How the Concept of Organic Chemistry Works

How the Concept of Organic Chemistry WorksOrganic chemistry is the study of chemical reactions by using natural substances. In the traditional science, chemicals are just substances that have been manufactured or synthesized by human hands. This is not the case in organic chemistry.One of the most common examples of organic chemistry would be carbon chemistry, which involves carbon compounds. These chemical compounds are made from nitrogen compounds or oxygen compounds and several other common compounds. The purest ones are usually produced from coal, which are chemical products of burning fuels such as coal, petroleum, or gasoline.The first principle of organic chemistry would be that the reactions of an element take place at a specific temperature. The important question in this is whether the reaction is at room temperature or below or above this temperature. Although this question may seem to be important, it is not as important as it may sound. The reason for this is that in che mical reactions such as reacting oxygen with the carbon, the oxygen is used to make things go faster.In organic chemistry, the reaction may proceed at any temperature under the right conditions. Any one of these conditions could be correct. For example, a glass of water heated up to room temperature will still boil at this temperature.Before considering all the possible reactions of chemical reactions, there are several questions that you have to ask yourself. First, you have to determine what the reaction will do to the system that it is being done. Second, you have to determine the source of the chemical as well as its reactions.Third, you have to figure out whether the system being studied is completely normal or has something wrong with it. Lastly, you have to discover the ultimate outcome of the reaction, i.e.Some common organic chemistry problems include the issue of the possible unstable reaction of oxygen with a compound such as sulfur. Sometimes there can be no possible equ ilibrium for two chemical systems, while the system is constantly shifting to higher temperature. If this occurs, the system is said to be anoxia. However, in rare cases, the system can absorb the oxygen as well as convert it to sulfur.

Should You Get Japanese Tattoos

Should You Get Japanese Tattoos Pros and Cons of Getting a Tattoo in Japan ChaptersTraditional Japanese Tattoos: Ancestral Practices and Recent TabooTattoos: a Real Art FormA Decision for LifeFind Inspiration in the Land of the Rising SunTattoo culture has always been more popular in the U.K. than in other European countries. That has probably something to do with the fact that Great Britain, being an island, is a nation of sailors.It is a well know fact that even King George V, while only Duke of York and serving on the HMS Bacchante, got himself tattooed on a stopover in Japan, just before meeting the Japanese Emperor and Emperess. The royal tattoo trend was started by George V's father, Edward VII, when he visited Jerusalem and had a cross tattooed on his arm.Following the example of the Royal family, many noble Englishmen, Army and Navy officers and even soldiers were encouraged to get one.It is not surprising that today, one in every five Briton is inked, going up to one in three young adults being tattooed.While having a tattoo in the U.K. is pretty s tandard, it is still frowned upon in Japan despite being a part of ancient folklore.The question is: should you get one?Prime Minister of Canada Justin Trudeau boxing, in New York, NY and showing his traditional Haida tattoo.(Broadimage/REX/Shutterstock/CP)Overall this kind of tattoo can quickly reach more than 1 million yens ( £7500). A big investment!Yakuza parading during a festival in Tokyo and showing their traditional full body tattoos.Find Inspiration in the Land of the Rising SunFor this price tag and the lifetime commitment that such a tattoo involves, better be sure of the design in the first place.A visit to the Horiyoshi Tattoo Museum might give you some ideas.The design is one thing, you actually might want to choose where you want to get inked first. The position of the tattoo on your body will probably influence the size, style and esthetic of your dream tattoo.You will also have to decide if you want your tattoo to just be artistic and decorative or to carry a symbol ic meaning. Many symbols in Japan have a specific meaning.The Phoenix  will symbolise rebirth and triumph, a Japanese dragon tattoo will represent wisdom and strength while the tiger will protect against evil spirits and diseases.Kanji characters are also very popular as a tattoo but make sure to ask your tattoo artist to check the meaning for you.Even if you're looking at getting a traditional Japanese tattoo, feel free to include other styles of tattoo in your design. Japanese tattooers are very creative and are always looking to do their best to design a tattoo that will be perfect for you.Tip: politeness is essential everywhere in the world but even more in Japan. When talking to a Japanese tattoo artist foreigners should remember to be very polite and humble, that will go a long way especially if you are looking for a big tattoo (you will have to spend a lot of time with the artist).One of the best ways to find inspiration is to scroll down the Japanese tattoo shops' Instagram account. You will see all their work on there and often will have other tattooer commenting.If you are looking for a traditional Japanese tattoo design or something more new school make sure you're sure it is perfect. No going back!There's much to learn about Japanese Culture,  Japanese Literature  with our further guides.Don't get a tattoo you'll regret... learn japanese online  or take japanese lessons london! It's not difficult, just search 'japanese lessons near me'.

