Want to Learn Spanish 5 Options Broken Down By Cost

Want to Learn Spanish 5 Options Broken Down By Cost Suzy S. You probably already know the benefits of learning Spanish, from getting ahead in the job market to networking with new friends and more! But as with any skill, language mastery takes time and often money to achieve. If youre wondering how much it costs to learn Spanish, there isnt one hard-set answer it really depends on how youre going about your learning.  These days, the Internet makes it easy to find resources to even teach yourself Spanish, without needing a ton of expensive books or software. If youre on-the-go, free Spanish-learning apps can be a fun way to fit learning into your day. And when youre ready to get serious about your studies, the advent of online lesson platforms  makes finding a tutor within your budget easier than ever. So, whats the right option for you and your budget? Continue reading to learn  about five popular options to help you teach yourself Spanish. Software The modern version of a workbook is language learning software. While there are many available out there, the most well-known option is Rosetta Stone. Language software is a great option if you want to set your schedule sitting down whenever you have  some spare time however, the biggest drawback is the lack of personal attention. You wont be able to double check of your pronunciation with the software, so youll need to rely on your own ear to determine whether youre getting the syntax and pronunciation correct. This kind of software can cost you from $30 for a budget option up to a few hundred dollars for a comprehensive study of Spanish. Example  option: Rosetta Stone costs$499 for a 36-month beginner program. Books This language-learning option was  around well before computers, the Internet, or smartphones. A well-crafted book will allow  you to learn a language without purchasing multiple resources and building a considerable expense, and similar to software, you can go at  your own pace. Keep in mind, though, that  books share the same drawbacks as software as well. Most books will have quizzes or tests at the end of each chapter, but its difficult to really gauge your progress outside of that.  On top of this, you wont have the audio that software provides   typically just a  phonetic spelling that youll need to decipher. Books can be as inexpensive as $5 secondhand, or over $100 for a textbook. Example option:  Easy Spanish Step-By-Step  is a top seller on Amazon, and the paperback version can cost less than $8. Mobile Apps Nowadays, theres an app for everything including tons of apps  for learning Spanish. Language-learning apps are quite similar to software, but they are obviously much more portable. Its an easy option for quick study during your commute, on your breaks, or anywhere else that you bring your smartphone or tablet. In addition to being portable, many of these apps are free. On the drawback side, however keep in mind that these apps typically set your path for you and assume your goals. Because of this, you might get stuck at a certain level, even if what you  really want (or need) to learn is introduced much later on. Mobile apps may  be free and ad-supported, or require a monthly subscription of $5 up to $40 or even more. Example option: Download TakeLessons Live for free to access live, online classes in a variety of languages. Online  Learning Websites Dont want to install software or download an app? Another learning method comes in the form of websites or tutorial videos. It shares the same drawbacks as apps and software, in that theyre not targeted to your specific goals.  While there are certainly some great sites out there, theres also a handful of not-so-great options ones that rely on memorization and  repetition, instead of real-life scenarios for learning. Online resources can also be free and ad-supported, or require a monthly subscription of $10 to $50 or more. Example options:  Check out LearnWithOliver, or our other recommendations for Spanish-learning websites for adults, or  free Spanish-learning websites for kids. Tutoring Whether you seek an online tutor that you meet over video chat, or an in-person tutor that you meet with regularly, tutors are easily the most bang-for-your-buck. You have complete control over the pace of your learning (your tutor will monitor progress and only proceed when you have mastered the current Spanish segment), instantaneous feedback on pronunciation errors, and the ability to ask questions about anything that youre having trouble with. As  youre weighing options and considering  how much a tutor will cost, its important to realize how much more youre getting for the expense. Tutors with TakeLessons set their own rates, which gives you a wide variety of options. You can typically find tutors for as little as $15 per hour  up to  $100 per hour, depending on experience. Example option: A native Spanish speaker and TakeLessons Student Favorite, Georgina L. teaches beginners, intermediate, and  advanced students at  $30 per hour. So there you have it several options for learning Spanish, all at your fingertips! Best of luck with your studies, and let us know if you need any help getting started.  Going the tutoring route? Find Spanish tutors in your area and compare prices with a search here at TakeLessons! Photos by Devon DEwart,  LexnGer,  Tom Raftery,  S Martin,  Jeremy Wilburn 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

