English Word Learning Tools That Help to Enhance Your English Speaking Skills

English Word Learning Tools That Help to Enhance Your English Speaking SkillsEnglish word learning helps people to be more proficient in the language they are speaking and also helps to learn new words at a fast pace. There are several tools that can help you enhance your English speaking skills and English vocabulary. In this article we shall discuss some of the tools available to help you improve your English vocabulary.Reading is the first aspect that you should look into when it comes to learning and improving your vocabulary. In the beginning, a good and efficient use of time is a must. You should try to read as much as possible. But reading becomes a chore after a certain period of time. If you have the patience, you can always pick up books from the library and read through the book for getting some good information.Listening to speakers is another important tool when it comes to learning new words. It is said that you can learn more by listening to someone who is speaking in their native language than reading through the dictionary.Vocabulary building is yet another important aspect that needs to be attended. One of the best ways to do this is to build your own vocabulary. Build up a small vocabulary by playing games with friends, reading e-books and also using dictionaries.Word association is a great way to improve your English. It has been said that once you learn a new word, it will stay in your mind to remember it in future. Word association can be done by asking someone to give you some examples. Once you have given them a word to create a meaning, you can try to relate it to the real life situations.Word search is a fun activity where you try to find words in a particular sentence or word in a certain place. To build up your vocabulary fast, you can also try to play simple word games that are available online. Do not ever worry if you can't understand what someone is saying in English. A lot of people are at a loss when it comes to understanding a nd speaking different languages. An English language course may seem difficult to many people but with the help of a good grammar book, you will learn all the important grammatical points and soon be able to speak properly.

10 Cool Sites to Learn French by Podcast, Video, or Blog

10 Cool Sites to Learn French by Podcast, Video, or Blog Megan L. When youre learning French, consistent linguistic exposure at and just above your level is vital.  It can help you reinforce your current level, and help you raise your level through context clues and direct introduction to new vocabulary. Podcasts and other online mediums are an excellent way to do this. Below are a few podcasts, YouTube channels, and blogs that can help you improve. While the focus and organization of these types of sites is sometimes a little bit different, they can also provide some similar types of linguistic support. YouTube Videos 1) TakeLessons French Playlist The TakeLessons French playlist offers a collection of videos for learning basic to intermediate skills. Videos include grammar points such as verbs and prepositions, vocabulary lists on topics such as colors and weekdays, and pronunciation tips to refine your accent. 2) French Possum French Possum features an abundance of videos about French culture and language, covering everything from history, traditions, and food. All videos are in French with English subtitles, which is a great way for students to hear and practice proper French pronunciation. As an added bonus, full bilingual transcripts in French and English can be found on the blog, French Possum.   Podcasts 3) Learn French by Podcast Learn French by Podcast on subjects such as superfoods, migrants, grammar points, expressions, and user questions. The podcasts provide interesting information in French, and a discussion about the language and grammar used in the course of the podcast. They also include a vocabulary list available before listening. 4) The French Podcast The French podcast includes beginning, intermediate, and advanced podcast conversations in French. It also contains motivational interviews with people who have lived in France. The creators focus on natural language conversations. Each podcast includes a pdf with a transcript and vocabulary. Both the transcript and vocabulary usually come out after the conversation. 5) DailyFrenchPod Daily French Pod offers daily podcasts in French with conversations by native speakers. The beginning introduces the podcast in French, and recommends the College de Paris. The daily conversation is then presented with an explanation. For intermediate to advanced podcasts, most new vocabulary is explained in French. The conversation is then repeated. Most are accompanied by a PDF Podcast. 6) French Blabla French teacher and native French speaker, Caroline, offers classes in French and, more recently, has begun to blog about French language. Her blog posts include audio, and website visitors can subscribe to receive her posts by email. Follow her on Twitter also at @French_Blabla. 7) French-Podcasts.com Podcasts illustrate various elements of life in France through contact with real-life situations and contact with French people and places. The listener can also download a transcript. Most were done between 2007 and 2008, but are still available online. Sometimes the recordings lag a little. 8) One Thing in French a Day Three days every week, Laeticia, a French woman, posts several minutes of commentary on her children, watching television, a museum exhibit, or whatever other interesting tidbits she might dig up in her day. The audio is available along with the beginning of the transcript every Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday on her website. Listeners can subscribe to her newsletter for the full transcript. Blogs 9) Oui, c’est ça! Includes comics, francophone history, and music for French learners and francophiles. While the blog is more visually-oriented than some of the podcasts listed above, many of the articles contain recorded segments â€" isolated words and phrases, or recorded versions of the typed French or bilingual transcript. Posts are also classified as beginning, intermediate, or advanced, so you  can gauge whether or not it will be close to the right level. 10)  French Language Blog This blog contains the fewest auditory resources and includes the most English of all the resources listed in this article. Its articles are primarily in English, but include interesting passages, words, and phrases in French. They also present interesting tidbits about France, French-speaking places, French grammar, French culture, and the French perspective on the world. It also occasionally links in interesting videos (which contain audio), such as a humorous song about coffee posted earlier this month. So, if youre studying French on your own or you need additional practice reviewing, listening, and speaking, take heart! There are many French resources available (often for free) that can help you advance yourself. Have you found any great French podcasts or websites that you enjoy studying with? Share them with us in the comments below! Post Author:  Carol Beth L. Carol Beth L. teaches  viola  and violin  in San Francisco, CA. She currently plays viola in the San Francisco Civic Orchestra and has been teaching students since 2012. Learn more about Carol Beth here! Photo by The LEAF Project Interested in Private Lessons? Search thousands of teachers for local and live, online lessons. Sign up for convenient, affordable private lessons today! Search for Your Teacher

