What Is Fusion Drumming

What Is Fusion Drumming The Features Of A Fusion Drum Kit ChaptersWhy Choose A Fusion Drum Kit?What To Look Out ForWhich Fusion Drum Kit Is Right For Me?If you want to learn how to drum, it may feel slightly overwhelming at first deciding where to begin.For instance, do you think you’d like to learn how to drum with electronic drums or acoustic drums? Knowing the types of drum sets available is just one of the hurdles to overcome.There are other questions you might ask yourself too, such as whether you’re hoping to learn to play a particular style, or if you’re just looking to learn how to master the basics of drumming and progress from there?Although it can feel as though there are lots of decisions to be made before you even start learning to drum, remember that you can always change your mind down the line â€" you’re not stuck with electronic drums for instance if you decide that you’d rather play acoustic!However, if you think that you might like to learn how to play on fusion-sized drums, then this article outlines what you s hould know.Fusion drum kits can work well if you plan on playing lots of different gigs. (Image Source: CC0 1.0, Free-Photos, Pixabay)Jazz fusion;Funk; orA combination of musical styles,You can certainly do so on a fusion drum kit.What’s more, you don’t have to be a novice drummer to play music on this type of kit â€" in fact, any ability level should be able to play on a fusion drum kit successfully!Ultimately, if you like playing different styles of music and would like to have a versatile drum kit, then a fusion kit could be right for you.Fusion drum kits can be great for beginners. (Image Source: CC0 1.0, Heyme, Pixabay)What To Look Out ForA fusion set is somewhere in between a standard rock n roll set and a smaller jazz set, with one of the greatest variations being the size of the bass drum.Its smaller size compared to a standard drum kit can make it easier to travel with and can also make it easier to tune. This can be helpful, for instance, if you gig regularly or have t o attend a roadshow.Below we highlight some of the main features that you might find in a fusion drum kit, including:The bass drum;The tom-toms;The snare drum; andThe cymbals.Although we outline some of the standard features that you might expect to see in these elements below, that’s not to say that there isn’t some room for personalisation if you would like to customise your kit in any way.After all, music is a form of self-expression, so don’t feel as though you absolutely have to conform to each of the standards below. Rather, see them as a guide and make your own mind up as to whether that particular type or size drum would work for you and your drumming style.For instance, if you'd rather use an electronic drum set to play fusion, then,  of course, you are free to, even if it may be preferable in some instances to use a dedicated fusion drum set.Check out Superprof to find some drum lessons.The Bass DrumArguably, the bass drum is the most important part of a fusion drum kit. It is the drum that has the deepest tone. Generally speaking, a fusion bass drum should measure around 20 inches, falling halfway between a jazz bass drum (usually 18 inches) and a rock bass drum (usually 22 inches).As a fusion kit tends to be smaller than a rock kit, it’s also common to see a fusion kit produce a quieter sound than a rock kit, which is something to bear in mind.The Tom-TomsA fusion drum set usually features three toms, the same number that you tend to find in a standard drum kit. However, the difference with the toms in a fusion kit is that they are generally smaller. Usually, you’ll see  10-inch, 12-inch and 14-inch toms.The Snare DrumAnother important element when it comes to a fusion drum set is the snare drum.Generally, you can expect to see a snare drum in a fusion kit measuring in at 14 inches. However, selecting a snare drum is a very personal choice. As a result, don’t be afraid to try out different snare drum sizes and shell thicknesses to find the combinations that work best for you.The CymbalsThere are plenty of different cymbals that you can add to your drum set to create new tones and personalise your own sound.If you’re starting to put a fusion drum kit together, one of the safest options is to start with buying two essentials â€" the hi-hat and the ride cymbal.When it comes to the hi-hat, you can usually buy one with a size of anywhere between 8 and 16 inches. However, when it comes to a hi-hat used in a fusion drum kit, you’re more likely to see one that falls between 10 and 14 inches.Equally, the ride cymbal usually measures between 18 and 24 inches, and