The Rise Of The ACT

The Rise Of The ACT The SAT has predominantly been the staple of standardized tests for students hoping to be accepted into the nations top colleges. However, in recent years the ACT is becoming more popular, according to an article by Bob Schaeffer, public education director of the National Center for Fair and Open Testing, published in The Washington Post. The SAT was created over 80 years ago, and 20 years ago 75% more students took the SAT than the ACT. The ACT was largely a regional test, more popular in the South, Midwest, Southwest and Mountain states. However, most students in the 2010 graduating high school class took both tests. There were very few discrepancies of students who took one test but not the other. Schaeffer argues that the ACT has been marketed more effectively than the SAT, which has greatly increased its popularity. The ACT is more consumer-friendly, and it always had a score choice function, which allowed students to pick which scores were sent to which colleges. The SAT finally implemented that program this year. The ACTbetter represents what students learned or should have learned in their high school classes. Also, the ACT includes a science section, where as the SAT does not. If students do decide to take the ACT instead of the SAT, they can prep by working with a tutor or using ACT practice tests. The ACT also has an optional writing section. The SATs is mandatory. Therefore, students who are not applying to schools that require a writing score can skip the section, saving time and money. Schaeffer argues that this is the most attractive aspect of the ACT. The ACT also persuaded state administrators in Illinois, Colorado, Kentucky, Michigan, Tennessee and Wyoming to administer the ACT to all students. The ACT convinced these state administrators that doing so would increase the number of college applications. The College Board, which is the SATs sponsor, only signed up Maine to administer the SAT to all students. The SAT has also been experiencing many problems. The test was redone in 2005 because of many criticisms, most notably from then-University of California President Richard Atkinson. The College Board then promised to redo the test to make it a more effective forecaster of a students success in college. However, the test-makers own research determined that it was neither an accurate determiner of college success nor a fair admissions tool. Schaeffer writes that there is no significant difference how well the two tests predict student success in their first year in college. In fact, he argues that neither test accurately determines how well a first-year college student will perform. He states that high school grades are and have always been the best predictor for first-year college grades. Both the ACT and College Board admit that their tests do not forecast first-year grades. However, this is the aim for both of the tests. Schaeffer cited Crossing the Finish Line, which was published in 2009. This book considered many different data factors to determine that high school grades are 3 to 10 times more effective at determining college graduation rates. Some colleges are beginning to respond to poor standardized tests by either creating their own admissions test or dropping it altogether and becoming test-optional schools. In the past five years, over 70 schools have taken this route. There are nearly 850 test-optional colleges, according to Schaeffer. [RELATED: What is an Average ACT Score?]

