5 Things to Consider When Looking for an English Learning Center in Singapore

5 Things to Consider When Looking for an English Learning Center in SingaporeIf you are considering enrolling in an English learning center in Singapore, there are some important factors to consider. Taking the time to review them can help you make a smart decision about your program.When you do decide to enroll at an English center, make sure that the organization is recognized. In many cases, organizations only get recognized after a certain period of time. In other words, it is not so much that they 'know' about English, but more like they have the tools, and people, to use those tools.Many organizations give out a pamphlet called an e-gram for English classes. This is a really helpful resource and provides basic definitions for different terms, and words used in the curriculum. This is something to look for, as it allows you to learn the basics of English vocabulary before having to take any actual English lessons.One other important thing to consider is whether or not the learni ng center provides online or face-to-face sessions. Online sessions are usually less expensive, while the cost of hiring a live teacher is almost always less.Find out how many students are enrolled in each class. This will help you determine if your program is going to be able to accommodate the number of students you have.Many educational institutions have requirements regarding age groups. If you think your kids are old enough to attend class without any problems, consider enrolling them in an English learning center in Singapore.These are just a few important things to consider when looking for an English learning center in Singapore. By keeping these important factors in mind, you will be able to make the best decision for yourself.

Multiplying fractions 0.5

Multiplying fractions 0.5 Multiplication is one of the common used arithmetic operation in mathematics. Multiplication is denoted by a cross sign . In multiplication the order of the numbers doesnt change the answer. So multiplication of two numbers is always commutative and associative. Multiplication can be applied to different types of numbers such as fractions, integers, decimals. Fractions are the numbers written in p/q form. A fraction number cannot have denominator equal to zero. Fractions can be changed to decimals and vice versa. Example 1: Danny runs 0.5 miles every day. If he ran continuously for 4 days. How many miles did she cover? Solution: Number of miles ran each day = 0.5 = 1/2. Number of days he ran = 4. Total number of miles Danny covered = 4 x 1/2 = 4/2. (Here 4 and 2 have GCF 2. Divide numerator and denominator by 2.) This gives (4 2)/(2 2) = 2/1 =2. Hence Danny ran 2 miles in four days. Question: Multiple choice question (Pick the correct option.) What is the answer when 42 is multiplied with 0.5? a) 24 b) 21 c) 42 d) None of these. Correct answer: option a. Explanation: Here given for the multiplication 42 x 0.5 =? First multiply 42 with the number 5; 42 x 5 = 210. Then multiply 42 with the number 0; 42 x 0 = 00. Now add the two derived answers 210 + 000 = 210 and place a decimal point 21.0 Hence 42 x 0.5 = 21.