Italian Alphabet Pronunciation Chart Memory Games to Practice

Italian Alphabet Pronunciation Chart Memory Games to Practice Suzy S. Mastering the Italian alphabet is an important building block in your learning process. Are you just starting  Italian lessons? Learning Italian can seem difficult, but the alphabet is actually very easy to memorize. This is because the Italian alphabet is very similar to the English alphabet, except for a few key differences. Most notably, the Italian alphabet doesnt have the letters J, K, W, X or Y. It’s important that you learn how to pronounce the letters of the Italian alphabet, as this will eventually help you form words and phrases. So lets get started! Reading the Italian Alphabet Take a look at the chart  below  to see how each letter in the Italian alphabet is represented. Remember, there are only 21 letters in the standard Italian alphabet, as the letters J, K, W, X or Y arent represented. SEE ALSO: Interesting Facts About Italy Pronouncing the Italian Alphabet Now take a look at the video below to listen to how each of the letters in the Italian alphabet are pronounced. Practice the correct pronunciation along with the video. Italian Alphabet Practice To help you memorize the letters and pronunciations of the Italian alphabet, use the two practice exercises below. Exercise 1: Matching Game What youll need: flashcards and markers. Gather a pile of flashcards. On one side of each flashcard, draw the picture of an object; for example, a dog, hat, chair, soccer ball, etc.  Shuffle all of the cards together and lay them out on the table or floor facing up so you can see all of the objects clearly. Next, quiz yourself by asking which objects start with a designated letter in the Italian alphabet. You could say, for example, What object on the table starts with the letter acca?” Acca is Italian for the letter H, so you would then point to the card with a picture of a hat on it. This is a fun exercise to do with friends! Exercise 2: Eye Spy What youll need: flashcards and markers. First, gather a set of index cards. On one side of each card, write down a letter in the Italian alphabet.  Next, choose a card from the pile at random. After choosing a card with a letter on it, you will have to identify an object in the room that starts with that particular letter and form the sentence, “I spy a ______.” If you choose the letter P, for example, you can form the sentence, Vedo una porta  (I see a door). Once you have mastered the pronunciation of the Italian alphabet, you will be ready to move on to common Italian vocabulary words! If youre having difficultly mastering the alphabet, you may want to work with an experienced Italian tutor. A tutor can develop a learning curriculum for your particular learning style and goals. Hope you have fun learning the Italian alphabet! Post Author:  Liz T. Liz T. teaches music and Italian lessons in Brooklyn, NY.  She is a graduate of the Berklee College of Music with a B.M. in vocal performance and has a graduate certificate in arts administration from New York University. Learn more about Liz here! 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 Photo by Monica H.