will likely be the largest cymbal in your fusion drum kit. Bear in mind that in some fusion kits the ride cymbal might not be particularly durable. In such cases, have a think about whether it would be better to invest in a thicker cymbal that isn’t at as much risk of breaking with the slightest tap of a drumstick!Aside from the hi-hat and the ride cymbal, th ere are other cymbals that you could add to a fusion drum kit to personalise your kit if you wanted to. For example, you could add a splash or crash cymbal. Generally speaking:A splash cymbal measures between 8 and 12 inches; whileA crash cymbal measures between 13 and 22 inches.Regardless of what cymbals you end up choosing, try not to buy any cymbals before you’ve at least had a chance to try them out. This way, you’ll know that what you’re buying is best suited and personalised to you and how you would like to play.There are lots of different factors to consider when choosing a fusion drum kit. (Image Source: CC0 1.0, flockine, Pixabay)Which Fusion Drum Kit Is Right For Me?There are so many different ways to build up a drum kit. Often, how a person chooses a drum kit or how they decide to buy one will be a very personal decision.For instance, you might really value the ability to personalise your fusion drum kit as much as possible. In such cases, you might be better off bu ying each element of a fusion drum kit separately, so you have a chance to build the right sound and set-up for you.Equally, if you’re happy to work with a more standard fusion drum kit, you might find it much easier to buy an off the shelf kit that’s complete with all the standard elements you’d likely see in a fusion drum kit.What’s more, there are other factors to take into consideration, such as:How much room you have for a drum kit at home or in a studio;Whether you're a beginner, intermediate, or advanced drummer;How far your budget will stretch when it comes to buying a drum kit; andWhether you’re set on buying a particular brand, such as Mapex, Zildjian, Rolanda, Yamaha, or Gretsch.All of these elements end up making a drum kit choice incredibly personal, so make sure that when the time does come to buy your next drum kit, you think about whether you’re happy with the price you’re paying, what elements you’re getting, whether you want to buy any other instrum ents, and how comfortable you are playing with the kit.Looking for drum lessons in the UK? Superprof's got you covered.It's also worthwhile trying out the various items of drum hardware if you can before you buy them. Regardless of whether you're looking at buying a complete drum set, snare drums, drum head, drumsticks, a new pedal, or even a metronome or microphone, testing everything out is a great way to know whether it's the right purchase for you.Although it can take time finding the perfect percussion instrument for you, spending some extra time researching and trying out different types of kit can pay off in the long run.If you found this useful, why not check out our blog on how to drum without a drum set!

Chemical Equation for Photosynthesis Online Biology Tutors Tutorpace

Chemical Equation for Photosynthesis Online Biology Tutors Tutorpace Green plants have the capacity to prepare their own food. The process of synthesis of organic food (carbohydrate) from carbon di oxide and water in the presence of sunlight by plants is called photosynthesis.it is the most important synthetic process on earth because it is the only source of carbohydrates in which the solar energy is fixed in the form of chemical energy. Plants have the ability of capturing energy coming from the sun in the form of light and converting it into chemical energy and stored in carbohydrate molecules (organic food molecules) .this chemical energy is used for the growth and sustenance of our biosphere. All animals including human beings depend on plants for their food. Actually photosynthesis occurs in two steps, photochemical and biochemical. Photochemical phase-The reaction of this phase are driven by light energy. They are of two types-photolysis of water and formation of assimilatory power. Biochemical phase-It is the light independent reaction which can occur both in light and in dark. It requires the energy and reducing power contained in assimilatory power of light reactions. The chemical equation for photosynthesis is 6CO2 + 12H20 -- C6H12O6 + 6O2 + 6H20 The raw materials for photosynthesis are Carbon dioxide and water and the end products are carbohydrate and oxygen and water.Oxygen is liberated into the atmosphere as a by-product during this process. This evolved oxygen comes from water and not from carbon dioxide.