GMAT Study Planning Fundamentals Choosing a GRE Preparation Method

GRE/GMAT Study Planning Fundamentals Choosing a GRE Preparation Method GRE/MAT Graduate School Blog This is the first in a multipart series on how to go about studying for the GRE or GMAT. We don’t plan on going into detail on specific concepts covered on the GRE or specific test-taking strategies in this series. Instead, the intention is to cover higher level, foundational issues around preparing for these exams, such as what type of support to get, what materials to use, what mindset to cultivate, etc. This article is being posted on our GRE blog, but we’ll switch from GRE to GMAT over time, as the concepts are broadly applicable to both exams. To start, let’s point out that we are often asked what materials we recommend our students use to prepare for the GRE. We generally have a clear answer to this question (it focuses on using the Official Guide to the GRE and a few other free or low cost materials), but before exploring that question in the next installment of our “GRE/GMAT Study Planning Fundamentals” series, we need to answer a higher-level question. What is your preferred approach to studying for the GRE in the first place? You need to match your materials with the overall approach you are most comfortable with and which will work best for you. So, in this initial article, we’ll explore various approaches to preparing for the GRE. There are two basic, initial dimensions to the question of how to prepare for the GRE: “offline vs. online” and “type of support.” Offline vs. online is almost self-explanatory. It means, will you primarily be working offline with physical books, potentially meeting someone in-person to review, or will you be heavily leveraging the internet and using an online course or app? The “type of support” dimension breaks down into the following options: Self-study using a test prep book, such as the official guide mentioned above, or something from Princeton Review, Barron’s, Kaplan, or many other sources Self-paced course or “app” â€" good examples here would be GRE prep from Magoosh, Dominate the GRE, or PrepScholar Full service real-time class or course Private GRE tutor The “right” approach to studying for the GRE is partially a function of personal preference, particularly when it comes to offline vs. online. But, it’s also a function of the type of student you are and your particular strengths and weaknesses. The below matrix may help you think through your options. Let’s make our way through the above matrix and explore the pros and cons of these approaches. Box 1 will be the upper left (private tutoring completed offline), and then box 2 will be the one below it. So, box 4 is self-study completed offline. We’ll then consider box 5 to be private tutoring completed online, and box 8 to be the lower right, or self-study completed online. As we evaluate each box, we’ll be concerned with ultimate effectiveness for various types of students (i.e., ability of the approach to lead to a higher GRE score), but also cost and convenience. Let’s start by discussing Box 1, or private tutoring completed offline and in-person, and Box 5, private tutoring completed online over the internet. We’ll compare these boxes to each other, as well as to the rest of the matrix. Private tutoring is probably the most customized way to prepare for the GRE. IF you have a good GRE tutor, he or she will help you develop a customized plan, explain concepts in ways that more quickly make sense to you, and function as a mentor to accelerate your GRE prep. On the other hand, 1-1 GRE tutoring can be very expensive, and because each tutor has his or her own approach, there is a downside that involves a lack of structure and too much time spent on this or that topic, whereby a student ends up feeling like they have spent a lot of money and spent a lot of time, but still don’t know all they need to know to get a high score. In general, though, with private GRE tutoring, assuming you have a good or very good GRE tutor, you’ll get an approach tailored to your unique situation (timing, strengths, etc.) that is expensive but effective in building your skills and preparing you for test day. If you are an average test taker and just looking for an average score or above average score, this option could be less attractive to you. A class or an “app,” or even self-study, may strike a better balance of effectiveness, cost, and convenience. Classes tend to “teach to the average,” meaning they cover topics at a pace that makes sense for the average student. However, this means that for someone who is really struggling, the class might be go too fast. But, for someone shooting for a 90th percentile score at a minimum, the same class might be going too slow. If you have spiky strengths and weaknesses, the class approach is also problematic. For the mathematically gifted but verbally challenged student, half the class is a waste, and the other half may progress too quickly. In all these cases, private tutoring, due to the customized approach, is a great option relative to classes. But for the average student, it’s a harder call. If you compare private tutoring to a self-paced app (box 6) or self-study (4 or 8), the average student may just find that they must be extremely disciplined and hard working to prepare adequately on their own without support of a tutor or course/app to provide guidance on concepts and practice problems. But, self-study is clearly much less expensive. Our biased view, in part informed by the hundreds of hours the author of this article spent self-studying for the GMAT instead of getting a private tutor, is that the use of an app or private tutor is a good investment. Regarding the online vs. offline question, or box 1 vs. 5, many students continue to feel like there is no substitute to sitting down with someone in-person to study or receive private tutoring. And it’s true that a lot is communicated through non-verbal cues, etc. However, I should note that the right type of online GRE tutoring, with a clear video and easy to use online whiteboard, can feel very much like an in-person experience. You see the tutor’s face, and he or she sees yours. You see the whiteboard, just like you’d see the paper. You are both looking at the same e-book, just as if you were looking at a physical book. When you consider these points, the fact that online tutoring is obviously more convenient (no travel, easier to fit into everyone’s schedule, etc.), the fact that online sessions can be recorded for later review, and the fact that the GRE is given online anyway, our view is that online tutoring is a better option than in-person tutoring (when done right, with an effective platform). In part 2 of this article, we’ll review the rest of the matrix and explain why, in our view, boxes 3, 5, and 6 are the best approaches to preparing for the GRE for the majority of students.