What Makes a Sonnet a Sonnet

What Makes a Sonnet a Sonnet Sonnets: Shakespeare's Favourite Poetic Form ChaptersSo, what is a Sonnet?The Most Important Features of a SonnetThe Main Types of SonnetThe Main Types of Sonnet: A SummaryPlaying with the Form: Other SonneteersWriting Your Own SonnetA Step by Step Guide to Writing a SonnetFind Out More about Different Poetic FormsIf you are studying poetry, Shakespeare, or English literature at any level, you will inevitably have to grasp with this thing called the  sonnet.  Any idea what this might be? No worries if not, because we are here to walk you through all aspects of this poetic form. By the time you have finished this article, you'll be able to identify the main features - metrical, thematic, and rhymed - of this literary form, and you'll be able to consider how to write your own!We hope you find it helpful!Find some fun poetry lessons on Superprof.Secondly, the sonnet, given its brief length, is great for expressing a feeling, thought, or idea. The brevity facilitates the communication of a strength of feeling that can be lost in lo nger forms.Thirdly, whilst the sonnet is traditionally known for focusing its attentions on the theme of love, the form allows for a great flexibility in its content. You will these days see sonnets written on everything from politics to war to ice cream. What makes this possible is the form's argumentative structure, which, as you will see below, is an essential part of the sonnet.The Lady of Shalott, though not a sonnet, makes use of the iambic pentameter Source: Pixabay Credit: MZ Matuszewski0The Most Important Features of a SonnetAs we saw above, a sonnet is simply a poem written in a specific form. But to recognise a sonnet when you see one, you need to know the specific characteristics of that form. So, to summarise, here are the need-to-know features of a sonnet.The Sonnet's Main FeaturesFourteen linesGenerally, all sonnets have fourteen lines. You will find some exceptions, but the poets will do this deliberately.VoltaThe fourteen lines are divided into two sections, usually of eight lines and six. The break between the two parts is known as the volta.Iambic pentameterThis is what we call the metre of the poem: the number of syllables in each line of the poem. An 'iamb' is a set of two syllables, the first unstressed and the second stressed. 'Pentameter' shows that there are five of these 'iambs' in a line. So, you have ten syllables: unstressed, stressed; unstressed, stressed, etc.Rhyme schemeDifferent types of sonnets have different rhyme schemes, and some don't rhyme at all! You'll see more about this below.Let's Add a Little More Detail...So, to flesh this about a bit, let's pay a bit more attention to each feature.Lines and StructureWe've just noted that a sonnet has fourteen lines. But what you need to remember is that depending on the type of sonnet, these lines are arranged in different ways.So, in a Petrarchan sonnet (we told you he'd come up again!), the lines are grouped into two: an octave (that means a group of eight lines) and a sestet (a group of six).In Shakespearean sonnets and Spenserian sonnets, on the other hand, you have three quatrains (four lines) and a couplet (two lines). You'll find more on how these lines rhyme in the sections on each type of sonnet below.The VoltaWhilst you will find a volta in many other forms of poetry, they are really quite important to the sonnet. What do we mean by the volta, then? In Italian, this word means 'turn' - and, in the sonnet, this is the moment at which a change occurs in the poem. This change might be in tone, argument, or thematic focus - but it is very rare to find a sonnet without one.As we note above, these usually occur after the eighth line of the poem - for Petrarch, after the octave, whilst for Shakespeare and Spenser after the second quatrain. You'll notice this change quite easily, as they are usually signaled with a 'but', 'however', or 'and'.Iambic PentameterThis may look like a scary poetry word, but don't worry about it too much. Let's break it down.'Met re' refers to the rhythmic structure of a line in poetry: how many syllables, how these are grouped together. 'Penta-' comes from the Greek word for 'five'. So, from 'pentameter' you know that the metre of a sonnet has something to do with five.As we said above, the word 'iamb' refers to a group of two syllables, one unstressed and one stressed.  There are five of these in each line when we talk about iambic pentameter. As all English literature teachers will tell you, the line will scan like this: dee-DAH  dee-DAH  dee-DAH  dee-DAH  dee-DAH.To see this in action, look at this line from Shakespeare's famous Sonnet 18, in which we have highlighted the stressed syllables:Shall I compare thee to a summer's day?Count the syllables in the line (there are ten!). Now, count the stressed syllables (there are five!).But if we switch the stressed syllables with the unstressed ones, we can see how the line becomes a little clumsy:Shall I compare thee to a summer's day?The Sonnet SeriesOne of t he main historical conventions of the sonnet is that they usually come in series. Think about Shakespeare's poem above. Why is it called 'Sonnet 18'? He didn't name it that. Rather, because he wrote 154 sonnets, each individual one is known by its number.A lot of people have written sonnets in sequences. The most famous early sonneteers all wrote series: Philip Sidney's Astrophil and Stella; Shakespeare's  Sonnets; Spenser's  Amoretti.  This convention has remained with us, as, in the twentieth century many other writers have composed sonnet sequences: Rainer Maria Rilke's  Sonnets to Orpheus,  John Berryman's  Sonnets.  These are the things that have developed the association of sonnets with the theme of love - as all of these sequences deal with a passionate speaker talking to a loved object.The Main Types of SonnetIn the English-speaking world, we usually refer to three discrete types of sonnet: the Petrarchan, the Shakespearean, and the Spenserian.All of these maintain the featu res outlined above - fourteen lines, a volta, iambic pentameter - and they all three are written in sequences. The primary difference is the rhyme scheme.We'll look at these three types of sonnet, and then finally consider some of those that don't really fit into the structure we have all been taught.Petrarchan SonnetThe first sonnet is the Petrarchan, or Italian, sonnet. Named after one of the form's greatest practitioners, the Italian poet Petrarch, the Petrarchan sonnet was the earliest strict sonnet form (he lived from 1304 to 1374).As we noted above, the Petrarchan sonnet is divided into two stanzas: the octave (the first eight lines) followed by the answering sestet (the final six lines). Let's take a look at a Petrarchan sonnet, by the English poet William Wordsworth (as this is easier than reading medieval Italian!).London, 1802(A) Milton! thou shouldst be living at this hour: (B) England hath need of thee: she is a fen (B) Of stagnant waters: altar, sword, and pen, (A) Fire side, the heroic wealth of hall and bower, (A) Have forfeited their ancient English dower (B) Of inward happiness. We are selfish men; (B) Oh! raise us up, return to us again; (A) And give us manners, virtue, freedom, power.