jewelry to shirts, Old Navy has everything you could need to compile your work wardrobe, and it won’t break your bank! pexels.com Macy’s Macy’s has an awesome selection of affordable work clothes, especially for men. They have a huge selection of ties, suits, and dress shirts all for affordable prices. Their ties sit at around $15 each which is a huge money saver. They also run frequent sales including their monthly One Day Sales where you can get your work wear even cheaper. Gap Gap is a great place to find alternatives to more expensive brands. A lot of their clothes mimic JCrew which, for a lot of people, is way too expensive. Thanks to Gap, you can get JCrew style professional wear for much, much cheaper. The clothes at Gap are on the more casual side, so if you are looking for something more elegant, try Gap’s sister store Banana Republic for affordable elegant wear. Amazon Shopping for clothes online can be a little bit risky, but Amazon has a huge variety of clothes that you can wear to work. If you have Prime, shipping is super fast and returns are super easy. Before discounting online shopping, scroll through the pages of Amazon and just see if there’s anything that catches your eye. Online shopping is often cheaper than shopping in-store (depending on where you are shopping), so it’s worth it to just take a look around.

6 Electronics Every Student Needs

6 Electronics Every Student Needs GIFsec.com 1.  Power strip This may seem like a boring one, but it will likely be the most important electronic you purchase. Dorm rooms are notorious for skimping out on outlets a power strip will take care of this issue. As a student who relies on your laptop, phone, e-reader, and tablet for class, it’s vital that you are able to charge them all at once so they are ready to go when you are. There’s nothing worse than trying to time when you need to switch out your electronics from using the outlet so that you can hopefully get everything you need charged up before class. Opt for a surge protecting power strip over one that isn’t this will protect you from any electrical surges that can damage your devices. 2. External hard drive Again, it’s not the most exciting electronic you can get, but it will really save your life. As students, our lives are on our laptops this is a large burden for our laptops to carry. We are constantly filling our hard drives with papers, presentations, videos, photos, and music and, eventually, our laptop can break under the pressure. This is where an external hard drive has your back. Losing all of your files because of a crash is DEVASTATING to you as a student and as a young person. An external hard drive is the best way to protect your important files from getting destroyed in the event of a crash. 3. E-reader An e-reader is a great product to have as a student. Books are an unavoidable part of school  but there are ways to make buying books cheaper and easier. E-readers are great because you can buy not only novels on them but also sometimes entire textbooks. Having all your textbooks on one device will save you from scoliosis caused by lugging massive textbooks around campus. E-books are often cheaper than buying the physical copies so the money that you spend on the e-reader will be made up in the money you save on books. giphy.com 4.  Laptop This one almost goes without saying. It’s near impossible to be a student these days without a laptop   they are great for note-taking, writing papers, editing media, and just surfing the web anywhere you want. Depending on your major, you might want to pick a computer that is capable of supporting what you do. If you just plan on using your laptop for writing papers and surfing the web, a Samsung Chromebook is a solid, cheap option for you. However, if you are going to be doing more extensive video editing or downloading heftier software, something like a Mac or Samsung Notebook might be a better bet. There are a ton of resources out there to help you choose the right computer for your needs do your research before buying one! 5.  Headphones Almost anywhere you go on campus, there will be people with  headphones  and earbuds on. Whether you’re walking between classes or studying in the library, headphones are an important part of your day. There are all kinds of headphones and earbuds to choose from at varying price points. If you are someone who likes to listen to your music a lot throughout the day, maybe opt for a slightly more expensive pair  that is likely to last longer and produce better sound. If you just use your headphones in your room, you might do fine with a cheaper pair. Take a look at your lifestyle to make the right choice! giphy.com 6. Smartphone apps This one is less a physical electronic, but just as necessary. There are THOUSANDS of apps made specifically for college students for both academic and enjoyment purposes and most of them free! Whether you need to brush up before your Spanish exam or try to balance your academics and your health, there’s an app for that! There are even apps for your more uninhibited nights out. Thanks to our smartphones, you can have food delivered to your dorm and keep your homework schedule on track using the same device. It goes without saying that you will need a smartphone in order to use any of these apps. If you don’t have one already, there are a multitude of options to choose from.

Tips to avoiding a homework meltdown

Tips to avoiding a homework meltdown Homework is painful for many reasons. One, it eats into your non-school time, two, no-one wants to do it and three, it often feels pointless. That said homework has a purpose: 1. It helps to reinforce what's being taught in the classroom. 2. It enables you to actively engage in your child's education. 3. It gets students into the habit of working out of school time by themselves. 4. It helps with skills like organisation, task completion and deadlines. 5. It can help children to retain what they are learning at school For these reasons, it's vital to avoid homework meltdowns and nip bad habits are set projects and assignments.Strategies to make homework less painful Step one: Have a designated time for homework. In KS1 and KS2 - children need to work with parents so it can help to choose a time when neither of you is fraught or hurried. Saturday mornings are good as homework is usually set over multiple days. If a number of subjects are set such as English, maths, spellings and reading, break the time up to alleviate fatigue and frustration. With KS3 and KS4, homework is set throughout the week and can be daily. Again it can help to have a designated time each night and also a way of ensuring you can see what has been set by the school (such as the Show My Homework app). Step two: Have a designated area with supplies No matter how old your child is, a clear area for homework is a must if you want to avoid a meltdown. Choose a location that has no distractions and lots of supplies. Pens, paper, erasers, calculators all become a source of homework avoidance if they aren't there and ready to be used. With KS2 and KS4 and older they may need phones and iPads, for their homework as much is set online. However, pay attention to what they are doing in their rooms and if it's homework being viewed. Step three: Know what you're dealing before you sit down With KS1 and KS2 always pre-read the homework so you can move straight into it when children sit down. Instruct them what to do but also encourage independent work. If something is too complicated or done in a different way to how you check the new process on YouTube (your homework best friend). Older siblings can also be handy here. With KS4 and above, research subjects with your child online and if you're using a tutor you can ask them for extra help and advice on the areas you are perplexed by and also for resources you can refresh your mind with. Step four: Time the homework Depending on the age of your child and the year they are in, homework should not take hours and hours. If your child is in KS1 or 2, if it's taking beyond an hour then you need to talk to their teacher. KS3 and 4 may have more homework but unless they are revising it shouldn't take hours.