Beginner Guitarists Theres No Ideal Age to Learn to Play Guitar

Beginner Guitarists There’s No Ideal Age to Learn to Play Guitar How Old is too Old to Learn the Guitar? ChaptersIs Learning as a Child Easier?Adults Have More Time to Spend on the Guitar.Adults Have More Financial Means at their Disposal.Adults Have More Life Experience.How is your Guitar Motivation?Staying Motivated: Keep Going with the Guitar!Conclusion: Any Age is Good for Guitar.The guitar: every young person's fantasy instrument?Symbol of freedom, rock, rebellion, pop songs and concerts, the guitar is an instrument that attracts adolescents and young adults. At first glance, it also appears easy to learn and light enough to carry around!But when you’re 28, 35, 42, 55 or even 63 years old, can you still learn the guitar? Or are you too old for strumming and fretting?  Is there an expiry date for becoming a “guitar god”?Remember when you were younger and you fantasized about becoming a guitarist like your idols, on stage, in a bar or at wild rock concert?  But, as the years went by, you’ve built a professional life, maybe even started a family, and your responsibilities and pursuits piled up.Now, you’ve worked hard to get to where you are, and have all you ever dreamed of, but one thing is missing: you regret not ever having learned to play the guitar.Know this: your dream doesn’t have to end this way: whatever your age, you can learn to play the guitar.Although it may seem obvious, we think it’s worth stressing: there is no ideal age for learning to play the guitar! Some very gifted guitarists began to play as adults, even in their retirement! Others learned to play the guitar as children. We’ll let you in on a little secret: whether you begin the guitar at 5 or 50 years of age, the key to success is motivation.You can to learn to play the guitar at any age if you are motivated and organized enough, and if you take time for yourself and for your hobbies.You still have time if you want to achieve your dream of becoming a guitarist. So why not sign up to take guitar lessons? Whether guitar lessons london, Manchester or Glasgow, the choice is you rs!.It’s as simple as that.This doesn’t mean that this work has to be tedious or annoying. But you know that every task necessitates concentration, compromise (not going out with friends every night), self-sacrifice, willingness, and a large dose of motivation.While children want rapid results, you know that there will be difficulties to face that, without motivation, you won't achieve.Staying Motivated: Keep Going with the Guitar!Even if you’re naturally disciplined and hard-working, there are always means and tricks for keeping yourself motivated: you can choose to surround yourself with friends and guitar lovers, for example.Online Guitar ForumsOn the Internet, there are music forums where each person speaks about his or her passion for the guitar, asks questions about struggles and doubts, and relates successes stories. Try something like Ultimate Guitar.Get a Guitar Instructor.Next, go to meet a guitar instructor. An instructor will regularly motivate you, correct you, an d demonstrate how you’ve progressed. Absolute beginners will first learn all the parts of the guitar and how to tune a guitar. You’ll learn the difference between power chords, open chords and barre chords.A guitar teacher can also teach you how to read music, how to read guitar tabs and play songs, among many other skills. More advanced players will tackle fingerpicking, different fingerstyles, and solos.Conclusion: Any Age is Good for Guitar.To sum up, you don’t need to have played the guitar for 20 years to be able to learn how to play well and enjoy it. Beginner guitar lessons can be fun!Just like for adolescents, it’s also important that you find your particular music niche: are you a fan of jazz guitar, blues guitar, classical guitar, variety, rock, tango or…?Different styles will affect the content of your guitar instruction. From private lessons in the conservatory, online guitar courses to guitar training in a music school, the choice for education is vast. This i s especially true in today’s digital age, where it’s easy to find tutorials, free sheet music and free online classes to learn to play the guitar. (Sometimes people might even be giving away a free guitar!) And you’ll soon be able to play the guitar songs that you know and love.Your guitar dreams are at your fingertips.Don’t wait another second before learning how to play the guitar! Don’t be one of those people who always put their dreams off with lame excuses: the more you wait, the harder it will be to learn to play the guitar.As you can see, there’s no official age for learning to play guitar riffs, as each age has its particular constraints. Learning music is for everyone. If you’re motivated, everything is possible, including achieving your most fantastic dreams on the guitar fret! Are you the next Jimi Hendrix? Book a guitar course and find out.What do you think: is there an age limit on learning the guitar?