(C) Thy soul was like a Star, and dwelt apart: (D) Thou hadst a voice whose sound was like the sea: (D) Pure as the naked heavens, majestic, free, (E) So didst thou travel on life's common way, (C) In cheerful godliness; and yet thy heart (E) The lowliest duties on herself did lay.So, here, in the first line, we've added markings to highlight the stress of the iambic pentameter (try it for yourself in the rest of the lines!).And we've neatly highlighted the volta after the eighth line (do you see how the poem's tone changes - from a critique of England to a celebration of Milton?). In Petrarch, the volta usually separates the shift from an argument or question in the octave to a resolution in the sestet.But what do those letters mean before each line? This is how we refer to rhyme scheme, in which A rhymes with A, B with B, and where each new sound requires a new letter. So, what do we have here? ABBAABBA, CDDECE.The Petrarchan sonnet will almost always begin with that ABBAABBA octave. However, the rhyme scheme of the sestet can change - so watch out. Here, Wordsworth uses CDDECE, but the most common rhyme schemes in Petrarch are CDECDE or CDCDCD.After the Petrarchan sonnet was first brought to England by Sir Thomas Wyatt, Henry Howard began translating and writing his own versions of Petrarch. His works were considered more faithful to the original than the work of his English counterparts. He made modifications to the Petrarchan sonnet which then became the structure of what we know as the Shakespearean sonnet.This structure was established to better suit the English language which was somewhat lacking in the rhyming words that Italian boasts.The Shakespearean SonnetShakespeare's sonnets are famous worldwide (Source: Pexels)The Shakespear ean, or English sonnet, follows a different set of rules. Here, there are usually three quatrains and a couplet following a rhyme scheme like this: ABAB, CDCD, EFEF, GG. This is the primary difference between the Petrarchan and the Shakespearean sonnet. Let's take a look at Shakespeare's Sonnet 130:(A) My mistress' eyes are nothing like the sun; (B) Coral is far more red, than her lips red: (A) If snow be white, why then her breasts are dun; (B) If hairs be wires, black wires grow on her head. (C) I have seen roses damasked, red and white, (D) But no such roses see I in her cheeks; (C) And in some perfumes is there more delight (D) Than in the breath that from my mistress reeks. (E) I love to hear her speak, yet well I know (F) That music hath a far more pleasing sound: (E) I grant I never saw a goddess go, (F) My mistress, when she walks, treads on the ground: (G) And yet by heaven, I think my love as rare, (G) As any she belied with false compare.Much like in the Petrarchan sonne t, the Shakespearean sonnet contains a volta. There is a difference here, however. The volta can either come after the first eight lines or, as in Sonnet 130,   at the beginning of the couplet. Here, it is used to signal a conclusion, explanation, or counterargument to the previous 3 stanzas.In Shakespeare’s Sonnet 130 the first twelve lines focus on the speaker’s mistress, comparing her unfavourably to nature. But the final couplet changes the tone completely, that despite all of her flaws he does love her.Shakespeare uses Sonnet 130 as a satire of other poets who compare their loves to nature’s beauty. In fact he takes it to the extreme nearly leaving the mistress completely unlovable!The Spenserian SonnetA contemporary of Shakespeare, Edmund Spenser lived from 1552 to 1559. His sequence,  Amoretti, was his main engagement with the sonnet form - and his other works included  The Faerie Queene, an allegory about Elizabeth I, and  The Shepherd's Calendar, a poem about shepherd s, surprise surprise.The Spenserian sonnet has a similar structure to a Shakespearean one, with three quatrains followed by a couplet. The interesting thing about the Spenserian sonnet is, of course, the rhyme scheme. Let's take a look at Spenser's Sonnet 75.(A) One day I wrote her name upon the strand, (B) But came the waves and washed it away: (A) Again I write it with a second hand, (B) But came the tide, and made my pains his prey. (B) Vain man, said she, that doest in vain assay, (C) A mortal thing so to immortalize, (B) For I myself shall like to this decay, (C) And eek my name be wiped out likewise. (C) Not so, (quod I) let baser things devise (D) To die in dust, but you shall live by fame: (C) My verse, your virtues rare shall eternize, (D) And in the heavens write your glorious name. (E) Where whenas death shall all the world subdue, (E) Our love shall live, and later life renew.So, what do we have here? Remembering that Shakespearean sonnets follow the ABAB, CDCD, EFEF, GG form, the Spenserian sonnets are slightly different: ABAB, BCBC, CDCD, EE. So, the second rhyme of the first quatrain is taken to be the first of the second quatrain. Again, it ends with a couplet.Where's the volta? Look at line nine, the first line of the final sestet. 'Not so', says Spenser, introducing a contradiction. As in Shakespeare, the volta either appears here or at the beginning of the final couplet.After first octave.ShakespeareanABAB, CDCD, EFEF, GGAfter first octave or beginning of final couplet.SpenserianABAB, BCBC, CDCD, EEAfter first octave or beginning of final couplet.Playing with the Form: Other SonneteersWhilst what we have just covered are the main historical types of sonnets, lots of poets have decided to take the basic structure of the form and change its content. Consequently, whilst these above are important to know, it is worth stressing that they are not the only forms of sonnets around.Let's take a look at just a handful of different sonnets that play w ith the conventions of the form.Carol Ann Duffy's  Anne HathawayA poem which, if you are studying literature in the UK, you will definitely confront is Carol Ann Duffy's  Anne Hathaway.  Take a read and see what she does with the sonnet form.The bed we loved in was a spinning world of forests, castles, torchlight, cliff-tops, seas where he would dive for pearls. My lover’s words were shooting stars which fell to earth as kisses on these lips; my body now a softer rhyme to his, now echo, assonance; his touch a verb dancing in the centre of a noun. Some nights I dreamed he’d written me, the bed a page beneath his writer’s hands. Romance and drama played by touch, by scent, by taste. In the other bed, the best, our guests dozed on, dribbling their prose. My living laughing love â€" I hold him in the casket of my widow’s head as he held me upon that next best bed.So, what's important here? What is one of those key features of the sonnet that is missing here?You should have notic ed: it is the rhyme scheme! Does the poem rhyme? Only in the final two lines. Other than that, the iambic pentameter is still there, as well as the volta.Elizabeth Bishop's  SonnetCaught -- the bubble in the spirit level, a creature divided; and the compass needle wobbling and wavering, undecided. Freed -- the broken thermometer's mercury running away; and the rainbow-bird from the narrow bevel of the empty mirror, flying wherever it feels like, gay!Now, how is this a sonnet? Is it a sonnet, and why? The poet, Bishop, clearly intends it to be so, entitling the poem the way she does. What do you think?E.E. Cummingshere's to opening and upward,to leaf and to sap and to your(in my arms flowering so new) self whose eyes smell of the sound of rainand here's to silent certainly mountains;and to a disappearing poet of always,snow and to morning;and to morning's beautiful friend twilight(and a first dream called ocean)andlet must or if be damned with whomever's afraid down with ought with b ecause with every brain which thinks it thinks, nor dares to feel(but up with joy;and up with laughing and drunkenness)here's to one undiscoverable guess of whose mad skill each world of blood is made (whose fatal songs are moving in the moonBesides the lack of capital letters and spaces (all of which are intentional), E.E. Cummings is known for his experiments with poetic forms. Can you recognise what he has done here to the form of the sonnet?Writing Your Own SonnetOf course if you’re writing your own sonnet you can choose any style you like. But seeing as it lends itself better to the English language and we all know many of them, our guide will stick to writing a Shakespearean-style sonnet.When writing a Shakespearean-style sonnet, there are several rules you need to keep in mind. This style of poetry follows a specific format including length, rhythm, and rhyme scheme.To write a sonnet according to these rules, follow this process: - Select a subject to write your poem about (Shakespearean sonnets are usually about love). - Write your lines in iambic pentameter (duh-DUH-duh-DUH-duh-DUH-duh-DUH-duh-DUH. - Structure the sonnet using 3 quatrains followed by 1 couplet. - Compose your sonnet as an argument that builds up as it moves from one metaphor to the next, until you counterargue this argument in the concluding couplet. - Make sure your poem is exactly 14 lines long.Try your hand at writing your own poem (Source: Pexels)A Step by Step Guide to Writing a Sonnet1. Find InspirationWhereas Shakespeare’s sonnets generally revolve around love, you could, in fact, choose any topic for your sonnet.  