tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-71409305224661951912024-03-05T08:42:10.468-08:00Catalyze Center for LearningAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08675023212103841927noreply@blogger.comBlogger11125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7140930522466195191.post-71888764229271223312017-06-12T00:05:00.002-07:002017-07-04T03:57:33.366-07:00Learning English the Fun Way<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">English is either the official or one of the official languages in 67 countries. Used and refined over a course of more than 1,400 years, the language is continually being enriched with the addition of new words. In the words of Jonathan Culver, “The English language is a work in progress. Have fun with it”.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">William Shakespeare was the first author to write in early modern English in 1590, when no dictionaries were in existence. He coined in English as many as 1,700 words. Many of them are still in use, examples of which are lonely, frugal, majestic, gloomy, auspicious, sportive, apostrophe, gnarled and dwindle, to recall a few.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Shakespeare created not only words, but also many phrases that we most commonly use today. Some examples: mind’s eye, ministering angel, method in his madness, green eyed monster, clothes make the man, catch a cold and housekeeping.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">When you go back on the memory lane, do you recall those summer holidays spent playing English word games and having fun while challenging each other to get those tricky tongue twisters right? Here, we will relive those fun moments and play with the language.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b>Crazy English words: which ones do you know?</b></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">English, the global mode of communication has a fun side too. Let’s explore some of the craziest words in English that have been in use for quite some time. While some parts of the world may employ them in their everyday usage, some others may not even have heard of them.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Here we give you a quick peek into some of the craziest words in English. Find the ones familiar to you.</span></span><br />
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<li><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Widdershins: This is something that moves counter clockwise or in the wrong direction. The word is still used in poems and new books.</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Abibliophobia: Are you a voracious reader and afraid of running out of things to read? You are the one afflicted by this phobia.</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Bumbershoot: This is another word for an umbrella. You might have come across it in many Disney films.</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Kakorrhaphiophobia: Irrational fear of failure.</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Nudiustertian: Day before yesterday.</span></span></li>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Play with anagrams</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">When you shuffle meaningfully the letters of a word or phrase, another new word or expression is born, which we call an anagram. Don’t you think there is an element of childish delight in unraveling an anagram?</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Look at some anagrams given below:</span></span><br />
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<tr><td style="border: 1pt solid windowtext; padding: 0cm 5.4pt;" valign="top"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b>Word</b></span></span></td><td style="-moz-border-bottom-colors: none; -moz-border-left-colors: none; -moz-border-right-colors: none; -moz-border-top-colors: none; border-color: windowtext windowtext windowtext currentcolor; border-image: none; border-style: solid solid solid none; border-width: 1pt 1pt 1pt medium; padding: 0cm 5.4pt;" valign="top"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b>Anagram</b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Lemon</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Melon</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Parliament</span></span></div>
</td> <td style="border-color: currentcolor windowtext windowtext currentcolor; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt medium; padding: 0cm 5.4pt;" valign="top"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Partial men</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Break</span></span></div>
</td> <td style="border-color: currentcolor windowtext windowtext currentcolor; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt medium; padding: 0cm 5.4pt;" valign="top"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Baker</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Rebuild</span></span></div>
</td> <td style="border-color: currentcolor windowtext windowtext currentcolor; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt medium; padding: 0cm 5.4pt;" valign="top"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Builder</span></span></div>
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<tr> <td style="-moz-border-bottom-colors: none; -moz-border-left-colors: none; -moz-border-right-colors: none; -moz-border-top-colors: none; border-color: currentcolor windowtext windowtext; border-image: none; border-style: none solid solid; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt;" valign="top"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Fired</span></span></div>
</td> <td style="border-color: currentcolor windowtext windowtext currentcolor; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt medium; padding: 0cm 5.4pt;" valign="top"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Fried</span></span></div>
</td> </tr>
<tr> <td style="-moz-border-bottom-colors: none; -moz-border-left-colors: none; -moz-border-right-colors: none; -moz-border-top-colors: none; border-color: currentcolor windowtext windowtext; border-image: none; border-style: none solid solid; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt;" valign="top"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Kitchen</span></span></div>
</td> <td style="border-color: currentcolor windowtext windowtext currentcolor; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt medium; padding: 0cm 5.4pt;" valign="top"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Thicken</span></span></div>
</td> </tr>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Teacher</span></span></div>
</td> <td style="border-color: currentcolor windowtext windowtext currentcolor; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt medium; padding: 0cm 5.4pt;" valign="top"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Hectare</span></span></div>
</td> </tr>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Looped</span></span></div>
</td> <td style="border-color: currentcolor windowtext windowtext currentcolor; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt medium; padding: 0cm 5.4pt;" valign="top"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Poodle</span></span></div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b>Improving pronunciation: popular tongue twisters</b></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">A tongue twister is a phrase or sentence, which is usually difficult to utter fast because it is a sequence of almost similar sounds. It employs mostly alliteration that occurs when a series of words (even a two-word phrase) or adjacent ones have the same consonant sound.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">A tongue twister turns out most amusing when you fumble and blunder, trying to repeat it several times in a row as quick as you can, and getting the pronunciation right at the same time.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Companies make use of this alliterative device for a better recall in the buyer’s mind like Coco-Cola, PayPal and Dunkin’ Donuts. Some popular personalities who could stand out in your memory for the alliterative effect in their names are Ronald Reagan, Marilyn Monroe, William Wordsworth and Donald Duck, the most popular cartoon character.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Could we ever forget the evergreen tongue twister, ‘She sells seashells by the sea shore,’ which is an alliterative phrase? Although most of the tongue twisters do not make sense, they help to hone speech skills in children, not to forget the fun moments even adults get to have, bringing out the child in them.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Some popular tongue twisters for you:</span></span><br />