What is it Like to Attend University of Miami

What is it Like to Attend University of Miami The tutors behind Varsity Tutors are not just here to teach theyre sharing their college experiences as well. Zach is a New York City tutor specializing in many areas of test prep including SAT tutoring, ACT tutoring, ISEE tutoring, SSAT tutoring, and more. He graduated from the University of Miami in 2011 with a Bachelors degree in Ecosystem Science Policy and International Studies. See what he had to say about his school: VT: Describe the campus setting and transportation options.How urban or safe is the campus?Are there buses or do you need a car/bike? Zach: South Florida is a unique place and the UMiami campus reflects that beautifully; its difficult to find a spot that isnt picturesque. The small campus size and beautiful weather lend themselves to walking, though Id advise packing an umbrella for the brief and sudden downpours that happen seasonally. The Marine Science campus is located on Key Biscayne, but is connected with frequent shuttles. Those living more than a reasonable walk from campus might appreciate having a car, as Miami can be a challenge to navigate otherwise. VT: How available are the professors, academic advisers, and teaching assistants? Zach: Many people intuitively think that UM is a large school, when actually thats not the case. In my experience, its a close-knit community and the staff and faculty are always available to help students who are seeking it. Larger, intro-level classes exist, but are supplemented with study sessions and lots of office hours (both by appointment and on a walk-in basis). Advisers are assigned by major, which means that they share a passion for your field of study, and deal with few enough students to care and be very helpful on an individualized level. VT: How would you describe the dorm life rooms, dining options, location, socialization opportunities with other students? Zach: There are two freshman dorm buildings on campus, and I felt that they really set the UMiami experience off on the right foot. Floor programs and activities did a lot to mitigate the onset of freshman homesickness that almost everyone feels at some point. I met people in my first year that remain my best friends to this day. The dining halls offer a wide array of food choices and meal plans. VT: Which majors/programs are best represented and supported?What did you study and why? Did the university do a good job supporting your particular area of study? Zach: All of the programs one would expect are fully represented and supported. In particular, Miamis location and the devoted campus make it a world renowned place for Marine Science disciplines. I found that, in my experience in various science and International Studies classes, teachers almost always worked or researched in the fields they were teaching. This was helpful both in the practical knowledge that it allowed them to share with students and in how helpful they could be with sharing opportunities for research, internships, and jobs. VT: How easy or difficult was it for you to meet people and make friends as a freshman? Does Greek life play a significant role in the campus social life? Zach: As I previously mentioned, UM devotes lots of energy to creating a fun and easy freshman experience. Meeting people is easy and everyone seems friendly maybe the sunshine puts everyone in a good mood. The social scene isnt dominated by Greek life, so being a part of a fraternity or sorority isnt necessary to meet people, though its available to those interested. VT: How helpful is the Career Centerand other student support services?Do many reputable companies recruit on campus? Zach: I didnt use it, but the Toppel Career Center is a robust resource that many of my peers found tremendously helpful. Miami is a great location many companies have locations right in the city, particularly those who conduct international business and most of those companies made an effort to recruit from UM. VT: How are the various study areas such aslibraries, the student union, and dorm lounges? Are they over-crowded, easily available, spacious? Zach: Richter Library is huge and sits right in the heart of campus. Study space there is at a premium during finals, but in general, students should have no trouble finding a place to study. There is also an on-campus Starbucks for those who like that type of environment. For me, though, nothing beats studying outside in the lakeside hammocks that the school puts out during finals. VT: Describe the surrounding town. What kinds of outside establishments / things to do are there that make it fun, boring, or somewhere in between?To what extent do students go to the downtown area of the city versus staying near campus? Zach: It