Food Groups Fat

Food Groups Fat The Fat Myth ChaptersSaturated and Unsaturated FatMonounsaturated and Polyunsaturated FatOil for CookingKeeping a Healthy BalanceFat is one of the three main nutrients required in equal balance within the body alongside protein and carbohydrates.Like the word carbohydrates, the word fat is full of contention but also stigma. And just like carbs, fat is a nutrient that many fad diets have pushed us to avoid in order to lose weight fast.Fat has received a bad reputation because of the lack of understanding of what our bodies need and a superficial idea of what being healthy means.Although we know that consuming too much fat is not good for our health, the word fat, especially in relation to our bodies, is still misunderstood: not all fat is bad for us; some fats are in fact extremely good for us. Eating healthy fat in the right quantities can help our overall health in many different ways.Because there has been a significant rise in these fat-free diets, many food products in the last 20 years have removed fat entirely and, for flavour, added sugar. Even more recently, due to further focus on the effects of consuming too much sugar, sweeteners now replace sugar. These sweeteners are often created synthetically. Consequently, certain foods and diets are left depleted of nutrients.Removing fat altogether from our diets isn't healthy. (Source: Rawpixel on Unsplash)one way to do so is to take a nutrition course.Walnuts provide essential fatty acids. (Source:   Tom Hermans on Unsplash)One thing to take away: fat is not the enemy, it is how we consume it that counts. When it comes to our diets, having small amounts of unsaturated fat throughout the day will keep our bodies functioning at their best. This, coupled with moderate exercise throughout the week will also help keep our hearts and minds strong.If in doubt, check the labels on packaging. It is not always easy to find the right nutritional advice online as there are many conflicting arguments about what is good for us and wh at is not. When it comes to fat, however, the difference between saturated and unsaturated is a good place to start.Knowing the difference and required quantities will make a real difference whether it is to lose weight or be more conscious of the natural benefits of food and general wellbeing.Read more about fruit and vegetables in the diet here.Read more about dairy in the diet here.