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<ol style="text-align: justify;">
<li><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">How can a clam cram in a clean cream can?</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I scream, you scream, we all scream for ice cream!</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">A big black bug bit a big black dog on his big black nose!</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Black background, brown background, black background, brown background, black background, brown background.</span></span></li>
</ol>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Poems are not left out too. Sample this funny tongue twister poem:</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Peter Piper picked a peck of pickled peppers. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">A peck of pickled peppers Peter Piper picked. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">If Peter Piper picked a peck of pickled peppers </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">How many pickled peppers did Peter Piper pick?</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b>American and British Equivalents</b></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">If you are a globetrotter and shuttling between America and Britain, make sure to get a grip on the vocabulary used in the two countries. Why is it so? The same word is spelt differently in American and British English. In some instances, entirely different terms mean the same thing. Given below are a few examples.</span></span><br />
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<table align="justify" border="1" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="MsoTableGrid"><tbody>
<tr><td style="border: 1pt solid windowtext; padding: 0cm 5.4pt;" valign="top"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b>American English</b></span></span></td><td style="-moz-border-bottom-colors: none; -moz-border-left-colors: none; -moz-border-right-colors: none; -moz-border-top-colors: none; border-color: windowtext windowtext windowtext currentcolor; border-image: none; border-style: solid solid solid none; border-width: 1pt 1pt 1pt medium; padding: 0cm 5.4pt;" valign="top"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b>British English</b></span></span></div>
</td> </tr>
<tr> <td style="-moz-border-bottom-colors: none; -moz-border-left-colors: none; -moz-border-right-colors: none; -moz-border-top-colors: none; border-color: currentcolor windowtext windowtext; border-image: none; border-style: none solid solid; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt;" valign="top"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">airplane</span></span></div>
</td> <td style="border-color: currentcolor windowtext windowtext currentcolor; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt medium; padding: 0cm 5.4pt;" valign="top"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">aeroplane</span></span></div>
</td> </tr>
<tr> <td style="-moz-border-bottom-colors: none; -moz-border-left-colors: none; -moz-border-right-colors: none; -moz-border-top-colors: none; border-color: currentcolor windowtext windowtext; border-image: none; border-style: none solid solid; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt;" valign="top"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">counterclockwise</span></span></div>
</td> <td style="border-color: currentcolor windowtext windowtext currentcolor; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt medium; padding: 0cm 5.4pt;" valign="top"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">anticlockwise</span></span></div>
</td> </tr>
<tr> <td style="-moz-border-bottom-colors: none; -moz-border-left-colors: none; -moz-border-right-colors: none; -moz-border-top-colors: none; border-color: currentcolor windowtext windowtext; border-image: none; border-style: none solid solid; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt;" valign="top"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">cookie</span></span></div>
</td> <td style="border-color: currentcolor windowtext windowtext currentcolor; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt medium; padding: 0cm 5.4pt;" valign="top"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">biscuit</span></span></div>
</td> </tr>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">suspenders</span></span></div>
</td> <td style="border-color: currentcolor windowtext windowtext currentcolor; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt medium; padding: 0cm 5.4pt;" valign="top"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">braces</span></span></div>
</td> </tr>
<tr> <td style="-moz-border-bottom-colors: none; -moz-border-left-colors: none; -moz-border-right-colors: none; -moz-border-top-colors: none; border-color: currentcolor windowtext windowtext; border-image: none; border-style: none solid solid; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt;" valign="top"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">French fries</span></span></div>
</td> <td style="border-color: currentcolor windowtext windowtext currentcolor; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt medium; padding: 0cm 5.4pt;" valign="top"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">chips</span></span></div>
</td> </tr>
<tr> <td style="-moz-border-bottom-colors: none; -moz-border-left-colors: none; -moz-border-right-colors: none; -moz-border-top-colors: none; border-color: currentcolor windowtext windowtext; border-image: none; border-style: none solid solid; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt;" valign="top"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">garbage can </span></span></div>
</td> <td style="border-color: currentcolor windowtext windowtext currentcolor; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt medium; padding: 0cm 5.4pt;" valign="top"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">dustbin</span></span></div>
</td> </tr>
<tr> <td style="-moz-border-bottom-colors: none; -moz-border-left-colors: none; -moz-border-right-colors: none; -moz-border-top-colors: none; border-color: currentcolor windowtext windowtext; border-image: none; border-style: none solid solid; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt;" valign="top"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">billboard</span></span></div>
</td> <td style="border-color: currentcolor windowtext windowtext currentcolor; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt medium; padding: 0cm 5.4pt;" valign="top"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">hoarding</span></span></div>
</td> </tr>
<tr> <td style="-moz-border-bottom-colors: none; -moz-border-left-colors: none; -moz-border-right-colors: none; -moz-border-top-colors: none; border-color: currentcolor windowtext windowtext; border-image: none; border-style: none solid solid; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt;" valign="top"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">corn</span></span></div>
</td> <td style="border-color: currentcolor windowtext windowtext currentcolor; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt medium; padding: 0cm 5.4pt;" valign="top"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">maize</span></span></div>
</td> </tr>
<tr> <td style="-moz-border-bottom-colors: none; -moz-border-left-colors: none; -moz-border-right-colors: none; -moz-border-top-colors: none; border-color: currentcolor windowtext windowtext; border-image: none; border-style: none solid solid; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt;" valign="top"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">math</span></span></div>
</td> <td style="border-color: currentcolor windowtext windowtext currentcolor; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt medium; padding: 0cm 5.4pt;" valign="top"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">maths</span></span></div>
</td> </tr>
<tr> <td style="-moz-border-bottom-colors: none; -moz-border-left-colors: none; -moz-border-right-colors: none; -moz-border-top-colors: none; border-color: currentcolor windowtext windowtext; border-image: none; border-style: none solid solid; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt;" valign="top"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">gas/gasoline</span></span></div>