probably isnt too hard to believe that UMiami is a very fun place to attend school. The area immediately around campus is a quieter area than the heart of Miami. An on-campus bar is a fantastic place to hang out with friends or catch a road football game on TV surrounded by fellow Hurricanes. Theres something fun for everyone in Miami as well: beautiful beaches, a wonderful art community and cultural centers, the glitz of South Beach, a bar scene, every type of sporting event you can imagine, and a lot more. Youll want to hit the books hard during the week so you can experience all Miami has to offer during your free time. VT: How big or small is the student body? Were you generally pleased or displeased with the typical class sizes? Zach: As previously mentioned, UM is much smaller than many people imagine: about 10,000 undergrads. You will find your typical range of class sizes: my Introduction to Biology class (a requirement for almost everyone in a Science program) had about 200 students, but as you delve deeper into your field of study, youll find class sizes drop to less than 20. By my senior year, I was in several classes that had only three or four students. VT: Describe one memorable experience with a professor and/or class. Perhaps one you loved the most or one youregretthe most. Zach: Its difficult to pick, but a research expedition to Death Valley/Long Valley, California was certainly a highlight. There is no shortage of opportunities for in-the-field experiences (this trip and a trip to the Galapagos were offered in my senior year, and thats just in my small major), but being in the mountains and conducting environmental and geologic research was what made me really passionate about my field of study. In the span of a single day, we sweat in sandy deserts and waded through feet of snow. We literally experienced the countrys highest mountains and lowest valleys. Professors seemed less like instructors and more like experienced colleagues and we participated in real, published research. It was truly a hands-on type of learning that seems next to impossible to replicate in a classroom. I advise any potential UM student to seize and relish the many of these opportunities that exist. Check out Zachs tutoring profile. The views expressed in this article do not necessarily represent the views of Varsity Tutors.

The Best Buildings in Spain

The Best Buildings in Spain The Top 15 Spanish Buildings to Visit! ChaptersThe Alhambra in GranadaThe Sagrada Familia in BarcelonaMosque-Cathedral of CordobaCathedral of Santiago de CompostelaBurgos CathedralAlcázar of SegoviaThe Cathedral of Palma de MallorcaCathedral-Basilica of Our Lady of the PillarThe Roman Theatre, MéridaThe Giralda of SevilleThe City of Arts and Sciences in ValenciaThe Guggenheim Museum in BilbaoCasa Milà in BarcelonaThe Royal Palace of MadridMontserrat Abbey“Traveling outgrows its motives. It soon proves sufficient in itself. You think you are making a trip, but soon it is making you - or unmaking you.” - Nicolas Bouvier, The Way of the WorldWith 41 buildings listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites, Spain attracts tourists wishing to discover its history and culture throughout the year. Be it Zaragoza, Barcelona, Mardia, or Segovia, Spanish towns know exactly how to charm you with their historic and cultural buildings.From the Alhambra in Granada to Catalonia’s Montserrat Abbey, here are the most beautiful monuments t o see 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 tutorsThe Alhambra in GranadaThe Alhambra, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is one of the finest examples of Islamic and Moorish architecture and one of the most visited monuments in Spain. Tourists can enjoy the gardens as well as the different parts of the monument that tells the story of Spain’s history. You can also enjoy the views of the Sierra Nevada mountains.The Alhambra is the finest example of Moorish architecture. (Source: dkatana)You shouldn’t miss out on seeing this monument if you’re visiting Andalusia. Granada will impress you as much as the Alhambra, too. Make sure you add this destination to your list and enjoy the tapas you'll get free with almost any drink!The Sagrada Familia in BarcelonaIn the heart of Barcelona, the Sagrada Familia Basilica is one of Gaudí’s most famous architectural works. Construction on the building started in 1882 and it’s expected to be finished by 2026. In fact, the construction is funded by money from tourism. The boom in recent years has allowed the construction of the monument to be funded.  