So You Want a Singing Career 3 Tips for Dealing With Rejection

So You Want a Singing Career 3 Tips for Dealing With Rejection Suzy S. As an aspiring singer, actor, musician or other kind of performer, getting comfortable with auditions is a big part of the process. Along with this comes rejection, which you might face a lot of before you make it big. Read on as Haddon Heights, NJ teacher Aaron K.  shares his tips for moving on I’m currently trying to become a professional opera singer. I know, it’s a dying art form, no one really understands the plots, and it’s only for snobby rich people who actually enjoy listening to Arnold Schoenberg (sorry if you do, I still can’t get into it). While I understand (yet contest for many reasons) all the previous points, I am choosing this path and have to deal with something that is common to all performers, whether youre working toward a singing career or something else in the industry: rejection. Youve trained for years. Youve read all the articles on auditioning. Heck, maybe you’ve even researched your audition panel to try to play to their tastes. But after all that effort, you didn’t get the part. You didnt get on American Idol. You didn’t get into the college you had your heart set on. I’ve personally had to deal with rejection more times than I like to think about. Here’s a few steps to help you with this difficult outcome. 1) Separate yourself from your performing. The initial impact of being told “no” can be quite hard. What really makes matters worse, though, is when you take rejection as a personal attack. You are not your voice. You are not your interpretation of Hamlet. You are not your piano, cello, flute, or anything else you have been studying. You are a complex human being with many attributes that are unique and wonderful. Your auditioners are not saying no to you as a person. It’s much easier to say my singing was rejected rather than I was rejected. 2) Shrug off the “je ne sais quoi” factor. After getting over the initial emotional blow, your mind can start churning ceaselessly with thoughts like “Why didnt they like me?”, “Did they not like my high Bb?”, or “I knew I should have taken it at a slower tempo.” While it will be important to reflect on what you need to improve (the next step), for now it is important to recollect yourself. Realize that there are any number of things (some of which may be out of your control) that might have lead to the rejection. Perhaps the panel wanted someone taller. Perhaps the college wanted a student who couldn’t play as well but had better grades. Or perhaps someone else took your spot because they knew someone in the selection process. It’s impossible to know exactly why your performance wasn’t chosen. Rather, accept that you didn’t have that certain “je ne sais quoi” and don’t give it another thought. Instead, try to shift your focus and… 3) Ask What I can do better next time? With a strong emotional reaction, it’s important to take a step back and rationally evaluate your weak areas. Do you lack flexibility and accuracy in your training? Work on scales and arpeggios. Did you lose your support on the high notes? Do more lip burbles in higher keys. Did your monologue seem vague and uninteresting? Make more specific choices in your delivery. When faced with rejection, you can either let it eat away at you and destroy your resolve, or you can face it as a challenge for the next time. At the end of the day, rejection won’t matter if you’re pursuing a performance or singing career for the right reason. It’s not just something fun for you. You’re driven by a need to express and create. You have something meaningful to say and you want people to listen. If this is the case, it won’t matter that this audition didnt pan out, because you have 10 more lined up. You may get rejected for years and work jobs you hate for pennies that can barely sustain your lessons and audition fees. But dealing with rejection will never be an issue because it will be as normal to you now as your morning cup of coffee. If this is the case, you don’t have to worry about “making it” in the performance world. If this is the case, you are an artist, and the only thing that matters to you is your art. Aaron K. teaches acting, singing, and piano in Haddon Heights, NJ. He received his  Bachelors degree in Music from University of Miami and a Masters degree in Vocal Performance from Texas Tech University. Learn more about Aaron 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  marc falardeau

Decreased Funding For Early Childhood Education

Decreased Funding For Early Childhood Education Budget cuts have trickled all the way down to early-childhood education, as funding for these programs has decreased between 2009 and 2010, according to a study published in the Washington Post. The Obama administration urged states to increase their pre-kindergarten programs for three- and four-year-olds, but there simply wasnt enough funding to meet the presidents request. Total-state funding for these programs dropped about $30 million across the nation. Many states are putting most or all of their funding dollars in K-12. So, decreasing funding for early-childhood education has helped many states preserve funding for K-12, according to the National Institute for Early Education Research, based at Rutgers University Graduate School of Education. Education Secretary Arne Duncan also urged states to decrease funding for other programs before cutting spending on early-childhood education, but to no avail as states nationwide dismissed his and President Obamas requests. Duncan said that the cuts present real challenges to young people who are desperately fighting to enter the mainstream. In 2010, 26% of four-year-olds were enrolled in pre-Kindergarten, which is significantly less than the governments goal. Forty states have these programs, all according to the National Institute for Early Education Research study. Overall, state cuts to pre-K transformed the recession into a depression for many young children, the study said. The reports authors noted that this could potentially be just the beginning of smaller funding for early-childhood education. Funding could drop more as federal stimulus funds expire soon, causing even more budget cuts. In 2010, state funding per child for pre-Kindergarten programs was nearly $700 below the 2001-2002 level, according to the study. Many education experts have expressed serious concern about Americas future students. Americas education system is already lagging behind many foreign countries. Decreased funding at early-childhood levels could hold the American education system back for years, according to some. Also, the government is striving to once again become the leader in producing college graduates by 2020. However, cutting funding at this level could slow students down and decrease their education ambitions, both of which could hinder the governments goal. This is the most important investment we can make, Duncan said. The long-term dividends are tremendous.

Practicing Deliberately for the SAT and ACT

Practicing Deliberately for the SAT and ACT Every SAT or ACT tutor is familiar with this request, which can come from students or their parents: “Can we take extra practice tests? I can come in every weekend between now and the test. Can you give me more tests to take at home?”This question comes from a good place the student wants to work hard and improve her SAT score and it’s preferable to the alternative, which is a totally unmotivated student. However, is endless repetition of practice tests really the best way to prepare for the SAT or ACT? I’d argue not.What’s wrong with taking as many practice tests as possible?When this scenario plays out in real life and students crank out practice test after practice test, this is typically what happens: they have good intentions of grading the practice test and reviewing their errors soon after the test is over. But as usual, homework and extracurriculars get in the way and at best, the test is graded but not thoroughly reviewed. Then the next weekend rolls around, the student takes another practice test, didn’t learn from his mistakes last time and lo and behold, makes the same errors again.Here’s the problem: the longer this cycle of test-taking continues, the likelier it is that the student is actually practicing and reinforcing bad habits. If the student is prone to careless errors, simply taking numerous tests only trains him to make the same careless error over and over. If the issue is not understanding a specific concept the remainder theorem, for example seeing that question repeatedly won’t help him actually learn the concept. Repeated exposure does not automatically lead to improvement.The best way to prepare for the SAT and ACT: deliberate practiceEnter the concept of deliberate practice. Deliberate practice, as defined by author and performance-improvement expert James Clear, is “a special type of practice that is purposeful and systematic…[it] requires focused attention and is conducted with the specific goal of improvin g performance.”Clear adds that “[d]eliberate practice always follows the same pattern: break the overall process down into parts, identify your weaknesses, test new strategies for each section, and then integrate your learning into the overall process.”Rather than taking a test every weekend, a student engaging in deliberate practice would take 3 or 4 practice tests strategically placed throughout her SAT or ACT prep. After each test, she would review the correct answers and methodically work back through most questions she missed, looking for patterns and areas of weakness and learning how to do better on the next test.The mechanics of deliberate practice in test prepCan you practice deliberately for the SAT or ACT on your own? Of course, just like you can start a fitness regimen or train for a marathon on your own. With enough personal discipline, good information, and a system for getting feedback on his performance, it’s possible for a motivated student to train for the big test by himself.However, most of us benefit from the expertise of a coach, trainer or mentor who can quickly spot issues with our approach, give specific feedback, and recommend course corrections. That’s the role of our tutors here at AJ Tutoring. Our tutors are experts on the SAT and ACT who can efficiently figure out how to improve their students’ scores with targeted feedback.Test prep at AJ Tutoring includes completing several full-length practice SATs or ACTs, preferably proctored and timed at our office. During the following tutoring session, the tutor grades the practice test and reviews it with the student. We dig into the problems the student missed, looking for patterns and common mistakes, and find ways to keep those mistakes from reoccurring.As we’re reviewing a student’s missed questions on a practice test, we pay attention to why a student is missing a question. Generally the missed question falls into one of two categories: a careless mistake or a content mistake (or sometimes both).A careless mistake can take a few forms, but it often involves misreading the question or doing the math incorrectly. This is a problem the student knows how to do, but goofed on the mechanics. A content mistake, on the other hand, arises when the student doesn’t actually know how to do the math required by the problem. By discerning why the student is missing the problem, we get a step closer to addressing those issues on future practice tests and on the real thing.That’s the goal of deliberate practice. Deliberate practice done well means that students can take “only” 3 or 4 full-length practice SATs or ACTs and still be very well prepared for their test. And fewer practice tests means more free time for other important things whether that’s schoolwork, sports, or just daydreaming and sleep.

When to use Already, Still and Yet in English ?? - Time words in English

When to use Already, Still and Yet in English ?? - Time words in English In this lesson you will learn when to use already, still and yet and other time words in English.We will talk what is difference between STILL and YET.We will review in detail the difference between FOR and SINCE which confuse many many ESL students. When to use Already, Still and Yet - Time Words in English Hi there and welcome back to Harrys English lessons.And if you havent already subscribed to Learn English with Harry YouTube channel, just press the subscribe button.  Today, Im going to talk to you about time words. These are English expressions that we use about time.So I go through each of them and then Ill give you some examples and hopefully youll be able to understand exactly what they mean because I know they cause some people a few problems.So the first one we have is AGO.Ago is referring to back in time in the past. Its all about back. So here were using the simple past in terms of verb tense.When we talk about ago, we can say something like two weeks ago. So its back in time. Youre travelling back in time, like Dr Who.So heres an example. You meet your friend and youre walking down the street and youre asking them about some other friend Jane. He says:Oh yes, Jane, she moved to Canada two weeks ago.So hes talking about two weeks that from the time that you met him two week s ago.The next time word I want to use is BEFOREIn our first example, when were using ago, we said when we spoke to Paul that Jane had moved to Canada two weeks ago.So when you met him two weeks ago, when we use before we can use the same example:The last time I met Paul, he had told me that Jane had moved to Canada two weeks before. Two weeks before the date you last met Paul. So before is talking about again about history.But we can also use before with the simple present and the simple past. Let me give you two examples.I will leave before he comes.Meaning I will leave the office, I will leave the meeting, I will leave home before he comes. Simple present. Okay.Or the simple past.  He completed or did or finished his homework before he had dinner.The next time word I want to use is SINCESo this again can be a little bit confusing, but we use since with the perfect tenses present, perfect or past perfect depending on the circumstances.So let me give you a good understanding of how we use it.So lets say I have been living in this particular house for 19 years.  So that means today is 2019. 19 years ago when I moved in would have been the year 2000. So when I use the word since it takes me back to the past, brings me up to the present and tells me that Ive been living here since a particular date or year.The next time word that I  have for you is FORNow,  since and four always get confused.When were using the word FOR, were talking about a duration period of time.So lets go back to my example about the house here.Living here since the year 2000 started in the past.  It brings me up to the present.I can say it in the exact same way by saying I have been living here for 19 years, for 19 years, the duration of 19 years. Again, it started in the past. It brings me up to the present. I have been living here for a period of 19 years.   When to use Already, Still and Yet - Time Words in English And the next time word that I want to use is ALREADY  And here again we use already with the perfect tenses.It either comes in the middle of the sentence or at the end of the sentence and it tells you something that has already happened.She had already left the party before he arrived. Did you post that letter for me? Yes, Ive posted already. I have posted it already. Here we use the present perfect. I have have plus the past participle posted. I have posted it already and here we have already at the end of the sentence.So you can have it in the middle. You can have it at the end, you can use it with the past perfect. And you can use it with the present perfect.And the next time word then is YET And this one is a bit different so be careful. We only use it with negative statements and questions. And its always about something that hasnt been completed. It isnt finished.So youre asking a question about whether something has done as has been done or youre asking us making a stable as s omething in the negative.Has he finished his dinner yet?Present perfect.  And then if you want to put it into a negative statement:He hasnt called me yet. He hasnt called me yet. Im getting very worried.So again, up to the time that youre talking to the person, you havent received a phone call, so it isnt complete that as an action that hasnt finished. Its a negative statement. HAnd then one I have for you is STILLThis is the last time word. So we use this in positive statements or we use it in questions.It comes after the auxiliary verb and before the main verb. For example:Are you still playing tennis? Yes. I am still playing tennis. Okay, so weve looked at ago, before, since, four, yet and still.So hopefully youve got a good understanding of how to use them.And if you want to contact us, of course, you can subscribe to our channel and join me on www.englishlessonviaskype.com and subscribe, as I said, and we’ll see you soon.