</td> <td style="border-color: currentcolor windowtext windowtext currentcolor; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt medium; padding: 0cm 5.4pt;" valign="top"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">petrol</span></span></div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Are you interested in <a href="http://www.catalyzecenter.com/spoken-english-classes-online.html">improving your spoken English skills</a> from the comfort of your home? Visit the best online portal now for more information. </span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"></span></span></div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08675023212103841927noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7140930522466195191.post-35087831262086761502017-04-21T23:57:00.000-07:002017-07-04T03:58:36.395-07:00What is IGCSE all about?<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMtNt66d15Ie24SwrYFYF850WSSj59RcIlCHczyxwzJsL_1dHjZLSXkYhtWv7gk3nP8f60NtDMNSAGwc7XyZBHAM_tBCA8IEYmAw4mGzlsox_GP2lLeazbcj-vzplmNM9Zn7Kq5S1rHYE/s1600/Catalyze+Center.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="428" data-original-width="640" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMtNt66d15Ie24SwrYFYF850WSSj59RcIlCHczyxwzJsL_1dHjZLSXkYhtWv7gk3nP8f60NtDMNSAGwc7XyZBHAM_tBCA8IEYmAw4mGzlsox_GP2lLeazbcj-vzplmNM9Zn7Kq5S1rHYE/s320/Catalyze+Center.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">The International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE) is
the most popular educational qualification all over the world. Developed
in 1988 by Cambridge International Examinations, it has won recognition
as an excellent international alternative to several well-accepted
national curricula. <br /><br /><b>IGCSE Board at a glance</b><br /><br /><a href="http://www.catalyzecenter.com/igcse-gcse-ibdiplomo-onlinetutoring.html">IGCSE program</a> is learner-centric: it employs inquiry-based approaches to
learning, which facilitates the transformation of young minds into
global leaders in various fields. It is a two-year comprehensive program
spread over Classes 9 and 10.<br /><br />A student who has completed early
schooling from any other board can join the IGCSE program when in Class
9. Its syllabus is designed similar to that of Class 10 exam of the
CBSE/ICSE Board of India.<br /><br />With international acceptance and
appeal, IGCSE develops and sharpens diverse skills including subject
knowledge, application of knowledge to familiar and unfamiliar
situations, oral skills, creative thinking, analytical expertise and
problem solving proficiencies, apart from working and communicating well
in English.<br /><br />In short, it makes you future-ready in any part of
the world. The program helps acquire an IGCSE qualification for each
subject you take.<br /><br />With a pass in IGCSE, you can take up any
international preuniversity program, like the IB Diploma or Advanced
Placement Diploma of the United States, A/AS Level and AICE of the
United Kingdom or Class 12 CBSE/ICSE of the Indian system.<br /><br /><b>The Curriculum</b><br /><br />IGCSE
coursework encourages active and questioning approach to learning that
leads to an overall development of the learner. The emphasis is more on
‘how to learn’ rather than ‘what to learn’. It is a more rigorous
examination than many others are. The program is regularly updated in
line with changing needs of our times.<br /><br />It offers over 70
subjects, including 30 languages. A student has a choice to pick
multiple subjects categorized into five viz., ‘Languages’, ‘Humanities
and Social Sciences’, ‘Sciences’, ‘Mathematics’, ‘Creative, Technical
and Vocational’. A student may have to choose a first language, a second
language, Mathematics and one or more subjects in the Sciences as a
part of IGCSE program. Students can opt between core (overview of the
subject) and extended (kind of specialization) curricula in several
subjects. <br /><br />The curriculum is international in outlook and
region-specific, sans cultural bias. Students have the freedom to choose
subjects in line with their ability levels that lend them many
opportunities to score good grades.<br /><br />If you are looking to take up
IGCSE, why don’t you learn in the comforting environment of your home,
when you are free from your own local schoolwork? It will surely be wise
to enroll for personalized <a href="http://www.catalyzecenter.com/">online learning at a reputed portal</a> that
caters to your special needs.<br /><br /><b>When is it offered?</b><br /><br />IGCSE examinations are held twice a year, in June and November. Candidates would get the results in August and January. <br /><br /><b>Assessment and grading</b><br /><br />The
assessment that happens shortly before the completion of the course
covers oral and written tests, coursework and practical evaluation.
There is no pass or fail in each subject. The certificate only indicates
the grades scored by the test taker. The IGCSE is graded on an 8-point
scale from A* to G that is internationally recognized. The highest grade
is A*, and ‘U’ points to ‘Ungraded’. <br /><br />International schools
across the world generally allow students to study 5 to 14 IGCSE
subjects. The minimum requisite qualification is a pass in five core
subjects at C or above.<br /><br /><b>Recognition in India and abroad</b><br /><br />A Cambridge IGCSE qualification opens up global opportunities in both education and career.<br /><br />IGCSE
is delivered in schools in over 140 countries and is accepted by
colleges and universities worldwide – to a greater extent in the UK and
other Commonwealth countries.<br /><br />IGCSE is recognized by the Association of Indian Universities (AIU) at par with CBSE and ICSE. <br /><br />In
the UK, Cambridge IGCSE is accepted as equivalent to the GCSE. A
significant number of UK universities recognize Cambridge IGCSE English
Language qualification as proof of English language competency for
university study.<br /><br />Some colleges and universities in the United
States and Canada accept learners with five Cambridge IGCSE subject
passes at grade C or above.<br /><br />Students stand as well a good chance
of acceptance by premier educational institutions across the world
including MIT, Harvard and Cambridge. Employers around the world
consider it as a valuable certificate of achievement.</span></span></div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08675023212103841927noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7140930522466195191.post-50170062296331882062017-03-24T03:47:00.000-07:002017-05-02T01:59:39.738-07:00Improving Your Spoken English<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTrKZPAZMWamoN9aLQtiWHbrh1yPypbqtwhzhE2jHnbqDVcgSVktRI75g10oyKBzQhAw-N0RS8Djb9dlXZo1BEVn94aWABDdKCgtXub3RuOwzCz2Yp50l6t07lL8g3XcB7SoQzGO8PYqM/s1600/Catalyze+Center.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTrKZPAZMWamoN9aLQtiWHbrh1yPypbqtwhzhE2jHnbqDVcgSVktRI75g10oyKBzQhAw-N0RS8Djb9dlXZo1BEVn94aWABDdKCgtXub3RuOwzCz2Yp50l6t07lL8g3XcB7SoQzGO8PYqM/s320/Catalyze+Center.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">One of the basic everyday things that humankind cannot do without is
communication. Language is the tool we use to express our needs,
thoughts, and emotions. It is essential that communication is very clear
for effective transaction of anything. Thanks to ever-increasing
globalization, most businesses worldwide use English as the primary
language of communication. Effective communication in English plays a
crucial role in education, professional growth, and personal life as
well. <br /><br /><b>Importance of Spoken English</b><br /><br />Language
communication involves integrated skills of listening, speaking,
reading and writing; they all go hand in hand. An effective speaker
steals the show, charms the audience and proves to be a winner; the
situation may be formal/informal, personal/public, or
social/professional. Capacity for good Spoken English boosts up your
confidence immensely to face any challenge and attempt solutions; the
setting may be local, national or global. You are welcome wherever you
go!<br /><br /><b>Sub-skills of Spoken English</b><br /><br />Effective
listening precedes effective speaking. A good speaker is a good
listener, and a good listener often becomes a good speaker. This is
because adequate practice is required first in the recognition and
production of the sounds of English (vowels and consonants), and the
patterns of stress, rhythm and intonation in English.<br /><br />The following are the skills specifically needed for effective speaking.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<ul style="text-align: justify;">
<li><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Perception
and production of correct English vowel and consonant sounds, and sound
contrasts (including the problematic ones, for e.g. the first sounds
in the words pin and bin, or van and fan)</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Knowledge and