Hopefully, it’ll be finished sooner rather than later.Find out more about Spain's best cities.Mosque-Cathedral of CordobaBuilt as a mosque in 786 and then changed into a cathedral in 1523, Cordoba’s most famous monument is an architectural delight that you have to see for yourself. Just like the Alhamb ra in Granada, the Mezquita de Cordoba is one of the many Islamic monuments in southern Spain. Unsurprisingly, this is also listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site where you can enjoy the art of the Umayyad Caliphate. Don’t forget to bring your camera!Cathedral of Santiago de CompostelaThis Roman cathedral with its Baroque facade was built between 1098 and 1738 and is a popular Catholic meeting point. Each year, thousands of pilgrims make the journey to discover this monument in Galicia, home to the tomb of Saint James, an apostle who travelled across Europe to convert the Iberian Peninsula to Catholicism.A lot of curious tourists visit the cathedral to find out more about the Way of Saint James. You can find out a lot of about this pilgrimage here.Burgos CathedralLike many of the monuments in this list, Burgos Cathedral is also listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The cathedral is famous for its Gothic style. Built between 1221 and 1765, it’s famous for being the resting plac e of Rodrigo Diaz de Vivar (El Cid) and his wife Jimena. It’s one of the country’s biggest cathedrals after those in Toledo and Seville respectively. The different sculptures make this cathedral a veritable museum for those that find themselves in Burgos.Make sure you budget for your trip to Spain.Alcázar of SegoviaAccording to legend, this castle, which could have been lifted straight from fairy tales, was the inspiration for Sleeping Beauty. This castle, which can be found near Madrid, has an incredible style. It was used as a fortress, royal palace, prison, and military academy. From its position high on the hill, it overlooks the surrounding area. This makes it the perfect site for admiring the Spanish countryside near the capital.This is straight from a fairy tale. (Source: cascalheira)The Cathedral of Palma de MallorcaThe Cathedral of Palma de Mallorca is a huge monument which is also known as the La Seu de Mallorca  (the Cathedral of Santa Maria). Built in the 13th centu ry, it overlooks the city and the Mediterranean Sea. If you find yourself on the island, you have to visit this monument. You should also pay attention to the chapel built by Miquel Barceló. It’s a good way to see the island in a different light, too. 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 tutorsCathedral-Basilica of Our Lady of the PillarIn the heart of Aragon, the Cathedral-Basilica of Our Lady of the Pillar is a religious buildin g dedicated to the appearance of the Virgin Mary. She is said to have appeared on a column in front of the apostle Saint James. For this reason, the basilica is a Christian pilgrimage site.  If you visit Zaragoza, make sure you visit the breathtaking architecture of this cathedral.The Roman Theatre, MéridaThe Roman Theatre in Mérida is a huge part of the city’s archaeological history. It’s one of the largest on the Iberian Peninsula and is a remnant from the former city of Emerita.The theatre itself was built between 16 and 15BCE and, like all Roman theatres, was designed with exceptional acoustics in mind. With 3,000 audience members, shows produce an incredible sound.The Giralda of SevilleThe Giralda of Seville provides visitors with the highest viewpoints in the city. In fact, the city outlawed the construction of anything higher than the minaret of the mosque. This became a cathedral after the Reconquista. The Giralda was turned into a bell-tower that combined Spanish arch itectural styles with Islamic styles.Make sure that you take in the breathtaking views of the old Andalusian city from the top.The City of Arts and Sciences in ValenciaThe City of Arts and Sciences in Valencia is one of the city's finest examples of architecture. The futuristic architectural site covers 350,000 metres squared and was designed by Santiago Calatrava and Félix Candela. The buildings include a planetarium, science museum, botanical gardens, oceanographic museum, an art and music space, a bridge, and a covered square.You can learn more about arts and sciences in Valencia. (Source: papagnoc)The site itself is worth a visit to Valencia for. You can also learn more about art and science while learning more about Spanish culture. Don’t worry too much about the language barrier as almost all the information is available in English, too!The Guggenheim Museum in BilbaoThe Guggenheim Contemporary Art Museum was designed by the famous architect Frank Gehry. This art gallery in the heart of the Basque Country opened in 1997 and includes works from famous artists such as Richard Serra and Jeff Koons.The architecture is also incredible. The building is made of stone, titanium, and glass and impresses visitors