You could even look to modern pop songs for inspiration!Taylor Swift’s Shake It Off is a prime (and fun!) example of iambic pentameter usage in a modern context.Other songs sung in iambic pentameter include:One Direction â€" HistoryAlessia Cara â€" Here (a particularly good example as she gives each foot’s downbeat extra stress)Halsey â€" New AmericanaG-Easy/ Bebe Rexha: Me, Myself and IGranted, not one of these songs is a sonnet but they do provide you with a way to get the feel of the iambic pentameter and different ways it can be used.If you wanted to see popular songs in sonnet form... some ingenious and creative soul has taken lyrics from the likes of Beyoncé and The Backstreet Boys and turned them into sonnets!2. Master the Iambic PentameterInternalising the iambic ‘beat’ is no chore; you could practice it while walking â€" left foot unstressed/right foot stressed, by clapping your hands (soft-LOUD soft-LOUD), drumming your fingers... any type of rhythmic activity.Mastering the iambic pentameter is vital to writing a sonnet with proper flow.Once you have found a topic to write about and internalised the iambic beat, writing a sonnet is a breeze!Remember that the first quatrain introduces the situation and, at least as far as Shakespearian sonnets are concerned, follows an ABAB pattern â€" meaning that the third line should rhy me with the first and the fourth with the second.Here is an example of just such a quatrain:Ago, I saw you walking fair one day Though fear forbade my presence should come near. Froze, the words that I could never say Though in my heart remain so very dear.Does it meet all of the criteria for a proper iambic pentameter quatrain and the opening verse of a sonnet? Let’s see:Each line contains five iambic feet (in other words, five duh-DUMs).Line three rhymes with line one and line four rhymes with line two.It outlines a situation (we wonder why the speaker fears approaching and what s/he wanted to say)3. Play with Words.You’ll note that there are several words in this stanza that generally would not be used in normal conversation, at least not in the form or in the place they are used here.Poetic license gives you permission to convey meaning by bending common language rules and expanding word meanings.Our great bard Shakespeare was famous for perverting the meaning of words; his frequent use of anon is the perfect example of such.The word anon dates back to 12th century English. Its original meaning was straightaway, or forthwith. Through Shakespeare’s persistent misuse of this word, it has come to mean the exact opposite: soon, or in a while.We can see why he loved that word: it is compact and convenient, subjecting itself neatly and repeatedly to the iambic pentameter. And it’s easy to rhyme!Make Ample Use of Poetic License â€" so long as you don’t completely vandalise the language!Poetic license permits the use of  froze instead of frozen to describe those unuttered words. Doing so even lends urgency to the situation by implying the words froze upon the sight of the person in question.4. Depict a Complete Scene in 14 Lines.To do that properly and effectively, you should use as many words and phrases that would call up visual imagery as you can.The phrase ‘fear forbade my presence to come near’ conveys so much more than ‘I had an anxiety attac k and couldn’t approach you’, even though they represent essentially the same concept, right?This stanza causes us to see fear as a looming, frightening, domineering entity denying the speaker the privilege of approaching the person in question. By contrast, ‘anxiety attack’ sounds paltry, doesn’t it?The QuatrainOur first quatrain has us off to a great start! We have the right number of feet and the right rhyming pattern; we have visual language that has outlined a situation. Now it is time for quatrain #2:Delight in how the sun kisses your cheek; Tortu’r in how I wish that it were me! Mere audience with you is what I seek As though your heart were once again trusting.Can you identify the components that make this a valid quatrain?Now we know a bit more about the situation: the speaker has apparently broken the subject’s heart and is well aware of the fact. S/he is bitter about the supposed lack of potential trust; we see this in the last line. Imagine that line spat out with self-loathing!And we know that it is a sunny day.This build-up of information leads us directly into the next quatrain and, finally the couplet; the denouement of the situation:Ago, I saw you walking fair one day though fear forbade my presence should come near. Froze, the words that I could never say though in my heart remain so very dear. Delight in how the sun kisses your cheek; Tortu’r in how I wish that it were me! Mere audience with you is what I seek As though your heart were once again trusting.Ne’er! Your cry strikes such a cruel blow! Ne’er! Your mien doth passion-tly aver! How did I force love’s door on me to close When soul and mind, it all I gave to her?And then, Divine, the hand that turns your face! Our eyes, searing, questing, entwine, embrace.Note the rising passion throughout; the third quatrain full of fury and agony until the last two lines; a conclusion in direct contradiction of the rest of the poem.Also, there is an escalating use of poetic l icense. In fact, the more ardent the situation becomes the more license is given to express it all!Feel free to use helpful resources to find just the right words for your sonnet! Source: Pixabay Credit: Truth Seeker08A Helping Hand in Sonnet WritingInternalising the iambic pentameter and employing poetic license is child’s play compared to mastering the vocabulary necessary to write in this manner.Fortunately, in most cases you only need to know the words for what you want to say; a thesaurus and a rhyming dictionary can help you find the right words to tell your story in sonnet form.Some of the better ones we know of are:https://www.rhymezone.com: perfect for finding just the word you’re looking for! https://www.synonym.com: you can also find antonyms, should you know the opposite word of what you’re trying to express https://dictionary.reverso.net/english-synonyms more than just a dictionary; it also offers meanings for common phrases! https://www.thesaurus.com: the simples t and perhaps easiest to use!Fortunately, we don't have to write with a quill pen, as Shakespeare did! Source: Pixabay Credit: Andreas160578Find Out More about Different Poetic FormsThe benefit of poetry is that there are lots of different styles  once you have tried sonnets poems. Give the other styles try, Limericks are light-hearted poems, historically  Japanese Haiku poetry is traditional, to show a feeling  an Epic style poem  would work well, Adding music? then the Ballad poetry style is  for you, If you are looking for a show of Friday night  visit a slam poetry  show or  listen to free verse poetry style. So many kinds of poetry, meaning you will find your best style of poetry.