effective use of the weak/reduced forms of words and phrases of spoken
English (e.g. I’ve, I’m, he’ll, she’d, you’d rather, etc.)</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Perception and production of correct stress and tone patterns of English</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Ability to perceive and produce variations in speed to match different situations and purposes</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Use of appropriate cohesive devices such as pronouns, articles, tenses, and conjunctions, and other linking words and phrases</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Use of an adequate stock of words that are needed in everyday speech</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Mastery of the basic grammar of spoken English</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">A
good use of body language and other nonverbal signals (e.g. facial
expressions, gestures, etc) to support effective communication</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Use of appropriate varieties of English to match different situations (e.g. formal/informal, professional/social)</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Ability to use other suitable ways to express meaning when words by themselves fail to convey full meaning</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Ability to present the same meanings through different grammatical forms </span></span></li>
</ul>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b>Stages of a training course in Spoken English</b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">There
can be three stages of a training course in spoken English: controlled
practice, partially controlled practice and fully free interaction.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b>Controlled practice</b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Language
drills can initiate the first stage viz., controlled practice. The
drills should be short, with the focus on a single language point at a
time [e.g. a sound contrast, a consonant cluster (= two or more
consonants appearing side by side), a weak form etc.]. They should have a
clear purpose, serve communicative goals (e.g. request, invitation,
offer etc.), and should never be overdone. Other wise the drills become
mechanical, killing the element of interest.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">‘Fluency’ and
‘accuracy’ are, like the two sides of a coin, two important aspects of
effective speaking. Fluency is the free flow of natural speech without
interruptions and undue periods of silence. Accuracy is the correctness
of following all the rules of the language. It is necessary to develop
both these important aspects of speech.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b>Partially controlled practice</b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">During
this stage, repetitive drills and grammar-based exercises are gradually
withdrawn; simple tasks demanding spontaneous real-life speech and
genuine interaction are gradually introduced.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Pair work and group
work would be of great help during this stage. Questions and answers
should be related to real-life functions like introducing, offering and
accepting invitations, requesting and thanking for help, etc.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b>Fully free interaction</b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">The
aim of this final stage of practice is training for facing true-to-life
situations. The activities during this stage progress from relatively
easy tasks to ones that are more difficult.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Learning how to speak
naturally, spontaneously and fluently (without sacrificing accuracy) is
a long and challenging process. It cannot be achieved in a day. It
requires hours of conscious and meticulous practice. You may do well
enrolling yourself for an <a href="http://www.catalyzecenter.com/spoken-english-classes-online.html">online spoken English training program</a> and acquire the necessary skills right from the comfort of your home/office.</span></span></div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08675023212103841927noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7140930522466195191.post-2048463600670487782017-02-23T03:44:00.000-08:002017-05-02T00:18:49.316-07:00Your Definitive Guide to TOEFL<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8fh3pwmErXmMm2P9Hcl02EBSZGTfWHdt-7HLsbBbdRFPrpzuN8FpIpV-bwmmLPt9DeleufLlC8VaaAQYEE4v_bKcfos19rtznBNbM4Mftdil_K7jS6SlthKTylFd4BxY1fwCnLnLyzXg/s1600/Catalyze+Center.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="199" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8fh3pwmErXmMm2P9Hcl02EBSZGTfWHdt-7HLsbBbdRFPrpzuN8FpIpV-bwmmLPt9DeleufLlC8VaaAQYEE4v_bKcfos19rtznBNbM4Mftdil_K7jS6SlthKTylFd4BxY1fwCnLnLyzXg/s320/Catalyze+Center.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b>What is TOEFL?</b><br /> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">A good TOEFL (Test of English as a
Foreign Language) score is a qualifying requirement for foreign
students planning to study in American and Canadian universities, and
whose proficiency in English needs to be of an acceptable level.<br /><br />TOEFL
gauges how well you can carry out academic tasks in English through
reading, writing, listening and speaking tests. It is designed and
administered by the Educational Testing Service (ETS), a private,
non-profit organization. ETS has its headquarters located in Princeton,
New Jersey, and several offices worldwide. <br /><br />Some universities in Europe and other countries also accept TOEFL scores, though IELTS is more popular outside United States.<br /><br /><b>Test structure</b><br /><br />TOEFL
is offered in two typical formats, based on where your test center is
located. TOEFL iBT is available for candidates who have internet access.
It is administered several times a year at authorized test centers
throughout the world. Those who do not have internet connectivity may
have to appear for the Paper-Based Test (PBT).<br /><br /><b>Reading</b><br /><br />This
section is 60-80 minutes long. You may have to answer 36-56 questions,
based on 3 or 4 passages drawn from academic texts. The maximum score
for reading is 30. You may be asked to answer questions about main
ideas, vocabulary or filling out tables. To arrive at the right answer,
you do not require any prior knowledge of the topics of the texts.<br /><br /><b>Writing</b><br /><br />Writing
involves completing two tasks in a span of 50 minutes. The first task
requires you to write an essay after completing reading and listening
tasks. The second task gives you an opinion as a topic. You will have
to support the opinion by writing an essay. Your responses will be sent
to Educational Testing Services’ Online Scoring Network (ETS OSN) and
assessed by at least 3 different evaluators.<br /><br /><b>Listening</b><br /><br />This
part is for 60-90 minutes. You listen to lectures, classroom
discussions and conversations and answer 34-51 questions based on what
you have heard. You can listen only once; you may take notes while
listening if desired, and refer to later when you answer questions. This
section measures your ability to understand ideas and organize
information. The maximum score is 30.<br /><br /><b>Speaking</b><br /><br />You
need to complete six tasks in this section in 20 minutes. Speaking
involves expressing your opinion on a familiar topic, and speaking on
reading and listening tasks. This part tests your fluency and
spontaneity and how appropriately you synthesize information from the
available material.<br /><br />Your responses will be digitally recorded,
sent to Educational Testing Services’ Online Scoring Network (ETS OSN),
and rated by 3-6 evaluators.<br /><br /><b>TOEFL score</b><br /><br />TOEFL
score is valid for two years. The overall maximum score is 120 from
four sections carrying 30 marks each. If you score in the range of
80-100, you stand a good chance of acceptance by most universities. <br /><br />You
can view your scores online within a fortnight from the test date. You
have an added bonus of sending free your official TOEFL score to a
maximum of four institutions on the test day, if you had chosen them
before the test.<br /><br /><b>Who accepts TOEFL scores?</b><br /><br />Over
9,000 colleges and other institutions accept TOEFL scores. Compared to
other English tests, admission officers are more in favor of using TOEFL
scores as a means of measuring your proficiency in English. It is
accepted by medical agencies for professional certification purposes.