Honesdale - A City With All The Elements That You Need

Honesdale - A City With All The Elements That You NeedHonesdale is very near to New York City and this is a place where you can find all sorts of amenities. If you are looking for an environment that has all the elements that you need but is very safe, then this city is perfect for you.Honesdale is also very popular with people who are seeking an adventurous lifestyle. Many people in this city are into the fun aspect of life. You can get your adrenaline rush by experiencing the different activities that this city has to offer. Some of the activities you can get involved in include cycling, skating, mountain biking, river rafting, surfing, whitewater kayaking, and more.Honesdale has other resources as well. There are many parks, lakes, and other beautiful places to enjoy yourself. However, if you are an outdoors person, then this is the place for you.Cloud Chemistry Honesdale also offers a variety of entertainment venues. You can find museums, galleries, shops, and restaurants. These are all places where you can find a lot of information on different aspects of the world of science. This will allow you to learn more about the knowledge that you already have.There are a few things that you should know before you go to Cloud Chemistry Honesdale. Before you decide on a specific vacation spot, you should consider where you want to be. If you are looking for fun, then you might want to consider a city like Syracuse or Newburgh.Cloud Chemistry Honesdale is a city that is known for its beauty and cultural heritage. However, if you are looking for the wonderful outdoors, then you should check out other destinations like New York City, Maine, and North Carolina.You can plan your vacations now through a travel agent that is located in Honesdale. Honesdale offers great benefits to families and couples who are looking for the best places to live in the country. This city offers a wide range of entertainment venues and local attractions to keep everyone interested in their o wn lives.

Chemistry Tattoo Ideas For Girls - Great Ideas to Get Your Own Tattoo

Chemistry Tattoo Ideas For Girls - Great Ideas to Get Your Own TattooChemistry tattoo ideas for girls are quite common. They can be done in different ways. This article is going to show you some of the best chemistry tattoo ideas for girls that you can use as a basis for your own designs.You could ask the lady who you will be getting your tattoo done with. She could have some great ideas. Or you could talk to her friends of her, in fact everyone that you know. They may have great ideas for you.Whatever you do, you need to make sure that you pay attention to the details of your tattoo. This is very important because sometimes they might be the ones that you are the most afraid of. But if you pay attention to the details, then it will really look cool.It's also a good idea to find out what the cultural theme of the place where you're getting the tattoo done. This is going to help you to see what type of design you need to put on your body.Another way to find out what tattoo you want to get is to find a lot of tattoo ideas. There are plenty of them online. These will come in handy if you don't have any tattoo ideas.Remember to research and see what people think about your chosen tattoo. The internet is a great place to find out what people think. There are some great places to find out what people think.Some of the chemistry tattoo ideas for girls that you can use are very common. These will help you find the perfect design for you.

Tutoring Jobs on Craigslist in the Havelis

Tutoring Jobs on Craigslist in the HavelisDid you know that Craigslist is getting many students thinking about jobs in the future? If you are looking to improve your current education opportunities, this might be an excellent opportunity to turn to Craigslist for your tutoring services. A little bit of advertising can go a long way when it comes to getting the word out.Craigslist tutoring jobs in the Havelis and a few other cities around the Greater Hartford area are easy to find and you can turn to Craigslist to find the jobs that will meet your needs. It's a good idea to do some research and see what is currently available. You should look at the different roles that are available and see what kind of education you are looking for and how this can help you.There are a lot of different places for students to go online and search for tutoring jobs. Craigslist is where you can get a listing of places that are looking for tutors, but before you do, you should check Craigslist to see if the following have been listed. These are a few locations that are not easy to find, but there are other places where you can find tutoring opportunities that will help you.The first place that you can check Craigslist to see if it has listings for tutoring jobs is the users private members area. This is the place that allows you to post any types of jobs you want to search for. Make sure that you check and see if any new jobs have been posted for tutoring. Also, be sure to read the rules that are posted with Craigslist and check the comments that have been posted to see if anyone has posted some experience with tutoring.Another way to find jobs in the Greater Hartford area is to do a search with Google. To do this, go to the main search bar and type in the city of Hartford, USA. Then go to the search page that looks like this. You can see all the places that are listed on the left and you can click on the ones that have the tutoring jobs that you are looking for.The Craigslist tut oring jobs in the Havelis and the surrounding areas that you are able to find are great options that are not hard to find. You will have a variety of choices that will help you get into the right school at the right time.Using Craigslist to find Tutoring Jobs in the Havelis and the surrounding areas that have posted tutoring positions is a great way to get your education and be in a position to help other students. Make sure to do some research and make sure that you are happy with the place that you have ended up finding a tutor for. Craigslist is a great place to find tutoring jobs that you can turn to when you are trying to improve your education.