What I Wish I Knew When Graduating High School

What I Wish I Knew When Graduating High School The following is a guest post written by Tiffany Sorensen, a tutor and contributing writer with Varsity Tutors. Congratulations on graduating high school! Sure, you may feel tired of being lectured by your elders on what to do nextbut for me, there are a few little pieces of advice I wish someone had given me during my last months of high school. You may be surprised by what they are... 1. I should maintain a professional network Depending on the experience you had, you may look at high school as a chapter of your life you would like to close. But the truth is that you will probably be thankful if you maintain relationships with certain teachers, advisors, and coaches from high school. Networking is an excellent way to land jobs and internships both during college and after. For instance, I was glad that I stayed in touched with my Spanish teachers from high school because they informed me of district openings for substitute teachers. One teacher even wrote a recommendation on my behalf, which I am fairly certain helped me to secure the job. Having to transfer colleges is not a situation most students want to imagine. However, this is a reality for nearly one-third of college students; it was a reality for me, too. Transfer applications often require recommendations from high school teachers. For this reason also, it is wise to keep in communication with instructors from your high school. You may be able to ask college professors from your first school for recommendations, but you should only do that if you feel they know you well enough to fairly discuss your academic abilities. 2. I should not agonize over low grades or SAT scores At this point, there is no sense in torturing yourself over grades or test scores you wish would have been higher. Most likely, you have already received admissions decisions and have accepted or declined those offers. Look at college as a fresh start: a blank canvas you can make into anything you like. You will have a chance to rebuild your GPA from scratch, and if you apply to graduate school later on, those schools will be interested in a different standardized test score; the SAT will not be as relevant as it once was for you. Depending on the program you apply for, you will likely have to take the GRE, GMAT, MCAT, LSAT, or another exambut you have plenty of time before you need to think about that! 3. I should make the most of the summer Many of my classmates spent the summer after graduating high school preparing for their first semester of college. This included reading books about college life, shopping for cool gadgets for their dorm rooms, etc. While there is nothing wrong with wanting to arrive ready for college, you will never be totally prepared for this big step in your life until you actually live it. Reading college students blogs is vastly different from experiencing college first-hand. Your first week at college may feel like a culture shock, but you are sure to get into the groove before you know it. Just believe in yourself. [RELATED: What I Wish I Knew Before My First College Class] I was pleased that I decided to enjoy to the utmost my last summer before college. For me, this meant spending time with my classmates at graduation and farewell get-togethers, as well as doing some traveling. I went to Europe with my siblings for the first time and was able to practice my Spanish naturally with native speakers. I took classes and worked internships during my summers in college, so I would not have had the time to see my high school friends at that point. It is normal to grow apart, move away, and go down different paths, so this might be your last chance to see high school friends regularly. Take advantage of it. These three simple suggestions can help you have an enjoyable and gratifying break before it is time to start college. Maybe you were expecting the advice to solely be college study tips, but keeping in touch, having a healthy outlook, and using your time wisely is just as important as academics. Check out Tiffanys tutoring profile. The views expressed in this article do not necessarily represent the views of Varsity Tutors.