Official italki Blog

Official italki Blog Official italki Blog Official italki Blog Official italki Blog Official italki Blog Official italki Blog Official italki Blog One important aspect of learning a language is getting connected into a community of students and teachers.  Thats why we revised our Groups function on italki.  We wanted to make it easier to have discussions about every aspect of learning a language.   What weve done is create official italki Groups for every language.   Each language now has five official groups called: Learning the language Teachers and Schools Tests and Exams Culture and Society Travel, Living Abroad and Study Abroad We made this change in order to consolidate discussions in each language.  All of the previous user-created groups still exist, and you can still create your own group.  As with before, each group is basically a forum where members of the group can create a topic and start a discussions with other group members.   We also wanted to highlight a few interesting ways you could use groups. Many teachers have asked us how they can reach students who are interested in paid tutoring sessions.  Teachers can now post information about themselves in the Teachers and Schools Group (example: Teachers and Schools for learning English).  We think this could be a great place for teachers to market to students, and for students to learn more about a teachers background and teaching style. Another interesting use of groups could be for sharing test knowledge (example: Tests and Exams for learning English.   Now if you are taking a language test such as the  TOEFL (Test of English as a Foriegn Language), the  HSK (the main test for Chinese proficiency), or the  AP Spanish test  (US College Boards test of Spanish competency) you should be able to find discussions about how to prepare for them in the Tests and Exams group for that language.   In general, we just wanted to make it easier for the italki community to connect and communicate with each other.  If you have any questions about how to use groups or want to send us any feedback on the site changes, please click on our feedback link or send us an email (feedback at italki dot com). Your opinions really help us understand where we need to improve the site. And keep reading our blog   well be letting you know about our future updates here. Official italki Blog Official italki Blog We want to wish a happy new year to all our members, teachers, supporters, investors, advisers, and staff.   Thank you for a great 2009! And we look forward to an even more exciting 2010. Best Wishes for the Near Year, The italki Team P.S. The December Unwrap the Joy of Learning promotion ends tonight at midnight, China time.   Thats in 6 hours, so hurry now! Official italki Blog Official italki Blog We want you to get the most out of italki, and so were planning to write a series of blog posts for how you can improve your experience. General tips for finding good language partners 1. First, offer to help other users Many users ask other users to become friends by demanding that they help them learn a language.  This isnt wrong exactly, but its always important to think from the other persons perspective.  Ask yourself why this person would want to become your italki friend? * Person A:  Hi * Person B:  Teach me English I wan learn English very mch * Person C:  Salut, I see that you are learning French.   I was born in Paris, and I am native speaker of French.   I was wondering if you could help me with English for practice in French? bad introduction In order to receive help, you must be willing to give it. Especially at the start, its important to let other users know that youre interested in helping them too. 2. Show something real about yourself Profile pictures When youre online, it is harder to build trust, so its important to try to be real. Not having a picture or using fake pictures makes it harder to connect with other users. Which one of these is a real person? Audrey Hepburn did not join italki Profile information Likewise, profiles with no information makes it harder for other users to know if they should be friends with you. The more youre willing to share about yourself, the more likely other people will be willing to share their time with you.  Again, always offer to help people in your profile. 3. Answer questions, ask questions Answering questions is a great way to show other people that you are interested in sharing your knowledge. In addition, other users who have similar questions may view your answer and find you that way. Asking good questions also shows potential language partners that youre serious about learning a language. Some users are looking for longer-term study partners, and showing that you know something about the language helps the community understand who you are. 4. Having discussions in groups Groups is another place to be seen and to participate in a dialogue. In particular, if you are a teacher or tutor and want to let other language learners know that you are available to teach, definitely go to the help offered / schools and teachers group to post an introduction. If you are student looking for help, you should post here. Likewise, if youre a student, go post in a group like learning the language or in the help wanted / tests and exams area. 5. Dont give up It isnt easy to find good long-term language partners, so dont assume after sending five invitations that there is nobody who wants to work with you. Its also important to know there are many reasons why people dont reply or arent interested. Some users already have many friends, and dont want to add new ones. Some users are just too busy. Our main recommendation is just to keep on trying, and keep on coming back to the site. The language partner search results are generally filtered by who was last online so dont wait to be found. Stay online, and get involved! If you have other suggestions or ideas about how to get the most out of italki, please let us know in the comments below! You can also always send us feedback or email at feedback at italki dot com. The italki team Official italki Blog Official italki Blog Official italki Blog Official italki Blog Official italki Blog Official italki Blog Official italki Blog Official italki Blog Official italki Blog