as much as the art it contains. This contemporary monument has helped boost Bilbao’s status.Casa Milà in BarcelonaThere are plenty of examples of Gaudí architecture in the city of Barcelona. After the Sagrada Familia, you should definitely pay the Casa Milà a visit. This building, also known as La Pedrera, was built between 1906 and 1910 and is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its baroque and modern style have left their mark on Barcelona’s urban landscape.The building didn’t receive a warm welcome from the city and its residents when it was first built but over a century later, it's now one of the city’s most popular sights.Find out more about finding accommodation in Spain.The Royal Palace of MadridAt the heart of the Spanish capita l, you can enjoy the famous Royal Palace. With over 3,000 rooms and its massive gardens, this palace is the biggest in Western Europe. Even though it’s the king’s official residence, it only really welcomes tourists and official visits. It was built during the latter half of the 18th century and covers 135,000 metres squared.You can find it right in the heart of the city and it's one of Spain’s most visited attractions.Madrid is also a great city for art lovers. (Source: Donations_are_appreciated)Montserrat AbbeyBoth tourists and pilgrims make their way to the Montserrat Abbey in the Montserrat Mountain Range in Catalonia. This abbey was built in the 9th century. Today, the monument is home to a Catalan art museum as well as a monastery with around sixty monks. Pilgrims visit the monastery on a daily basis. This is an impressive monument in the heart of the mountains.As you can see, Spain isn't just a popular tourist destination for its beaches. That said, there are plenty of different regions you can visit including Malaga in the Costa del Sol in the South, Ibiza in the Balearic Islands, San Sebastian in Northern Spain, or Tenerife in the Canary Islands. There are so many interesting Spanish cities and monuments to visit!When you travel to Spain, you can also take trips to small villages with whitewashed streets in Andalucia, take in a flamenco show in Sevilla, or enjoy paella in Valencia. There's a reason Spain welcomes so many tourists every year!

AJ Tutorings ACT prep hybrid program

AJ Tutorings ACT prep hybrid program As the March SAT approaches this weekend, its time to start thinking about your students next steps with standardized testing.  Like the SAT, the ACT is accepted by all colleges and may be a good option for your student.  If youre interested in learning more about the ACT, read on!SAT vs. ACT: how do they differ?ACT questions are generally more straightforward, while SAT questions involve deeper critical thinkingThe ACT has a science section, unlike the SATThe SAT tests more vocabularyThe SAT is split up into more sectionsThe ACT is a faster-paced testMath on the SAT covers algebra and geometry, while math on the ACT also includes basic trigonometryWhile its often true that students who enjoy puzzles and logic games prefer the SAT and literal thinkers prefer the ACT, it can be hard to predict which test will be a better fit.We recommend that students take both the SAT and ACT, since both tests are accepted equally by colleges. Students are always welcome to take a diagnostic ACT at AJ Tutorings offices on Saturdays. Well then score the test and compare it to your students SAT scores to determine which test might be a better fit. If the scores are similar, students should plan on sitting for both tests in the spring of junior year.The ACT is offered on two Saturdays in spring 2014: April 12 and June 14. To register for the ACT, please consult the ACTs website.We know that preparing for standardized tests can involve a significant investment of time and money. With that in mind, we created our shorter ACT hybrid program.Primarily intended for students who have already completed AJ Tutorings full SAT program, the ACT hybrid program is shorter (3-4 sessions) and focuses on the differences between the two tests. Our ACT hybrid program emphasizes the faster pace of the ACT, as well as the ACT science section and the different format of the English section. Each student who completes the ACT hybrid program will take at least two full-length ACT exams, either at home or proctored at our office.AJ Tutoring also offers a comprehensive 8-9 session ACT program for those students who would prefer more comprehensive instruction and a greater number of practice tests.Many students who take the January or March SAT go on to take the ACT in April, and students who take the May SAT often take the June ACT.  With 5 or more weeks between the two tests, there is plenty of time for students to prepare for the ACT and maximize their chances of success on both tests!