Those seeking residential and work visas can submit TOEFL scores to
immigration authorities.<br /><br /><b>Studying abroad: the TOEFL advantage</b><br /><br />The
biggest TOEFL advantage for you is to qualify for a college admission
in a prestigious foreign country, which by itself is a game changer. It
launches you firmly on your study-abroad journey. A good TOEFL score
stands you in good stead in terms of acceptance by a wide range of
colleges and universities in the United States.<br /><br />Voila! Your great
American academic dream then becomes a breeze. Apart from the US, top
academic institutions in the United Kingdom, Australia, and New Zealand
among others are open to accepting TOEFL scores.<br /><br />Exposure to
international academic circles helps you acquire a skill set that has a
positive stamp on your career and life over the years. You demonstrate
your adaptability to new environs and capacity of response to new ideas,
languages and cultures. In short, it makes you stand out from others
before your prospective employer.<br /><br />Though the TOEFL test format
may appear to be misleadingly simple for those who claim to be
proficient in English, the standards of the test can be really
challenging even for those who ARE proficient.<br /><br />It would be best for you to enroll with a reputed <a href="http://www.catalyzecenter.com/tofel-online-course.html">online TOEFL prep portal</a> to acquire the right language skills that would surely be a good start to realize your great aspirations for a mark abroad.</span></span></div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08675023212103841927noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7140930522466195191.post-77034526554938932612017-01-20T00:50:00.001-08:002017-01-20T03:55:46.324-08:00Decoding SAT : Basics You Should Know<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhulbCTx8iiQIaCAHBGpJT9GhyWBxqnDqDpQFoJ4S_VF7ONA3zFhMOVoRzuXi8agecJPP63Gr-LtTS1M6m9sCU7yY9FKFVF_LDaBARqW57pQlK5eryyMa4DPSGI6uafji5yj81JSjI8mxo/s1600/Catalyze+Center.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhulbCTx8iiQIaCAHBGpJT9GhyWBxqnDqDpQFoJ4S_VF7ONA3zFhMOVoRzuXi8agecJPP63Gr-LtTS1M6m9sCU7yY9FKFVF_LDaBARqW57pQlK5eryyMa4DPSGI6uafji5yj81JSjI8mxo/s1600/Catalyze+Center.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">The
SAT, earlier called Scholastic Aptitude Test and now Scholastic
Assessment Test, is an admission test usually accepted by most of the
colleges and universities in the United States. It tests students’
preparedness to undergo higher education in US colleges. </span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">Introduced
in 1926, SAT has undergone several changes in its name and scoring
pattern over the years. The Educational Testing Service (ETS) develops
and administers the test on behalf of the College Board, a private
not-for-profit corporation in the United States.</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b><span style="line-height: 115%;">Test Format </span></b></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">SAT
is offered seven times a year. It measures what you studied in high
school and the skill set you would require to sail through the college
course. It has three test components.</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b><span style="line-height: 115%;">Reading Test</span></b></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">Reading
Test is all about what you must have been doing for years. It tests how
well you assimilate and use information through reading. </span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">It
is a multiple-choice test with 52 questions and 65 minutes’ duration.
Test passages are drawn from high standard previously published subjects
of US and world literature, social studies and science, but it does not
call for prior expertise in the subject. The passages are sometimes
accompanied by informational graphics like tables and graphs.</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b><span style="line-height: 115%;">Writing and Language</span></b></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">You
become an editor while doing the test, wherein you read, spot errors
and weaknesses in word usage and structures, and correct them. You will
have 35 minutes to answer 44 questions in all.</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">All
questions are multiple choice and test passages are drawn from history,
social studies and science. This again does not necessitate any prior
knowledge in these subjects. Some passages may have informational
graphics like charts, tables and graphs but you do not have to work out
any math.</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b><span style="line-height: 115%;">Mathematics</span></b></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">This
test focuses a lot on your problem solving skills, modeling, using
tools strategically and using algebraic structure. You would apply the
math that you would most likely use in all sorts of situations. You may
have to take two math tests: ‘Math Test – Calculator’ with 38 questions
and 55 minutes’ duration and ‘Math Test – No Calculator’ with 20
questions and 25 minutes’ duration.</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b><span style="line-height: 115%;">SAT essay</span></b></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">This
component tests how well you use your reading, analysis and writing
skills in 50 minutes, as it is done in a college essay writing
assignment. This is optional, but some schools do require it. </span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b><span style="line-height: 115%;">Test length</span></b></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">The
total SAT duration is 180 minutes with a 10-minute break after the
Reading test and a 5-minute break after the ‘Math Test – No Calculator’
section.</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b><span style="line-height: 115%;">How to time the test</span></b></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">Running
out of time is a common problem found among several SAT takers. The
best method to prepare for the extended duration and intensity of SAT is
to take strictly timed, full-length practice tests. Familiarize
yourself with test instructions and length before the SAT to avoid
nail-biting moments in the exam hall.</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">Move
away from trickier questions; do not spend time poring over them. Do
not be tempted to go back to the question you left unanswered in a
dilemma. You may have to finish answering all the questions before
taking reattempts. If you are stuck with indecision, eliminate the wrong
choices first and choose from the remaining answers.</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b><span style="line-height: 115%;">SAT Scores</span></b></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">The
new SAT is scored on the 1600 scale. If you score 1200, you are rated
as ‘excellent’ and ranked in the top 25 percent while a 1000 will rate
you as ‘good’, putting you in the average category.</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b><span style="line-height: 115%;">What is the takeaway?</span></b></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">Apart
from polishing your language skills, SAT gives you a valuable
opportunity to hone a variety of skills including problem-solving,
analytical thinking, accomplishing a task to its finest detail and
finding smart shortcuts. </span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">Equipped
with such a broad skill set, you are prepared to face the world with
full confidence, be it your academic front or personal/ professional
life. Your problem solving skills acquire a competitive edge that puts
you on par with international students.</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">Armed with a good SAT score, you have better prospects to apply for colleges that offer scholarships and grants.</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b><span style="line-height: 115%;">Preparation tips </span></b></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">Cramming
words and facts is not the key to a creditable performance in SAT. It
tests you with simple questions posed in trickier ways. The more you
practice, the sharper your skills and the readier you are to fight the
battle.</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">Read challenging topics, take quizzes, and ask and answer a battery of questions. Enroll yourself in a structured </span><a href="http://www.catalyzecenter.com/online-coaching-classes-for-sat.html"><span style="line-height: 115%;">online learning portal</span></a><span style="line-height: 115%;">
for anywhere-anytime personalized learning, to polish your language
skills, learn better time management and get fully prepared for SAT.</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">In
your study plan, develop the regular habit of reading articles and
complex passages on unfamiliar topics. Familiarize yourself with the
test structure and rules. Above all, in the run up to the test day, stay
relaxed, eat healthy and sleep peacefully to feel well rested.</span></span></span></div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08675023212103841927noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7140930522466195191.post-66846501780719481222016-12-28T22:58:00.000-08:002017-01-11T19:36:00.664-08:00IELTS: Your Gateway to Enormous Global Opportunities<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv4M2KlD-j35HDISe2LGM5i4YE2IDOQajbyxlUgkAg4R9Oo3KiNipjjbAbK-47Hrm3vNKZ5k4FXGukHElSsZ6OMZt3ug0ElVedvewpf-YdtuBKVXZNlKVitGOb7ZhMFOcfA2GkKkAKfFo/s1600/Catalyze+Center.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv4M2KlD-j35HDISe2LGM5i4YE2IDOQajbyxlUgkAg4R9Oo3KiNipjjbAbK-47Hrm3vNKZ5k4FXGukHElSsZ6OMZt3ug0ElVedvewpf-YdtuBKVXZNlKVitGOb7ZhMFOcfA2GkKkAKfFo/s320/Catalyze+Center.jpg" width="231" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Are you looking to study or work abroad? Do you have plans to settle in
an English-speaking foreign country? Then IELTS is the key that will
open the door to a world of opportunities overseas.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b>What is IELTS?</b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">The
International English Language Testing System abbreviated as IELTS is
the world’s most popular English test for international higher
education, work or migration.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">It is an English proficiency
assessment test designed to gauge a wide range of language skills of an
individual looking to study or seek employment in or migrate to
countries where English is the language of communication. The test has
been developed and jointly owned by the British Council, IDP: IELTS
Australia and Cambridge English Language Assessment of the University of
Cambridge.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b>When is it offered?</b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">IELTS is
offered up to four times a month in more than 130 countries. You may
have to take the test on Thursdays and Saturdays. You can appear for
IELTS in over 1,100 test centers around the world.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b>Test components and duration</b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">IELTS
has four papers: Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking. It has two
different modules: Academic and General Training. Here, we look at the
test components of IELTS Academic.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b>IELTS Academic</b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">If
you desire to earn an undergraduate or postgraduate degree abroad or if
you are a professional desiring to register in a foreign land, you need
to take IELTS Academic.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b>Components of IELTS Academic</b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b>Reading</b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">This
paper has 40 questions, spread over 3 sections. You will find general
topics written in narrative or argumentative style sourced from books,
newspapers, journals and online materials. You will be tested for
general understanding of the main text and specific grasp of finer
points.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Texts may have diagrams, graphs or illustrations too. You
will find dictionary definitions for technical words, if any. Marks
will be deducted for faulty grammar or spelling. The duration will be 60
minutes including transfer time.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b>Writing</b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">You
will have to complete two writing tasks in this paper. Task 1 involves
describing some visual information given in a graph, table, chart or
diagram; you will write at least 150 words of your own in 20 minutes.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">In
Task 2, you need to discuss a point of view or problem by writing at
least 250 words in 40 minutes. You will be tested for relevance of
response to the task and how well you express your ideas in writing.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b>Listening</b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">This
paper has four sections each of 10 questions. Sections 1 and 2 focus on
everyday social situations. Sections 3 and 4 are set in educational and
training contexts. Speakers use different accents including British,
New Zealand, Australian and North American.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">You listen to the
recordings only once. Time allowed is approximately 30 minutes for
listening and 10 minutes at the end of the test to transfer your
responses to an answer sheet. You will lose marks for incorrect spelling
and grammar.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b>Speaking</b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">The IELTS Speaking
test is a face-to-face oral interaction between the candidate and the
examiner. The test has three parts and will be recorded for later
assessment. You will be tested for grammatical accuracy, pronunciation
and fluency. Time allotted is 15 minutes.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b>Test report format</b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">You
do not pass or fail in IELTS. Your performance in each test component
is graded using scores from 1-9. The unique 9-Band Scale is
internationally recognized to assess your performance in a consistent
manner, irrespective of when or where you take the test.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b>IELTS 9-Band Scale</b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">9 Expert user</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">8 Very good user</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">7 Good user</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">6 Competent user</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">5 Modest user</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">4 Limited user</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">3 Extremely limited user</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">2 Intermittent user</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">1 Non-user</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">0 Did not attempt the test</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">If
you have an overall half band score, say for instance 7.5, it would
mean that you have performed very well within the Band 7 level.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b>Who Accept IELTS Score?</b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Several
universities and employers accept IELTS scores across the world in
countries like Australia, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, and the
United States of America. Professional bodies, immigration authorities
and other government outfits also recognize it.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">You can learn more about specialized and personalized online IELTS preparation and tutoring at a reputed <a href="http://www.catalyzecenter.com/ielts-coaching-online.html">online tutoring portal</a>.</span></span></div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08675023212103841927noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7140930522466195191.post-64355739265146143382016-01-18T03:53:00.002-08:002017-01-03T23:07:00.195-08:00Start-up India – Creating entrepreneurial energy<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The “Start-up India” launch, that happened on January 16, 2016, brought together several stake holders to stimulate dialogue on key challenges faced by the Indian startup ecosystem. This initiative is a significant step in the Government of India’s commitment to making India the hub of innovation, design and Start-ups.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The global workshop on “Innovation and Start-ups” brought together some of the most innovative minds like Masayoshi Son, Founder & CEO Soft bank, Travis Kalanick, CEO Uber, Adam Neumann, CEO We work and several successful Indian businesses from flipkart to Paytm. Catalyze Center for Learning was one of the 2000 Indian startup Invitees to attend the event. The landmark event not only brought forth the innovation and energy of Indian youth, but was an arena where some of the brightest innovators and business minds shared their stories and left some very powerful take home messages for aspiring entrepreneurs. </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Here are some of the take home messages that came out of the day long discussions and interactions.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">• <b>Entrepreneurship happens when passion meets a need</b> - Talking about how Uber came about, Travis shared, “We wanted to get a ride in Paris but couldn’t find a taxi.” He saw a big market there that hadn’t changed for a long time.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">• <b>Start small and make a difference</b> - It is important to start small and build a business and a community that fosters itself. Also be passionate about making a difference to people. </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">• <b>Success always follows exceptional people </b>- Entrepreneurship is not only about money and success, but making a difference and touching the lives of people in positive ways. Instead of chasing money, which is a peripheral, chase impacting lives, which is core. Once the core is addressed the peripheral follows.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">• <b>Take the plunge and enjoy the ride </b>- Entrepreneurship is not only about success. Most successful entrepreneurs have had many failures before they became successful. It is important to take the failures as learning lessons and enjoy the ride.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">• <b>Find a good mentor</b> - Good mentors act as a compass where an entrepreneur can gain direction and insights.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">• <b>Hire a team where the cultural fit is right </b>- Spend 25-30% of your time interviewing people who will help you grow. Success of an entrepreneur is always about people.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08675023212103841927noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7140930522466195191.post-7897850944030760162015-07-22T04:27:00.000-07:002017-01-03T23:08:43.016-08:0010 FAQs on IGCSE Board<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">It is an age of an education revolution with every parent aspiring for a unique set of skill sets and creativity for one’s child, with aspirations that are truly unconventional. It is always a challenge to choose the right board or school to fulfil these aspirations and empowering oneself with information on the different curricula offered is definitely a starting point. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">The Cambridge Curriculum is one such where the creativity and the versatility of a student can be explored, supported and encouraged to achieve those aspirations.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">1. What is IGCSE/GCSE board?</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">IGCSE or GCSE as it is called in UK are international exams developed by University of Cambridge, encouraging and preparing a student to develop creativity, curiosity and a lasting passion for learning. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">2. What are the qualifications or certificates one achieves?</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">The qualifications are Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge O Level, Cambridge International AS and A Level, and Cambridge Pre-U. Several universities and employers around the world recognize these qualifications. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">3. What are the different programs offered under the Cambridge curriculum</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Cambridge Primary (5-11 years)</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Is a world class curriculum that develops cognitive skills in English, mathematics and science. The children’s learning is assessed as they progress with two optional assessments: Cambridge Primary Progression Tests and Cambridge Primary Checkpoint.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Cambridge Secondary 1 (11-14 years)</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Cognitive skills in are developed in English, mathematics and science for the first three years of secondary education. Its unique features are a combination of world-class curriculum, high-quality support for teachers and integrated assessment. Cambridge Secondary 1 Checkpoint</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Cambridge Secondary 2 (14 – 16 years)</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Offers two levels Cambridge IGCSE and Cambridge O Level</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Cambridge Advanced ((16 – 19 years)</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Cambridge Advanced is typically for learners who need advanced study to prepare for university and higher education. It offers learners two routes: Cambridge International AS and A Level, and Cambridge Pre-U.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">4. How well is it recognized in India ?</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">AS, A levels are well recognized by many universities in India , please find the recognition statements in this link http://www.cie.org.uk/images/122860-india-recognition-statements.pdf</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">5. What are the subjects or groups offered in IGCSE ?</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">The subject groups are English, Humanities, Mathematics, Science, Social Science Technology and Arts.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">6. How is grading done in IGCSE?</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Grading is done in percentage uniform marks. A system of grading is followed which is not dependent on the marks obtained in the marksheet but a combination of the mark obtained in the answer sheet and the position of the grade thresholds. The grades range from A* to G.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">7. What options can one opt for after IGCSE?</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Passing IGCSE entitles the student for any +2 qualification in India or abroad. One can opt for the Cambride A level exams conducted by CIE or opt for IB diplomat. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">8. What are A level exams?</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">This is an equivalent of 12th standard and is completed over 2 years with AS (Advanced Subsidiary Level) in the first year and A2 in the second year.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">9. How are the Cambridge A level exams recognized in the US?</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Cambridge International AS and A Levels are recognized by more than 485 universities in the USA. This includes Ivy League and Ivy Plus universities. CIE has formed a US Higher Education Advisory Council, membership of the Council includes representatives from universities such as MIT, Duke, Columbia, Penn State, Washington and Yale.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">10. What is unique about IGCSE?</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">The beauty of IGCSE is the creativity , flexibility and the unique innovative methods that can be used to meet the needs of students with differing abilities. The curriculum boasts of a combination of over 70 subjects, 40 in the case of Edexcel. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">The IGCSE curriculum helps in developing creative thinking, enquiry and problem solving skills and could prove beneficial to those aspiring to go abroad for higher studies.</span></span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08675023212103841927noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7140930522466195191.post-11851554692586720942015-07-15T23:56:00.000-07:002017-01-03T23:17:22.757-08:00Personalized Learning and the “flipped class room”<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">As an educationist and a passionate teacher, I have often
tried to circumvent the problem of “one size fits all.” In a classroom of
diverse nature, individualization and educator driven curricula does not cater
to unique needs of the learner.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">The hallmark of personalized learning involves tailored
curriculum and pedagogy according to the learner’s interests and addresses
lacunae in learning, meeting their different learning needs and aspirations.
Typically technology is used to facilitate personalized learning environments
and the tutor has a key role to play. <o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">At this point it is important to understand the difference
between individualization and personalization the two are sometimes
synonymously used, but in reality have different pedagogical meanings. Individualization
is typically found in a class room setting where all students master the same
learning objectives lead by the teacher. In personalization the student has a
very important role to play and often drives the learning process. Personalization aims at addressing the unique
needs of the student considering cognitive abilities, aptitudes, talents and
competencies. The learner is an active participant and a co-creator of the
learning pathway and environment. <o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">Traditional learning environments like schools and colleges
do sometimes support personalized learning. Personalized learning can happen in small groups in partnership
with other learners. However, advancements in technology leading to disappearance of
geographical barriers especially in an online or “flipped” learning environment
influence and support personalized
learning powerfully. <o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">ICT allows learners access to information, provides a medium
for communication and debate and also recording and playback of these
interactive sessions. Complex concepts can be explained in a simple and easy to
comprehend way leading to bridging of cognitive lacunae. “Custom made” tutorial solutions can make a
big difference to enhance the personalized learning experience online. <o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">Personalized learning addresses the cognitive, emotive and
social dimensions of a student, </span><span style="color: #252525; line-height: 115%;">empowering awareness of the learning process, increasing
self-regulation and self-evaluation, both critical attributes for any
successful student.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">Co-designing and participation can be a teaching and a learning
experience for both the learner and the teacher. The ever growing and ever
evolving needs of the learner, makes the individualization process an “old
class room” approach and personalization as a “neo-age” pedagogy.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08675023212103841927noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7140930522466195191.post-48391629912688945592015-03-30T00:32:00.002-07:002017-01-03T23:11:56.625-08:006 simple ways to make online tutoring a more effective learning environment<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">With advancements in technology and the conveniences of working from home or learning from home, online tutoring offers a great teaching/learning experience. Advantages of online tutoring being learning from the comforts of your own home, one on one interaction with the tutor, saving on travel time to and from coaching centers, learning at your convenient time, the ability of technology to break geographical barriers so that the best teachers can be available on your screen and last but not the least, parental involvement . Regular involvement and feedback of parents is also a vital part of online learning.</span></span><br /><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"></span></span><br /><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Live online classes or online tutoring is not very different from face to face learning. There are many collaborative tools and virtual classrooms that can be used to make it an audio-visual experience. </span></span><br /><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"></span></span><br /><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Popular platforms or tools used are skype as an audio-vido aid with a plug in for white board. Alternatively several virtual classrooms are available such as wiziq, vyew or Webex which can accommodate several students at a time in an online tutoring session.</span></span><br /><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"></span></span><br /><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">As discussed earlier, Online learning is not completely different from face to face learning or other forms of learning. In fact it could be more effective. To make an online experience endowed and enriched in knowledge sharing, following approaches could be adopted:</span></span><br /><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"></span></span><br /><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Create a plan Be Proactive. Create a plan and share it accordingly in order to study in tandem.</span></span><br /><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"></span></span><br /><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Share the curriculum and other resources To make the learning experience more effective, it is indispensable to share the curriculum such as CBSE, IGCSE, ICSE, IB , K-12 or Australian and also other resources between the student and the teacher.</span></span><br /><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"></span></span><br /><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Develop a rapport The onus is on both the teachers and the students to develop a rapport. For the teachers, A warm-up activity (Jokes, games, discussion on their favorite topic etc.) based on the interests of the students. For the students it could be responding well to the teacher’s activities. Once the ice is broken, an online tutoring session can be loads of laughs along with good learning</span></span><br /><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"></span></span><br /><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Stay motivated Aptly said by Carol Burnett, “Only I can change my life. No one else can do it for me”. That’s why we recommend Motivation to be key part of all of our sessions. Motivation is a great to tool to achieve extraordinary results. In an online environment, establishment of rapport is key to motivation. Without direct physical contact and interaction with other learners or an instructor, online students might lose their interest or motivation mid-way through their course or program. There are several motivation al tools one can follow such as keeping an eye on the prize, meaning working hard to be successful. Also staying motivated is a very personal thing, talking to a counsellor or taking a counselling session can greatly help set personal goals to stay motivated. </span></span><br /><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"></span></span><br /><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Communicate Good communication is the key to success in online learning. It is important to communicate the instruction techniques that work. It is also important to communicate when reinforcement of concepts or practice is necessary. Communication also includes asking the right questions to bridge gaps in learning. </span></span><br /><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"></span></span><br /><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> Take notes Taking notes is indispensible to any learning experience. Note taking could be through the age-old pen-paper technique or making use of the digital concepts available. Animations, videos or other modes available on the GUI of the software being used to teach could also be used. Online recording facilities are available with some collaboration tools. </span></span><br /><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"></span></span><br /><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">These simple but effective techniques can greatly enhance the online tutoring/learning experience and help students succeed in their goals. </span></span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08675023212103841927noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7140930522466195191.post-66895775877855998852015-03-24T17:55:00.001-07:002017-01-03T23:17:00.832-08:00 Blended Learning and Personalized Online Tutoring<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">A lot of discussions happen on Blended learning. What is actually Blended learning? Blended learning, as the name implies is a blend of classroom delivery along with digital or online content, typically where face to face classrooms sessions are combined with computer meditated or other digital activities. <br /><br />It signifies a fundamentally different approach that teachers and students need to adopt in the teaching learning process. Another popular term used in this is “the flipped classroom” or other terms like hybrid, mixed, or integrative to describe the same trend. <br /><br />In 2000, an estimated 45,000 students from K-12 curriculum took online courses, and a decade late, the numbers have escalated to approximately 3 million, computers in schools catalyzing the whole process.<br /><br />Blended learning has the following important components</span></span></div>
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<li><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">In-person classroom activities facilitated by an experienced educator </span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Online learning materials, pre-recorded lectures, animations, videos or other tools to enhance the learning process, often used to explain difficult concepts </span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">The instruction followed by reading material, worksheets, assignments and other aids to reinforce the concepts already delivered. </span></span></li>
</ul>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br />While there is many a discussion on the effectiveness of blended learning and its impact on education, one of the applications that this could be extended outside the class room is in educational environments such as online tutoring.<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> A</span>n online tutor could adopt the following characteristics to enhance the “facilitator” role <br /> </span></span></div>
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<li><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">While course content is vital, pedagogical technologies and strategies to enhance the learning process are indispensible. </span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Creating a learning environment by facilitating interaction among students and personalizing it according to the individual needs of the student may be very effective in one on one tutoring environments such as online tutoring </span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Making assessments and grading a little unconventional can greatly help in keeping the student engaged in the online class. </span></span></li>
</ul>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br />A true learning experience is a combination of relevance of the material as well as applications of concepts and ideas in a “real world setting”. These in fact can be beautifully combined in a blended learning environment - A teaching- learning experience that can be an interesting blend of the conventional and the modern.</span></span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08675023212103841927noreply@blogger.com0