Everything You Need to Know to Learn Chinese

Everything You Need to Know to Learn Chinese Get to Grips with the Complex Linguistic History of China and Learning Mandarin Chapters What Languages Do the Chinese Speak? The History of Languages in China Which Variant of Chinese Should I Learn? The Influence of Chinese in Asia Focus on Mandarin Chinese What’s Pinyin? Tones in Chinese1.3 billion inhabitants and one sixth of the world’s population. 8 urban areas with over 10 million inhabitants and around 30 with over 2 million. 10 million kilometres squared...China is the third largest country in the world, one of the world’s biggest economic powers, and one of the UN Security Council’s five permanent members.  It’s also the world’s largest exporter, home to the world’s largest army, and second in terms of military spending.  These are the kinds of figures that should grab the attention of students and businessmen, alike!Over the course of this article, you’re going to find out everything you need to know about learning Chinese and why you should consider moving to China! NingChinese Teacher 5.00 (10) £25/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors LorraineChinese Teacher £10/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors YuweiChinese Teacher 4.33 (6) £19/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors JoyceChinese Teacher £15/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors NicoleChinese Teacher £60/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors KatyChinese Teacher £16/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors YangChinese Teacher £18/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors ChengChinese Teacher £20/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors What Languages Do the Chinese Speak?Perhaps you’re itching to put that you can read, write, and speak Chinese on your CV.Mandarin is the most widely spoken variety of Chinese. (Source: Sindhu Wijaya)But did you know that there are 81 different languages spoken in China?Which should you choose?Mandarin?Cantonese?Wu?Let Superprof point you in the right direction.  As we said, there are 81 different languages in China. 49 of them share their name with the people that speak them.Han is spoken by the Han.Z huang by the Zhuang.Buyei and Dai by the... you get the idea!The 32 remaining languages aren’t named for ethnic groups.  For example, there are 90,000 Tibetans who speak rGyalrong rather than “Tibetan”.Generally speaking, there are more minority languages and dialects in Southern China while there’s a greater degree of similarity between the dialects spoken in the North.Let’s have a look at the 3 main languages of China.Mandarin ChineseIt’s the most spoken language in China.  Mandarin Chinese or ???/??? putonghuà (“common speech”) is spoken by around 955 million people.Mandarin Chinese has been the official language of the People’s Republic of China since 1956 and is generally the language you’ll learn if you study “Chinese”. If you want to go to China, this is the language you should learn since most of China can speak standard Mandarin Chinese.You should also know that it's spoken in Taiwan and Singapore.CantoneseCantonese is spoken by over 71 million peop le. The language is spoken in Hong Kong, Macao, and a number of regions in Southeast Asia. There are some that say that the language is too simplistic in comparison to Mandarin Chinese and some Chinese people even consider it an ugly language.  However, Cantonese is the second most spoken language in China in terms of native speakers.  In Hong Kong, choosing to speak Cantonese or Mandarin can be a huge political statement.WuThere are 77 million people who speak Wu, a language spoken predominantly in Shanghai, Jiangsu, and Zhejiang. This is where things might get a little confusing. For some Chinese people, Wu is the country’s second language, not Cantonese!Why is this? Even though the language is made up of various languages and dialects, just like Mandarin Chinese, it’s considered more prestigious than Cantonese.  Unfortunately, “Wu” is not accepted in Scrabble! If it was, it would be worth 5 points... The History of Languages in ChinaChinese belongs to the Sino-Tibetan lan guage family. This group includes 10 Sinitic languages (with around 1.35 billion speakers) and 330 Tibeto-Burman languages (with around 70 million speaks).Mandarin Chinese, much like a unified Chinese identity, has been promoted across the nation by the Chinese government. (Source:  Zhang Kaiyv)The Chinese writing system, along with Sumerian and Egyptian writing systems, is one of the world’s oldest. This is often referred to as “Old Chinese” or “Archaic Chinese”.  The writing system was logographic which means that the characters represent words or phrases rather than sounds. This can make it as hard to read as hieroglyphics for those not familiar with it. Those who spoke the language in the North are more closely related to Mandarin Chinese while in the Southeast, there are a number of different dialects and languages including Cantonese (Yue), Min (Fujian, Taiwan), Wu (Shanghai).Mandarin ChineseMandarin’s most famous time was probably in 1956 when it became the standa rdised official language of the People’s Republic of China.  The reform modified 2,300 complex ideograms in order to make them easier to learn for both the Chinese and foreign speakers.  This language originated from the different dialects spoken in the North with the one from the capital, Beijing, being its main source of inspiration.As a symbol of China’s economic growth, the language has become an important part of business and is the most spoken language in the world.CantoneseThe word “Cantonese” comes from “Canton”, the Western word for Guangzhou, the capital of the Guangdong province, which is considered to be the home of the language itself.  While some see it as a less prestigious Mandarin Chinese, Cantonese has strong roots in the region and has made it difficult for any other language to usurp it.It’s also spoken in a number of other places such as:Malaysia (750,000 speakers)Vietnam (500,000 speakers)And North America, where there are 180,000 speakers of the language in the city of San Francisco alone.The words “wok”, “dim sum”, and “mahjong” are all of Cantonese origin. Which Variant of Chinese Should I Learn?When it comes to business, speaking Mandarin Chinese would be hugely beneficial and with around 20% of the world’s population speaking it, there are literally thousands and thousands of jobs that require it.As the world’s 2nd biggest economic power, China is Europe’s second most popular trading partner, just after the United States, and accounts for around 160 billion Euros in trade.  Hopefully this makes your decision much easier.This is one of the main reasons that more and more students are signing up to take Chinese classes and it’s currently estimated that around 30 million people are currently learning Mandarin.  