How to Ace the ACT Writing Section

How to Ace the ACT Writing Section ACT SAT Prep and College Admissions Blog Writing an essay in 40 minutes can be a daunting task. The ACT graders expect you to write a well-developed, coherent essay about a topic that you may not be familiar with. However, knowing more about the ACT Writing section, and what graders are looking for can help you to prepare for this task effectively. The ACT Writing section is graded on the following four parameters: Ideas and Analysis Development and Support Organization Language Use and Conventions Ideas and Analysis: Scores under this parameter are based on your ability to produce relevant and engaging arguments on a specified issue. By writing about the issue at hand, you communicate to the ACT graders that you understand the issue that you have been asked to address. Tip: Rephrasing the prompt in your own words, and making it specific to your argument demonstrates to the ACT graders that you understand the prompt that they have invited you to write about. Development and Support: Scores under this parameter are based on your ability to rationally discuss and support an idea or argument. Rational argument development, as well as the use of examples to support your claim, help communicate your ideas to the ACT graders. Tip: Using a variety of specific examples will help to bolster your argument. Try pulling examples from history, art, politics, science, as well as your own personal history. Organization: Scores under this parameter are based on your ability to clearly and logically order the structure of your essay. Here, the ACT graders are looking for you to guide them through your argument in a logical, step-by-step fashion. Tip: Since you are allotted only 40 minutes to write a coherent essay, it is best to use the 5-paragraph essay structure. Introduction: It’s your job to grab the ACT graders attention, articulate your thesis or position, and include three supporting examples that bolster your thesis. 3 Supporting Paragraphs: Each paragraph should start off with a topic sentence, which acts as a thesis statement for your paragraph. The following sentences in your paragraph should discuss an example that bolsters your main argument. Conclusion: It is important to restate your argument, while expanding on it a little bit. One way of expanding your argument is to of future implications of your argument and what positive effects can stem from your argument. Language Use and Conventions: Scores in this domain are based on your ability to clearly articulate your argument while correctly and strategically using grammar, syntax, and word choice. The ACT graders are also taking into account your writing style and tone. Tip: Creative and varied sentence structure and word choice help keep the ACT graders engaged! It’s important to demonstrate your command of the English language and use it effectively to prove your argument. Use transition words, robust word choice, and varied sentence structure to aid the logical progression of your essay, and to make your essay stand out. It can be stressful to read a short prompt, and plan and write an essay in 40 minutes. Because you are granted little time to write a coherent, and well-developed essay, it is important that you pace yourself and budget your time wisely. The Essay Timeline below breaks down how you should spend your time organizing and writing your essay. Essay Timeline: 1. Read the Prompt 2 Minutes 2. Develop your thesis and brainstorm supporting examples 3 Minutes 3. Outline your essay 4 Minutes 4. Write your essay 28 Minutes 5. Proofread and edit your essay 3 Minutes Tip: If you find that you are running out of time while writing your essay, drop one of your three example paragraphs. It is preferable to have two well-written supporting paragraphs than three poorly written supporting paragraphs. Final Thoughts The best way to prepare for the ACT Writing Section is to practice writing essays within a time limit. The more familiar you become with how to organize your time within the essay timeline through practice, the more likely you feel confident about organizing your time efficiently and writing a stellar essay when your test date arrives. There are many pitfalls that test-takers fall into on the ACT Writing section. These pitfalls are more likely to occur when a test-taker has spent little or no time practicing writing essays or fails to use the Essay Timeline. Some of these common missteps are: Writing on a different topic than the one specified in the ACT Writing prompt. Not having a clear argument or thesis statement about your position in regards to the ACT Writing prompt. Using overly complex sentences, or overly florid words in your essay to “show-off” to the ACT graders. Poor spelling and grammar mistakes. Placing more weight on quantity instead of quality. Many test-takers fall into these pitfalls because they want to impress the ACT graders, and obtain a high score. Though it may seem that having a longer essay with florid or “big” vocabulary words, often times such attempts to impress the ACT graders end up confusing the graders about your argument and your ability to write a coherent essay. Consequently, test-takers end up with a low score for attempting to impress the ACT graders. It is important to remember to keep your essay clear, concise, and simple. Essays that are clear, concise, and simple standout on their own because they are easy to read and understand. BankeAbioye is a Managing Tutor with MyGuru and frequently helps students prepare for High School College Entrance Exams.