English phrases to use at a pub - Its my shout! - English Lesson via Skype

English phrases to use at a pub - It’s my shout! - English Lesson via Skype We have discussed the origins of a “pub” and the terms used to describe the interior. Here are some English phrases and words you might hear on your next visit to a typical Pub. For many years the only order  you would hear is I’ll have a pint please. So beer or stout (much darker in colour and brewed  differently) were drunk in pint or half pint glasses or measures and that is still the case today.However, the biggest change that I have witnessed is the bottle. Now you are as likely to hear:-I’ll  have a bottle please or a bottle of beer-Which would you like? Heineken or Bud?-No, I will have  a Coors please. -In a glass? -No, by the neck.By the neck means without a glass; so many people  now drink without a glass.Here are some other common or likely English phrases and words on your next  visit to a pub:Just put it on my tab please if the bar owner knows you and you are ordering a lot of drinks they  may allow you to accumulate the orders and pay for them at the end of the night.Just put it on my card if you are celebrating a special event you might arrange with the barman to  leave your credit card behind the bar and tell him each time you order a drink. At the end of the  night he gives you the bad news!!The drinks are on me If you are celebrating promotion or a birthday you might buy a drink for  everyone in the bar or your close friends.I’ll get the first round or I think its your round next? A round or a round of drinks means a drink for  everyone in your group. Its customary for someone to buy the first round and then someone else  buys the next round and so on.It’s my shout! This means I’ll buy the drinks. We use shout because in a busy bar or pub you often  have to shout at the barman to get his attention and place (give) your order.At the end of the night it is traditional for the barman to shout last orders. Ladies and gentlemen  last orders please!. In the UK pubs used to close at 11 or 11.30 pm so the barman would shout last  order s 10 or 15 mins before closing. The licence does not permit him to sell alcohol after closing  time. However, the authorities usually allow drinking up time a short period after closing to allow  you to finish your drink.Have you know homes to go to! A very common phrase heard at the end of the night when the  barman is trying to get everyone out and start his cleaning.Regrettably pubs have changed dramatically. Now they serve more food than alcohol and the old  traditional pubs are disappearing. They can still be found in villages and towns with the locals  occupying the same seat everyday.In many cases they are a social club where elderly neighbours get  a chance to gossip and chat. Enjoy your next visit. Cheers!More words and phrases can be found in my post A visit to the pub

Yeah! It`s Friday!!

Yeah! It`s Friday!! Today it`s Friday! I cannot wait for the weekend to come. It`s the last weekend of the summer 2015 and I am planning to spend it at the beach! My husband and I are going to the beautiful Huntington Beach, California. Looks like a nice way to spend the last weekend of summer. Hope it will be sunny! The question to all our tutors  â€"What are your plans for the last weekend of the summer?

Reviewing Your Childs Standardised Test Scores

Reviewing Your Child’s Standardised Test Scores Standardised testing occurs at predictable intervals during your child's school journey. These tests provide a snapshot of how much knowledge a student has acquired by a certain point and also how this level of skill and knowledge compares to other students of the same age. This comparison is often further broken down into how your child fares in relation to similarly situated students in his or her own school, school district, and throughout the nation. When reviewing this information you may have many questions about what your child's scores mean in practical terms for your response in the short-term and for your planning in the future. Understanding how the test scores relate to the teaching available to your son or daughter and how your child is responding to the learning environment is crucial for you to best support your child. Purpose of the testing Understanding the reasons for the testing can help you assess your student's performance. The test scores within a school can give you valuable information about the challenges schools face locally and how well they are meeting those challenges. Once you have a grasp of the performance of your student's peers at several different levels, then you have a better feel for how your child's scores compare. You can next look more closely at his or her scores for information about competence and growth. Communicate with teacher and school Schedule a time to discuss your child's test performance with someone who can explain both what the test reveals about your child and what other measures are in place to measure his or her growth. Spend some of that time reviewing your child's score and exploring what it means to school officials. Find out how the teacher and school intends to use the score and whether they are concerned about your child's showing. If your child did well, ask for suggestions to challenge your child to continue the growth. If the score is lower, talk about whether the performance was to be expected given what the school knows about your student and what they have planned to accelerate academic growth. Look at the big picture Ask to see other indicators of your child's progress, which may be hard to translate into a test score. Does your child show growth in the arts or social skills that gives you a more complete idea of how learning is progressing? Is there a gap between the knowledge and skills your child can demonstrate in the classroom and the test results? Problem solve with school officials if the test results are lower than what had been expected given classroom performance. Discuss the school's approach for test preparation and ask if there are things you can be doing at home to improve the score during the next round. Use the scores for good Whether your student scored below, at, or above expectations, use the test and result to improve your child's overall learning experience. Once you have a baseline for your student, keep in mind one of the best indicators going forward is how he or she performs in the future compared to that snapshot. If your child needs help on the next test or in general, seek resources from the school or ELSEWHERE. If your child is already soaring far beyond his or her peers, use this knowledge to enrich both home and school life for continued growth and success.

The Pros and Cons of 7 Leading Online Language Courses

The Pros and Cons of 7 Leading Online Language Courses The Pros and Cons of 7 Leading Online Language Courses Weighing one online language course against the many others.Spending hours sifting through facts and making comparisons.Only reading positive reviews that dont tell you the real ins and outs of each course.Wondering about scathingly negative reviews that are outliers among many 5-star reviewsâ€"but do seem to raise some good points.And that, friends, sounds like a drag, doesnt it?Would-be language learners often put off trying to choose the perfect online language course because the above becomes so darn exhausting.A fundamental fact is that time is of the essence for everyone. It’s just a fact of our super busy lives: We’re all crunched for time.So, how best to cut through the clutter and choose the course that suits your needs? It just so happens there’s a good answer to that time-conscious question!I can help you find the best method for your learning styleâ€"before you waste precious time on something that doesn’t work well.Spend time learning, not looking! What Makes a n Online Course Worthwhile for You?Let’s face it, we all have different needsâ€"there’s no one-size-fits-all when it comes to almost anything in life. Language learning is no different.That means you need to choose an online course according to your own unique needs and learning style. Makes sense, doesn’t it?Now lets address the elephant in the room, discovering how you learn. What style are you?Lets find out!Of course, the usual approach is to discuss classic learning styles, like visual, auditory or kinesthetic. Here, were only interested in teasing apart whats best for you in the online language course market, which means were going to focus more on characteristics of digital resources: CostMobilityGamificationInteractivityStructureCost and the Cash-conscious LearnerAre you at a point in life where the day-to-day grind pays the basics and not much else? Are your purse strings tight? Just dont feel like shelling out for anything you dont have to?There’s a fix for thatâ€"i t’s entirely possible (easy, actually) to find a course that’s not a budget-buster! Many online language courses are free or very cheap.Mobility and the Globe-trotting LearnerNot in one place for too long, are you? Do you always have a suitcase packed and that passport by the door? Never quite sure if youll have solid Wi-Fi? Or maybe youre just always on the move in your hometown, commuting to work, hanging out in different places or going for long drives.Then you need mobility in your course. Learn anywhere, anytimeâ€"and never leave home without your language lessons!Gamification and the Competitive LearnerSome learners want concrete validation that information is actually being absorbed.And some of us just like the thrill of playing a good game and seeing progress, right?Good news! There are courses that play almost like video games. They have levels to track progress, dole out points, have bonuses to unlock and some even give out virtual awards. What’s not to love about th at kind of fun?Interactivity and the Interactive LearnerVideos, grammar modules and vocabulary tools that engage while teaching can be wonderfully effective. Yes, it’s amazing how much language learning takes place while you’re casually, passively watching a videoâ€"and the cultural knowledge gained is priceless.But interactive learners, who like lots of hands-on practice to learn, will want to seek out courses with loads of interactive elements. By encouraging you to think, type, click and speak, interactive elements keep you in the game.Youll also want to seek out social tools like forums, tutors, language exchange partners and learning groupsâ€"or even a very responsive support staff.Structure and Classic Classroom LearnerClassroom learning is still legit. After all, it’s what keeps brick-and-mortar colleges and universities in business.Some people learn best the way their formal educations began: in a classroom.Excellent auditory skills are a plus for classroom learning. A bonus? Most people who prefer this experience possess a hefty attention span which lends itself to drill-type exercises. Those skills worked when we were in grade school, and they still work now.The Pros and Cons of 7 Leading Online Language CoursesLanguage learning is in part about community, understanding and socializing, so take some hints from those who have successfully done this.Gather tipsâ€"but make your language learning experience your own!Here, well introduce you to seven of the leading online language courses that you can work with. Youll likely recognize all these names because they carry some hefty onlineâ€"and real-worldâ€"clout. The pros and cons are presented for each course, as well as a note about who the course tends to work best for.BusuuBusuu declares it only takes 10 minutes a day to learn a language, so they offer short lessons and interactive learning with learners across the globe. Speaking and writing exercises are corrected by native speakers which encou rages cultural interaction.If youd like to  sample  any of the 12 language  courses offered, just sign in and look one over for free.Best ForThe classroom-style learners who also enjoy socializing with their peersâ€"so will appreciate the forumsâ€"but can basically work solo.ProsTheres a  free option which uses flashcards, writing exercises  and corrections from native speakers. Additionally, the premium option isnt overly pricey but helps you reach some great ends. The site claims that 22.5 hours of their premium course equals one college semester of language study.Socialization is emphasized using community forums. You can chat with other learners to stimulate those vocabulary and conversation skills.ConsThis course is too structured for anyone who likes more freedom and immersion. The language used here can feel formal and textbook, rather than natural and authentic. You wont get much in the way of authentic resources here, so you wont necessarily feel immersed in the way modern native speakers use their language.Plus, the free option isnt mobile, which may not suit everyone.BabbelBabbels foundation is the idea that language learning occurs best when  we  just begin  to speak a language so thats what they do, they get the words flowing! Speech recognition technology helps get pronunciations on point.  Learners choose from a variety of topics, ranging from business to travel, among other things.The main focal areas of this course are lesson modules, vocabulary practice and social learning (where you can hook up with friends and fellow learners online).Feel free to check out one of the dozen courses available from Babbel before deciding if this option appeals to you, like the courses for Spanish, French, German, Russian and Italian.Best ForThe interactive learner who benefits from short bursts of learning.ProsThe first lesson in every language is free and the individual lessons are short (10-15 minutes) so they fit into any schedule. Its a mobile method taugh t by native speakers, so pronunciation is on point.For most offered languages, the modules cover a lot of ground, from the basic language lessons to business language, culture, travel, geography and tongue twisters.ConsWhile theres a nice feature for recording your voice, it still needs some development to achieve full accuracy.Since this course is quite immersive, the avalanche of vocabulary that youre exposed to right off the bat might feel overwhelming for some learners, especially those who are more classroom-oriented.The language youre learning might have more lackluster material than the most popular languagesâ€"English, Spanish, German, French, etc.â€"so the free course is worth your while to take.FluentUFluentU is real-world language learning, based on the premise that learners learn most easily when offered rich, engaging, memorable and authentic experiences. If a subject interests you or if it touches your heart, youre more likely to retain whatever knowledge is gained by that lesson.The program currently offers six language courses (English, French, German, Spanish, Japanese and Mandarin Chinese) to learners, and five more are in the works.  FluentU can also be used  from  iOS  or  Android  devices with the app.    If youd like to see how this course works, take a peek.Best ForAny learners with a globe-trotting, culturally-conscious, interactive learning style. Its gamified and addictive.Learning is done through language immersion via native videos, so the world comes to the learner. Its culture on your doorstep, no travel required!ProsThe real-world video content is beyond fun. Who doesnt want to be entertained while theyre learning? Its a natural way to learn a language, through immersion via video that does not include dull, repetitive lessons. And youll almost feel like youre procrastinating while checking out movie trailers, music videos, interviews, comedy skits, YouTube channels, cartoons and more.Theres something for everyone, with videos on all sorts of topics, so this course appeals to all personalities and language levels. The cost is reasonable, and you can try it  for free before  you decide if its right for you.ConsThere are courses which provide direction and structure in the less advanced levels, but after the intermediate stage youre left to your own devices.This is also a highly immersive program, so youll find yourself swimming in new vocabulary and grammar every day. Youll likely encounter a lot of vocabulary and grammar that you wont fully learn how to use properly for a good whileâ€"which is good for some, but perhaps not all.This can be an amazing way to gain exposure and familiarity with a language, but can admittedly be challenging for classroom-type learners who need more structure and guidance.DuolingoLooking for fun? A cute little green companion bird wholl nudge you toward a daily language learning commitment? Then Duolingo may be  what youre  after!The course uses the theory that daily language le arning is the way to go, and theyre making it fun to show up day after day. There are points for returning and completing lessons, and the daily streak (how many days in a row youve shown up for study) is a challenge unto itself.Would you like a little taste of a course? No problem! There are 21 to choose from. Choose a language and take the placement test to see where you fall.Best ForGaming types who crave immediate success or results.Its also a good fit for those suffering a time crunch. With just a few minutes a day to invest youll still get results and build a solid learning habit.ProsThe course was founded in 2012 by Luis von Ahn who was determined to make language learning available to everyoneâ€"thats why its free.Its interactive and fun, almost like playing a game rather than doing coursework. The method is to teach by context rather than memorization so theres some cultural references, which always make a course interesting.Its known to be extremely effective in getting to tal newbies off the groundâ€"and keep them hookedâ€"with its addictive, fun method. It will give you structure and introduce you to a ton of diverse linguistic topics.Another fun fact? There are six additional courses hatching, meaning that theyre in development, including Klingon!ConsThe program lacks a solid grammar base, something that might not appeal to a classroom-type learner. Its not super helpful for learners at the high-intermediate, advanced or nearly-fluent levels.While it provides an awesome bare-bones framework to drive your learning, it doesnt go very in-depth into any topic. Youll just get a taste of each grammar point or vocabulary theme, but youll need to seek outside resources to really, truly learn any given topic.FSI (Foreign Service Institute) CoursesThe FSI has been around a long time so theyve got a boatload of languages (40+) offered. If youd like to see how theyre structured,  this is  a great example of the  way theyve got things formatted.Best ForIndepend ent workers who don’t mind sorting through what does not seem necessary to their study. Also great for classroom learners who enjoy and benefit from drills.The courses were developed by the US Foreign Services to train diplomats. They teach basic comprehension and speaking.On a personal note, I became basically conversant in German in 28 days using the courses. They were a bit dry in spots but they work. I plan to use more of the courses available. Why not? Free and they work? Yes and yes!ProsThe courses are in the public domain so theyre free. Theres a huge assortment of languages and most languages have enough material to provide a solid learning opportunity.ConsThe courses arent new, so there are some out-of-date social references. If youre bothered by retro, these arent the courses for you.As noted earlier, the materials can be formal and dry, so its not a great choice for the interactive learner, or someone who craves the bells and whistles of gamification.Rosetta StoneUsing speech recognition software, native speakers and an immersive curriculum, Rosetta Stone teaches by building on vocabulary in an orderly method. The program is available in 28 languages, including but not limited to: Spanish, French, German, Japanese and Chinese.  If youd like to give it a go before committing, theyre down with that.Best ForClassroom learners, but also those on the goâ€"a handy, high-quality mobile app can be downloaded.ProsThis is an organized method of learning, relying on vocabulary building.There are pronunciation checks which help correct your language SNAFUs as they occur.And there are several options for purchasing the courses, including subscription and downloads.ConsThis coursework isnt ideal for learners who dislike traditional classroom settings.Another personal note? I’m currently taking the Irish course and progressing nicely despite having no prior experience with this language. The vocabulary-building facilitates rapid learning and the voice recognit ion response feature makes getting pronunciation down a snap.Will I be able to chat it up in Dublin in six weeks? Time will tell!FluenzFluenzs foundation is the thought that adult language learners learn best when they can relate a new language to the one they already know. They focus on lining up the structure (vocabulary, syntax and grammar) of a new language to English.The  coursework at Fluenz includes six languages and they offer the option to try before you buy.Best ForClassroom learners who like structure but want to be able to take the course on the go.ProsThis courses favored theory of learning is based on that of a typical, English-speaking classroom, using English as a foundation for learning new languages. This means that the course will feel quite familiar for native English speakers who learned a foreign language in their middle school or high school, with a teacher who used English to explain some things.The new language exposure will feel similar to whats already wor ked for you in the past.Once the program is installed, its not necessary to be connected to the internet. Additionally, theres an app for phones so language learning is mobile.ConsDownloads begin at $177 so, while its a very comprehensive program, this isnt for a budget-conscious language learner.Its also not the ideal choice for anyone who favors a more immersive method of learning, where youre surrounded by authentic language and constantly bumping into new linguistic challenges. It will probably feel like too much structure for a learner with this preference.In a NutshellSo there they are, the top online language learning courses all laid outâ€"pros, cons and everything in between. Theres no need to waste precious time doing research or weighing facts and figures. The legwork is done, and now its up to you to move forward with your language learning dreams!Identify your language learning style, then choose the course best suited to your needs.Charlemagne said, “to have another language is to possess a second soul.”So go for the new language, gain “a second soul” …then maybe a third and fourth.The possibilities are limitlessâ€"what are you waiting for?