It should also be noted that there are plenty of international employers looking for skilled employees who know how to read, write, and speak Mandarin Chinese.In terms of demand, Cantonese is jus t after Mandarin Chinese. The language spoken in Hong Kong and Southeast Asia is currently also very popular among young students from the West. In fact, as trade with Hong Kong increases, more and more employers are looking for employees from the West who can speak their language. NingChinese Teacher 5.00 (10) £25/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors LorraineChinese Teacher £10/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors YuweiChinese Teacher 4.33 (6) £19/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors JoyceChinese Teacher £15/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors NicoleChinese Teacher £60/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors KatyChinese Teacher £16/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors YangChinese Teacher £18/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors ChengChinese Teacher £20/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors The Influence of Chinese in AsiaThere are plenty of Asian countries far and wide that are influenced by China.60% of Japanese vocabulary is of Chinese origi n. (Source: Manuel Joseph)JapanThe influence of the Chinese language on Japan can be seen quite clearly.  In fact, 60% of modern Japanese vocabulary is of Chinese origin.The presence of a Chinese army in the Land of the Rising Sun had a profound effect on the country’s linguistic landscape. You can find a number of Chinese characters being used in Japanese. These Chinese characters, known as Kanji in Japanese, are used alongside Japan’s two other writing systems: Hiragana and Katakana.However, the Japanese government likes to downplay China’s effect on the country as they believe China is still trying to exert their influence on them.KoreaAs early as the 5th century BCE, the Chinese Empire was seen as a model civilisation by the Koreans and a number of Chinese influences can still be seen to this day.  Culturally speaking, the Middle Kingdom influenced the Koreans in the following ways:Agriculture: through the different technologies of the time for cultivating rice and barley. Law: the drafting of the first civil code and the adoption of an administrative model.Just like in Japanese, Chinese characters also found their way into Korean and it’s thought that between 60% and 70% of Korean’s vocabulary is made up of Sino-Korean words.VietnamWhen speaking about the relationship between China and Vietnam, you have to be careful as it’s quite difficult to find trustworthy information on the subject.In terms of linguistics, we know that Chinese and Vietnamese belong to two different language families.  However, there are phonetic similarities between the two languages!  In fact, while there are also certain grammatical similarities between Mandarin Chinese in some cases, the phonetic similarities between Cantonese and Vietnamese are even greater.While the language is more similar to ancient Chinese, there is a clear Cantonese influence on Vietnamese due to the historical relationship between the two regions.SingaporeOf all the ethnic groups in Singapore, th e Chinese population is the biggest.  The country's comprised of four main linguistic groups: one for each of the country’s official languages. Mandarin Chinese is the language spoken by most of the Chinese-speaking inhabitants.While there’s a tendency for Mandarin households to also speak English, we can confirm that Mandarin makes up part of the city-state’s multilingual landscape Focus on Mandarin ChineseMandarin Chinese is spoken by 955 million people. With so many speakers, it’s worth focusing on this variant of Chinese.Mandarin Chinese is spoken by 955 million people! (Source: Dom J)What are the main things about Mandarin Chinese?Firstly, Mandarin is a tonal language. This means that the pronunciation can completely change the meaning of certain words even if they’re written completely the same.There are 4 tones in Mandarin:The first tone is the high-level tone.The second tone is the rising tone.The third tone is dipping tone.The fourth tone is the falling tone.Gramm atical rules:The determiner always comes first regardless of whether it’s part of a sentence (adverb before the ver), a subordinate clause, or a noun consisting of several sinographs.Negatives are made by putting a grammatical element before the verb. The character ? bù is used in the present of future before all verbs except ? you (to have) which is preceded by the character ? méi.When referring to a discouraged or forbidden action, the negation is expressed using the character or ? bié or biè before the verb.Of course, if you’re going to learn Mandarin Chinese, you’ll need to know how to count, too!One: ? or yi, pronounced [yi]Two: ? or èr, pronounced [ar]Three: ? or san, pronounced [sahn]Four: ? or sì, pronounced [seu]Five: ? or wu, pronounced [wou]Finally, as you probably know, both Japanese and Chinese follow a strict set of rules when it comes to being polite.If you want to mingle with the Chinese, you’ll need to learn how to say:Hello = nihao, pronounced [ni hao ]What’s your name? = nín guì xìng, pronounced [nin gouay shing]Yes = shì, pronounced [shu]No = bú shì, pronounced [bou chi]Thank you = xiè xiè, pronounced [chi chi]If you know the basics of Mandarin Chinese, you’ll be able to progress quickly and settle in China. What’s Pinyin?As you probably know, China has been looking beyond its own borders in recent years. This can be very clearly seen in Pinyin, the system for transcribing the Chinese language in the Latin Alphabet.Invented by Zhou Yougouang, it wouldn’t be until 1982 that the International Organization for Standardization in the People’s Republic of China recognised it as the official system for the romanisation of Mandarin Chinese.In addition to being a huge step towards the west, this system has also helped improve the literacy of the Chinese population (which is at 95% according to UNICEF).The Chinese can now also benefit from 25 of the letters in the Latin Alphabet. V is not included. You’ll also see th at Pinyin includes 5 tones. Tones in ChineseYou may have learnt during your studies of foreign languages that the English language is not tonal. Despite how well some speakers of our language can sing, tone barely plays a role in English.However, the use of tone in Mandarin Chinese is really important as well as being the stuff of nightmares for those trying to learn the language.There are actually 5 tones in Chinese:The first tone is high and level.The second tone is a high and rising.The third tone is much like a wave: a mid-range tone that falls then rises.The fourth tone starts high and then descends.The fifth is the neutral tone.Are you looking for a private tutor to help you with your Chinese?  Mandarin classes London? Search for a private tutor on Superprof.