Dont Be Another Community College Dropout! Part Three

Don’t Be Another Community College Dropout! Part Three Don’t Be Another Community College Dropout! Part III Don’t Be Another Community College Dropout! Part III Make the School a Place You Want to Be Read part two here. + Join Clubs or Sports Your community college will have a large and diverse community of students with a variety of interests.   Community college campuses often have a plethora of clubs and sports available that would dwarf most high school options.   There will be something that you are interested in could benefit from, or would just be fun. Find some group or organization to join that you will enjoy.   This will get you on campus more often, and it will make the campus feel like a friendlier and more familiar place.   You’ll get to know more people, be comfortable in more places, and overall have a more positive feeling and experience. Being involved on campus will make you less likely to quit.   You’ll have more ties to the school and a larger network to keep you motivated every week. + Make Friends This is one of the more generic and common tips in this post, but it is worth repeating and supporting.   Making new friends on campus and in your classes is one of the best ways to support your college success and avoid the drop-out risk.   Friends in your major or more difficult classes can support you and add a sense of comradery to your struggles. College can be a difficult process on your own.   Friends and family can be a big help, but they aren’t always at the same school as you or taking the same classes.   It is tougher for them to relate and support you than it is for your fellow classmates.   Your classmates can also help you study and add some extra accountability that we talked about in part one. If you struggle making friends in class, then you should refer to the tip above and focus on finding some campus group to join.   It will be easier to find new friends in a social environment rather than an academic one.   The more connections you have to campus, the less likely you are to give up and drop it all. + Reward Yourself Give yourself any kind of positive motivation you can for doing well in your studies.   It could be for completing an assignment early, getting a good grade, making progress on a project or paper, going to your teacher’s office hours, or any other number of positive tasks.   Reward yourself in whatever way works best for you. When self-positive reinforcement is suggested, students often have a difficult time knowing what to use to reward themselves.   If you are also unsure of what you could use, consider this tactic: see what you do in your free time when you’re on your own.   Do you go somewhere specific?   Watch tv or play video games?   Play on your phone or read a book?   It doesn’t matter what it is, what matters is that you are choosing to do it in your spare time and must be enjoying it. Take that activity and use it as your reward.   When you get home or have free time, withhold doing that activity until you’ve made some progress in your work.   Once you have made progress, you can reward yourself â€" even if it’s something minor or simple.   This reinforcement might seem silly or childish, but it can make a large impact helping you feel positive about your studies and continue to make progress. Community colleges are a terrific resource for continuing your education.   The biggest downside to a local community school is the higher risk of failure or dropping out.   You should know this going in.   If you know the reasons why many students drop out, and if you follow some of the tips here, you will be able to stick to your program and find success on your educational journey. Michael C. is currently a private math, science, and standardized test tutor with TutorNerds in Irvine and Anaheim. All blog entries, except for guest bloggers, are written by Tutor Nerds. Are you an education professional? If so, email us at pr@tutornerds.com for guest blogging and collaborations. We want to make this the best free education resource in SoCal, so feel free to suggest what you would like to see us write.