GRE Practice (Tests) Make Perfect

GRE Practice (Tests) Make Perfect GRE/MAT Graduate School Blog As you're planning to take the GRE, you'll want to set up a structured study plan for yourself. There's no single, correct way to do this, and each student approaches this test slightly differently. Some students may opt for a rigorous prep course, while others might work with a tutor. Still other students strike off on their own, get a few books, sign up for a few online resources and study the material themselves. No matter which approach you decide to take, though, you'll want to find a way to structure your studying and measure your progressâ€"and one of simplest and most effective ways of doing that is to simply take tests as you go along. Practice testsâ€"and especially mock tests that simulate the test-day environment â€"are some of the best tools that you'll have at your disposal as you go get ready to take the GRE. First, they provide structure. If you're diligent about taking these tests at regular intervals, such as once a week, you'll get yourself into a good study rhythm, and lock in 2 or 3 hours of regimented practice in addition to your regular studying. Second, these tests give you a good assessment of how you're progressing. There's no guarantee how you'll do on any given testâ€"and this is true for the actual test as well as practice tests. But what you can do is use these practice tests to establish a score range, a general assessment of how well you're doing. If you take enough of these, and you're putting the work in, you should start to see an upward trajectory in your scores. Once you start to hit your target scores consistently, you'll know that you're fully capable of hitting those scores on test day. Practice tests should therefore be an integral part of any study program. But when should you take them, and how many tests are too many, or too few? That depends on you, of course, your schedule, and how long you've got until the test (you'll find some good approachesherefrom BrightLink Prep). As a rule of thumb, though, it's always good to begin any program of studyâ€"whether it's self-study or with a tutorâ€"with an initial practice test. Even if you've never seen the material before, this will give you a starting point. If you're studying on your own, you'll familiarize yourself with the test, and get a handle on what you need to focus on. If you're working with someone, use that first test to help the tutor work with you on a study plan. After that first test, aim for one full test a week, if you can, with one final test a few days before the real one. You don't want to cram too much in in that last week, and if you have an off-day on a practice test, you don't want that to carry over with you into the real one. Remember, as you're practicing, don't skip or pick and choose sectionsâ€"take the whole thing. By committing to a f ull test, even in practice, you'll condition yourself for the 3+ hour marathon you'll be facing on test day, and make it much less daunting. Similarly, you'll want to try to simulate the test environment during your practice testsâ€"that means no phones (even on your desk or table!), no distractionsâ€"and keep to the allotted time! Tests are easy to findâ€"here are two great resources for some good paper and computer-based ones: one from Prepscholar and this one from CrunchPrep. And keep in mind that each company, whether Kaplan, ETS, Manhattan, whicheverâ€"sometimes have slightly different styles to their practice tests that may influence your scores slightly. Also try to take at least two computer-based tests, as you'll most likely be taking one of these on test-day. None of this requires an overly large time commitmentâ€"just a few hours a week (in addition to your regular studying, of course!) to make sure you've got a structured framework, and progress that you can easily measure. And once you've gotten a feel for these practice tests, you'll be ready for anything they might throw at you on Test Day! About the Author Steve Markofsky is one of our most experienced and qualified test prep tutors. For more information on GRE tutoring and to see profiles of tutors like Steve, click here.

Helping Your Kid Find Their Tribe

Helping Your Kid Find Their Tribe Last year, Huffington Post called it the catch phrase of our digital generation: Find Your Tribe. Its been used as a call for those seeking a like-minded community and its everywhere. Yoga groups. Cooking groups. Blogathons. Ultimate Frisbee clubs. You name it! But what seems like a luxury for most of us is actually a necessity for kids with ADHD: having a group of like-minded kids (and adults who support them) creates an environment that fosters learning, connection, and growth. Every parent wants their child to have friends, and its heartbreaking to see or hear of your child being excluded or left behind. But it becomes even more difficult when your child has ADHD and desperately wants to connect with others, but his or her impulsivity, distractibility, or social skills get in the way. So when you see your child struggling to connect, you want to help. But how? How can you help your child find their tribe? Lets start off by saying: your childs tribe doesnt need to be big! Researc h shows that for kids with ADHD having just one close friend can make a difference. Having quality friendships even with a small group can help build self-esteem and resiliency, and can of course reduce loneliness. Begin by getting your child involved in an activity that interests him or her. It may sound simple, a structured setting and an interesting activity will provide your child with the foundation that he or she needs to start building his or her tribe. Involve your child in choosing the activity, and make sure to put your own preferences and interests aside! If you push your child into signing up for something that he or she doesnt enjoy, you run the risk of having him or her feel alienated and different from the other kids who have enrolled because they are excited and interested. Watch and observe your child during the activity. Is he or she connecting with another child? Does it seem like both kids are having fun? If so, seek out the parent of the other child and suggest a follow-up play date. I noticed our sons really enjoyed todays planetarium workshop. My son loves space but doesnt have too many buddies who also share his interest. Would you and your son like to meet up at the museum sometime this month for a planetarium show together? The boys might enjoy connecting again over their love of space. Give your child the chance to reconnect with his or her new friend within the context of their shared interest before venturing into open-play opportunities. In addition to new activities, think about current activities that your child participates in. If your child attends a tutoring center, religious ed. class, or music lesson then he or she is meeting kids every day outside of school who have the potential to become good friends. Ask your child if theres anyone from his or her afterschool activities who he or she would like to hang out with. Help him or her come up with a plan for talking with this child about a shared interest, and then inviting them to get together outside of school preferably to do something related to something that they both enjoy. And lastly, during a get-together, provide your child with some subtle social skills coaching. Talk to him or her ahead of time about what it means to be a good host or a good guest. Remind your child to take turns, and to look out for his or her new friend to make sure they are having a good time. If your child isnt picking up on social cues, discretely pull him or her aside and give him or her some strategies to try out. If a conflict comes up, rock-paper-scissors is always a great tool to fall back on - it works just about every time! Helping your child find his or her tribe can build self-confidence and help your child feel more comfortable in his or her own skin. A little support from parents can go a long way in helping kids with ADHD make valuable connections that may just turn into the close childhood friendships that they have been missing. ABOUT DR. MARY ROONEY Mary Rooney, Ph.D., is a licensed clinical psychologist in the Department of Psychiatry at the University of California San Francisco. Dr Rooney is a researcher and clinician specializing in the evaluation and treatment of ADHD and co-occurring behavioral, anxiety, and mood disorders. A strong advocate for those with attention and behavior problems, Dr. Rooney is committed to developing and providing comprehensive, cutting edge treatments tailored to meet the unique needs of each child and adolescent. Dr. Rooney's clinical interventions and research avenues emphasize working closely with parents and teachers to create supportive, structured home and school environments that enable children and adolescents to reach their full potential. In addition, Dr. Rooney serves as a consultant and ADHD expert to Huntington Learning Centers. ABOUT HUNTINGTON Huntington Learning Center is the tutoring and test prep leader. Its certified tutors provide individualized instruction in reading, phonics, writing, study skills, elementary and middle school math, Algebra through Calculus, Chemistry, and other sciences. It preps for the SAT and ACT, as well as state and standardized exams. Huntington programs develop the skills, confidence, and motivation to help students of all levels succeed and meet the needs of Common Core State Standards. Founded in 1977, Huntington's mission is to give every student the best education possible. Call us today at 1.800.CAN LEARN to discuss how Huntington can help your child. For franchise opportunities please visit www.huntingtonfranchise.com. This website does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. The material on this site is provided for educational purposes only.

Difference between SINCE and FOR English Lesson via Skype

Difference between SINCE and FOR English Lesson via Skype Many of my students have difficulty with understanding the difference between SINCE and FOR.As youve probably noticed, I dont like lengthy complicated   explanations, so a while ago I created this short video lesson that will help you better understand the difference between them. Hopefully, this is clear. Difference between SINCE and FOR - Video Lesson Don't keep this to yourself, tell the world: Difference between SINCE and FOR - Transcript Hi there.  Welcome to Harrys World of  Words and Phrases and English in a  Minute.Were now going to talk about the  difference between  SINCE  and FOR. They  can be used in lots of different ways.Just to try and simplify matters, Im  just going to give you a couple of  examples as to when we use them and the  differences.SINCEwe always use with the  perfect tenses.  Okay.  And when we use since,  we go back to the beginning,  when  something started.So let me give you  some examples.Ive known about the job  since January.  go back to JanuaryI have  not been to the zoo since last year.  go  back to last yearHe has wanted to go to  America since he read the stories of  Huckleberry Finn.  going back to his  childhoodOkay. So lets look at for.FORwhen  we use for its always about specific  periods of time.Im going to give you  the exact same examples but just show  you how we can use for.I have known  about the job for six weeks.  at a  specific period of time six weeksI have  not b een to the zoo for eight months. that particular period of time,  specific  period of eight monthsI have wanted to  go to America for years.  a specific  period yearsOkay. So these are the  differences between since and for and  how we use them in English.Don’t forget that we can only use SINCE with HAVE, HAS or HAD (the perfect tenses)Okay.  So as always subscribe to our  YouTube Channel Learn English with Harry and join us on www.englishlessonviaskype.com and well catch up with you very soon. For or Since? MP3 https://www.englishlessonviaskype.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/Difference-between-Since-and-For.mp3 Difference between SINCE and FOR - What's the Difference

First Week Back at School - ALOHA Mind Math

First Week Back at School Once all the back to school shopping is done, the new clothes are laid out; everything seems set for the new school year. As all parents know, the first week back at school can still be full of surprises, in spite of all our planning over the last weeks of summer. Here are a few back to school ideas you could try, to prepare for that first week back: Communicate with the teacher: If you feel there is any information that would be useful for the teacher to have, write a simple note and send it with your child on the first day of school. This will help calm your child’s fears if any, and also help the teacher know what to expect. It would be great if the lesson plans for the first week back could be shared with you. Try to meet classmates: If you have an idea of whom your child’s classmates are going to be, try to set up play-dates with some of them in the weeks before school starts. In this way, when school starts, there will be some familiar faces for your child to look forward to meeting. Get a health check-up done: Make sure that your child has had all the necessary check-ups for her age, and in case of any allergy or other relevant medical information like Asthma, make cards for your child to keep on her person, as well as send along the information to the school nurse or whoever else is responsible. Plan lunches for the week: One of the biggest stress factors on school mornings can be packing the lunches, if you aren’t prepared for it. Plan a lunch menu with your child for the week. Try to get it ready and in the fridge the previous night. If not, get all the components ready so that you just have to put it together in the morning. This saves a lot of time, and you can concentrate bett er on your child rather than the food. If your child eats lunch at school, here are some interesting ideas from Huffington Post for school lunches. Be ready to listen: Especially at times of transition such as starting middle or high school, your child will have a lot of information to process and understand and will want to discuss many of these with you, but only if you keep your ears open. It is very important that your child understands that you are always ready to listen without being judgmental, as this is the only way they will keep sharing with you as they keep growing up. A great way to supplement what your child learns at school is by sending him to Abacus and English classes by Aloha USA. Please check our website for more details: http://www.aloha-usa.com Don’t forget to follow us on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/aloha.usa and on Twitter: @AlohaKidsMath for constant updates and tips for your child’s education and development. Photo Courtesy: http://www.flickr. com/photos/tabor-roeder/6085668928/

This Young Students App was Recognized by Apple

This Young Students App was Recognized by Apple This Young Students App was Recognized by Apple At just 8 years old, Yasseen practices Judo, is an accomplished pianist and most recently, an app developer. His parents enrolled him in the Kumon Math Program when he was five years old because they wanted to strengthen his math skills. They never imagined how deeply he would fall in love with math. Over time, his love for math developed into an interest in coding. He was able to leverage the skills he developed in Kumonâ€"including logic and algorithmsâ€"to teach himself how to code. Together with his father, Yasseen developed the app Versus: The Number Guessing Challenge. With a love for numbers, he wanted a fun way for players to challenge one another in a number guessing game. The success did not stop there. Apple’s Editor contacted Yasseen to feature Versus on the “Today” tab of the App Store. On average, only one out of several thousand developers get the opportunity to be featured on the App Store. Yasseen’s remarkable achievement means millions of people worldwide will see his app on the “Today” tab. Yasseen tells us about his love for coding and journey in app building. What inspired you to create the app? One night, my father and I were debating the best or fastest way of finding a number between 1 and 1,000. That led to the idea of creating a ‘versus’ game. I really wanted to create an app because it’s more interactive and it allows you to either play against your friends or your device. What is your goal for users downloading your app? My goal is for users to have fun, but most importantly to inspire young developers to follow their dreams. I want to give them hope that if I can do it, they can as well! Do you plan on creating more apps in the future and if so, what kind? Yes, I am planning on creating more game related apps that could be fun for car trips. All kids get bored in the car! As you can see, Yasseen’s app development career has only just begun. Through his daily Kumon routine, he has not only sharpened his math skills, he has also gained the patience and confidence to follow his dreams. Yasseen hopes to one day be a computer engineer in the medical field. We can’t wait to see what the future holds for Yasseen! Discover even more student success stories. You might also be interested in: Discover How This Young Student Has Gained Independence in Math This Young Reading Program Completer Developed a Love for Literature in Kumon Focus And Confidence Help This Young Musician Achieve His Goals This Young Student Gets Competitive With Her Math Skills This Young Students App was Recognized by Apple This Young Students App was Recognized by Apple At just 8 years old, Yasseen practices Judo, is an accomplished pianist and most recently, an app developer. His parents enrolled him in the Kumon Math Program when he was five years old because they wanted to strengthen his math skills. They never imagined how deeply he would fall in love with math. Over time, his love for math developed into an interest in coding. He was able to leverage the skills he developed in Kumonâ€"including logic and algorithmsâ€"to teach himself how to code. Together with his father, Yasseen developed the app Versus: The Number Guessing Challenge. With a love for numbers, he wanted a fun way for players to challenge one another in a number guessing game. The success did not stop there. Apple’s Editor contacted Yasseen to feature Versus on the “Today” tab of the App Store. On average, only one out of several thousand developers get the opportunity to be featured on the App Store. Yasseen’s remarkable achievement means millions of people worldwide will see his app on the “Today” tab. Yasseen tells us about his love for coding and journey in app building. What inspired you to create the app? One night, my father and I were debating the best or fastest way of finding a number between 1 and 1,000. That led to the idea of creating a ‘versus’ game. I really wanted to create an app because it’s more interactive and it allows you to either play against your friends or your device. What is your goal for users downloading your app? My goal is for users to have fun, but most importantly to inspire young developers to follow their dreams. I want to give them hope that if I can do it, they can as well! Do you plan on creating more apps in the future and if so, what kind? Yes, I am planning on creating more game related apps that could be fun for car trips. All kids get bored in the car! As you can see, Yasseen’s app development career has only just begun. Through his daily Kumon routine, he has not only sharpened his math skills, he has also gained the patience and confidence to follow his dreams. Yasseen hopes to one day be a computer engineer in the medical field. We can’t wait to see what the future holds for Yasseen! Discover even more student success stories. You might also be interested in: Discover How This Young Student Has Gained Independence in Math This Young Reading Program Completer Developed a Love for Literature in Kumon Focus And Confidence Help This Young Musician Achieve His Goals This Young Student Gets Competitive With Her Math Skills