Cities You Have to Visit in Spain

Cities You Have to Visit in Spain The Top 12 Cities in Spain ChaptersMadridBarcelonaSevilleCordobaSamalancaValenciaGironaToledoLas PalmasPalma de MallorcaGranadaMalaga“The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.” - Lao TzuMost people would love to go on a big trip.Why not visit the Iberian peninsula?From the Mediterranean coast to the Portuguese border, plenty of tourists are spoilt for choice when it comes to destinations in Spain.  Whether you do a pilgrimage to Santiago de la Compostela or just fancy travelling to Spain to learn Spanish, here are the most beautiful cities in the country and where you should go when you visit Spain. TadeoSpanish Teacher 5.00 (2) £20/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors AnnickSpanish Teacher 5.00 (6) £20/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors PeterSpanish Teacher £15/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors LowriSpanish Teacher 5.00 (8) £90/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors MartaSpanish Teacher 5.00 (6) £22/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors SharonSpanish Teacher 5.00 (2) £20/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors TanyaSpanish Teacher 5.00 (1) £25/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors Jose manuelSpanish Teacher £14/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutorsMadridIn the heart of the country, Madrid is the centre of Spain. As a capital city, it’s full of big streets and traffic jams. Fortunately for you, it’s also home to beautiful parks like El Retiro Park.There are plenty of places to enjoy the sun in Madrid. (Source: Donations_are_appreciated)You can also discover great museums like the Prado, where you can see works from Dalì, Goya, and Velasquez, as well as the Reina Sofia museum where you can see Picasso’s Guernica.Like most other countries in the world, the capital of Spain is top of the list of places to visit in the country.BarcelonaIf you head to Barcelona in the height of summer, you’ll probably find more tourists than locals. For the most part, visiting Barcelona outside of summer is a good way to avoid crowds and sweltering heat. While Barcelona is next to the sea and has a beach, it’s still very hot in the summer. But don’t let that stop you from enjoying the city streets, the Sagrada Familia, and Catalan art.With Barcelona being in the heart of Catalonia, there's a lot to differentiate it from the other cities in Spain. For one, both Catalan and Spanish are spoken in the region so get used to seeing words you didn't come across in your Spanish lessons. Secondly, the Catalan region has its own culture, history, art, and identity, giving you something new to discover if you think you've seen everything Spain has to offer.SevilleSeville is certainly one of the first cities people think of when talking about Spain. As the capital of the region of Andalusia, this is one of the most beautiful cities with its Moorish architecture such as the Royal Alcazar.After visiting the Plaza de España, head over to the archaeological site Italica or the María Luisa Park. What better way to enjoy the s unshine in the south of Spain.Finally, there’s nothing better than spending the evening in a tapas bar or watching a flamenco show. If there was a single city that could represent what most people think of when they think of Spain, Seville would be it.CordobaCordoba is another city in Andalusia that had a tumultuous history. It was an important city in the Roman Empire before becoming an Islamic city in the Middle Ages. You can see its history represented by its most famous building, the Mezquita, which was built in 784.  There are also Byzantine influences in this building.  The interesting thing about this building is that it was originally a mosque before becoming a Cathedral.If you're heading to visit the Mezquita, you should definitely make your way via the Calleja de las Flores, arguably the most famous street in all of Cordoba.You'll love the architecture in Cordoba. (Source: campunet)With the Plaza de la Corredera, Viana Palace, Plaza de la Tendillas, you won’t be bored walking around Cordoba. This is a beautiful city that really deserves more attention than it often gets.SamalancaIn the heart of Spain, Salamanca is a treasure trove of architectural delights. Its sandstone buildings make the city look like its made of gold and resulted in the city being nicknamed The Golden City. These buildings are particularly impressive when viewed either during sunrise or sunset.Spending a few days or weeks in Salamanca is a great way to get the most out of this city’s student vibe. You’ll find one of the country’s oldest universities here. Both Spanish and international students spend their evenings having a drink at the Plaza Mayor. Salamanca is listed as a world heritage site and is an unmissable destination in Spain. TadeoSpanish Teacher 5.00 (2) £20/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors AnnickSpanish Teacher 5.00 (6) £20/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors PeterSpanish Teacher £15/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors LowriSpanish Tea cher 5.00 (8) £90/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors MartaSpanish Teacher 5.00 (6) £22/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors SharonSpanish Teacher 5.00 (2) £20/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors TanyaSpanish Teacher 5.00 (1) £25/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors Jose manuelSpanish Teacher £14/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutorsValenciaIf you love paella, you’ll love Valencia. In fact, you’ll find the best paella in all of Spain here as that's where the dish was originally created. Of course, paella isn’t the only reason to go to Valencia, though.The City of Arts and Sciences is a fine example of modern architecture. (Source: papagnoc)The city is famous for the City of Arts and Sciences. The city is also home to a mix of small streets, modern western architecture, and the Mercado Central where you can find local produce.Similarly, the city is famous the Fallas festival, when local artisans craft magnificent floats before burning them at the e nd of the festival. Only the floats that are deemed worthy of Fallas Museum are spared from the flames.Make sure you include a visit to the City of Arts and Sciences in your travel budget.GironaGirona isn’t Spain’s most famous city but its historic charm makes it one of Spain’s most beautiful. This town has plenty of great places to walk around.You should definitely see the “Tapestry of Creation” in the cathedral at the top of 90 steps. You can also enjoy the view from here. The city is most famous for its historic ruins that line the streets. Roman city walls, Gothic churches, the blend of eras makes walking around Girona like travelling through time.ToledoAs a town that was home to Jews, Muslims, and Christians, Toledo has earned its name as The City of Three Cultures. This mix of cultures also means that you can visit synagogues, cathedrals, churches, mosques, and also Roman buildings. It’s the difference between all these things that makes Toledo so fascinating to vi sit.With so many architectural and artistic wonders, you really have to spend several days in Toledo. Tourists visiting Madrid often take some time out to make their way to Toledo and they're rarely disappointed.Find out more about accommodation in Spain.Las PalmasDon’t forget that the Canary Islands are also part of Spain. In the Atlantic Ocean, these islands are a popular destination for foreign tourists. Las Palmas is arguably one of the most beautiful cities. It’s famous for being a destination visited by Christopher Columbus as he set off on his journey to India. We recommend that you visit the Casa de Colón, a museum dedicated to the man.Just like any other big city, though, Las Palmas is sometimes too busy to enjoy. Try to visit outside of the busy periods to really make the most of the city and its beaches.Palma de MallorcaPalma de Mallorca, on the Balearic Islands in the Mediterranean Sea, is not just a city for parties and nightclubs. While these are all very popular, there is another way to enjoy the city if you head out of the centre. The old town (Casco Antigo) has its quiet spots where you can find charming small streets by the sea.Don't forget to visit the Spanish islands, too! (Source: Walkerssk)Don’t forget to visit the breathtaking Gothic Santa Maria Cathedral while you're there, too!GranadaMedieval cities always draw in crowds of people looking to learn more about the age of knights. Both adults and children can enjoy Granada. This Andalusian city is home to plenty of monuments including the world-famous Alhambra. The Albaicín neighbourhood is also listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.You can see Granada’s Arab and Catholic history in its streets. As you walk around the city, you can enjoy Medieval, Renaissance, and Western architecture. Granada is also a great place to attend exhibitions, festivals, and concerts, too.Find out more about Spain's best monuments.MalagaMalaga is a popular destination for foreign tourists and Spaniar ds looking to enjoy the sun all year long. However, the beautiful Spanish beaches aren’t the only reason to visit the city.In Malaga itself, you can also enjoy museums, especially those dedicated to Picasso since he was born in the city. While the coastline around Malaga has been welcoming tourists from all over the world, the city itself is also starting to become a popular destination for tourists looking to see an authentic Spanish side to the Costa del Sol.The combination of typical beach getaways and cultural tourism make Malaga an ideal place to spend excellent vacations!That said, there are also plenty of beautiful villages in every corner of Spain, too. Whether you're in the Basque Country, Catalonia, Andalucia, or in Ibiza, there are plenty of places to visit.Before you go to Spain, you might want to learn some Spanish (or Catalan). Just do a quick search for Spanish tutors on Superprof and you'll find the right teacher for you in no time!

Dealing with Fear - How to Interrupt and Redirect Your Mind - Introvert Whisperer

Introvert Whisperer / Dealing with Fear - How to Interrupt and Redirect Your Mind - Introvert Whisperer Dealing with Fear How to Interrupt and Redirect Your Mind SELF-PROMOTION Let me emphasize that Self-Promotion doesn’t have to be obnoxious to be effective.  But, if you don’t Self-Promote you, who will?  If you ever want to get ahead, you have to learn how to Self-Promote. I want to help you accelerate your career by connecting you with your Free Instant Access to my video that shows you simple, yet effective ways to Self-Promote. Brought to you by Dorothy Tannahill-Moran â€" dedicated to unleashing your professional potential. Introvert Whisperer

Improve your Vocabulary English Words and Phrases connected to Winter

Improve your Vocabulary English Words and Phrases connected to Winter When you hear the word winter what do you normally think of? The most common English words and phrases connected to winter are snow, Santa, Christmas, dark  nights, wrap up warm, hot chocolate.Well, we are here again and what a quick year it has been! The clocks go back  (the time is  adjusted to winter time), depending on what part of the world you are in, on Saturday night/Sunday  morning (28th /29th October) so we will now be faced with  (you will now experience) dark evenings as  the nights close in  (days become shorter and the nights become longer) and winter begins.The  upside  (advantage) for many is that we enjoy an extra hour in bed! So all is not so bad!We usually have many jobs to do to get ready for the winter.For me I have to get out  (take out of  storage) the winter clothes.Put away  (put into storage) the summer tee-shirts and shorts replace  them with warm jumpers, shirts and thick socks. The winter hat and heavy coat are also ready and in  case we have early snow o r lots of rain the winter boots are also cleaned.The heating will be turned on in most rooms and the radiators checked to make sure they are  working. I have already switched  (changed) my breakfast so I am now enjoying a warm bowl of  porridge with honey instead of the muesli I eat during the summer.The car is also checked and again depending on where you live you may be considering putting on  your winter tyres. This can be a little troublesome  (difficult).You have to take the spare wheels/tyres  from the balcony or storage room, pack them into the car and then go to the service station to get  them changed. This involves waiting in line (queuing for a while) until it is your turn.Of course, if  you are really well prepared you might have made an appointment  (fixed time) and so avoid  standing in line too long. Once the car is checked and the wheels changed you are all set. Thoughts  then switch to a winter holiday perhaps? English Idioms connected to Winter Here are some useful English words and phrases connected to winter:CHILL OUT   We use this when we want to relax or unwind after a difficult day.ex. I love to chill out in front  of a warm fire and a glass of wine.SNOWED UNDER   Used to refer to the fact we have lots to do and have no time for anything else.ex. I  would love to go to the match with you but I am snowed under at work and have no time.PUT IT ON ICE When we want to delay something for a little while.ex. That idea is great but we do not  have time to do it now. Can we put it on ice until the new year?ON THIN ICE   Where you are in a little bit of trouble,not sure of your point or at risk of making a  mistake.ex. He had missed his wife’s birthday as he was on a business trip,if he missed their anniversary  he would be on very thin ice!TO WRAP UP WARM   To put on warm clothes (hat, scarf, gloves) against the chill of winter.ex. Its cold outside, wrap up warm!Don’t forget your personal check up. Vitamins and exercise ar e essential for a healthy winter. English Words and Phrases connected to Winter English Vocabulary Words the clocks go back the time is adjusted to winter time to be faced with to experience somethingthe nights close in days become shorter and the nights become longerupside -advantageto get out take out of storageto put away put into storageto switch to changetroublesome difficultwaiting in line queuing for a whileappointment fixed time

Self-Defense Glossary

Self-Defense Glossary If you decide to enter the police force or military, youll need to learn self-defense. If you are worried about your personal safety, self-defense classes could help. Here is a glossary to help you talk and write about the concepts of self-defense in English. Creator:Bill Valentine, Self Defense Coach and Instructor [CC BY-SA 3.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0)] Glossary blockHinder or stop the movement or action of (an opponent, a ball, etc.). concentrationThe action or power of focusing ones attention or mental effort. dangerThe possibility of suffering harm or injury. danger signAn indication that a bad or dangerous situation is likely to develop. enemyA person who is actively opposed or hostile to someone or something. feintA deceptive or pretended blow, thrust, or other movement, esp. in boxing or fencing. fightingThe action of fighting; violence or conflict. forceStrength or energy as an attribute of physical action or movement. guard positionThe guard is a ground grappling position where one combatant has their back to the ground, while attempting to control the other combatant using the legs. hitBring ones hand or a tool or weapon into contact with (someone or something) quickly and forcefully. hurtCause physical pain or injury to someone. judgementThe ability to make considered decisions or come to sensible conclusions. martial art Various sports or skills, mainly of Japanese origin, that originated as forms of self-defense or attack, such as judo, karate, and kendo. mindThe element of a person that enables them to be aware of the world and their experiences, to think, and to feel; the faculty of consciousness and thought. moveGo in a specified direction or manner; change position. muscular enduranceEndurance is the ability of an organism to exert itself and remain active for a long period of time, as well as its ability to resist, withstand, recover from, and have immunity to trauma, wounds, or fatigue. In humans, it is usually used in aerobic or anaerobic exercise. observationThe action or process of observing something or someone carefully or in order to gain information. precisionThe quality, condition, or fact of being exact and accurate. self-defense The defense of ones person or interests, esp. through the use of physical force, which is permitted in certain cases as an answer to a charge of violent crime. sidestepA step taken sideways, typically to avoid someone or something. speedThe rate at which someone or something is able to move. supplenessThe gracefulness of a person or animal that is flexible and supple. techniqueA skillful or efficient way of doing or achieving something. unbalanceMake (someone or something) unsteady so that they tip or fall. weak spotA place of special vulnerability. Please follow and like us: