5 Tips to Improve Your SAT and ACT Scores

5 Tips to Improve Your SAT and ACT Scores 0SHARESShare Follow the tips to crack SAT and ACT exams with high scores- Choose SAT and ACT test according to your strengths: The students who have a strong memory, fast reading and ability to process information fast should opt ACT text. On the other hand, the students who are strong readers, possess strong vocabularies and enjoy test taking strategies should take the SAT test. Hence, identify your strengths and choose the test accordingly to achieve great success. Plan Strategically: You plan out test preparation strategies, targeting study and practice of each section. Typically, the test includes critical reading, Math and English reading and writing. Plan how much time you will devote preparing and practicing each section. Use online test preparation services that are free or charge you a nominal for test prep. You can seek guidance from online tutors. Make a habit to prepare notes: Form a habit to jot down key concepts, Math formulas, vocabulary etc. Make a note of important points and formulas along with correct application problems. Your notes will help you in memorizing and revising things that you have learnt. Take a practice  SAT and ACT test: Taking practice tests will give a better idea on how well you attempt each section in stipulated time thereby analyze your performance? A lot of test preparation websites and college websites offer sample SAT and ACT  tests. You can practice help from online tutoring, local or online tutor and even purchase test preparation books. Keep your mental efficiency: Above all said tips will be only useful if you are mentally peaceful. It is very essential that you take good sleep at night. 7-8 hours of sound sleep at night gives adequate rest physically and mentally. Often students who skip night sleep may feel clumsy during last preparation. Try out these tips to score better in SAT  and  ACT tests. All the best! [starbox id=admin]

A Checklist for Your Final Semester of Grad School

A Checklist for Your Final Semester of Grad School During your final semester of grad school, you may be asking yourself, Whats next? While in grad school, one tends to focus only on grad school itself and it is hard to see (let alone imagine) the light at the end of the tunnel. With classes, assignments, networking, and the impending job search, things can quickly become overwhelming. Fortunately, a checklist for your final semester of grad school can help keep these priorities straight. Everyones experience with grad school is different. Whether your journey has been two years or eight years, it can be helpful to stay prepared with a checklist for your final semester of grad school. This can help ensure you are on the right track and ready for graduationas well as for what comes next. Keep your eye on the prize during your final semester Its easy to get excited or overwhelmed as this chapter of your life comes to a close, but it isnt over yet! Whether your last semester consists of wrapping up a dissertation, thesis, applied project, or something else, you need to remain focused. All of your hard work is for nothing if you dont cross the finish line. Allow yourself adequate time to finish projects and prepare for presentations or exams. When competing demands surface, give grad school priority if possible. Schedule time for school, but also for leisure and family so you dont feel too deprived or disconnected. Visit your grad schools career center for guidance Your advisor and faculty are not your only on-campus resources for advice. Although they may have great tips related to your industry, they may not have enough time to help you actually apply for jobs, review your resume, or practice interview skills. Take advantage of your campus career center. Depending on your school, the career center will likely offer helpful individual or group sessions on many subjects, such as: Writing a resume or cover letter Completing job applications Polishing your interview skills Using social media to seek jobs Many colleges and universities also host events related to careers, such as on-campus interviewing with prospective employers and job fairs. These services are typically included in the cost of tuition, so take full advantage while you can. Meet with your grad school advisor If you havent already, you need to see your advisor to confirm you are on track to complete all requirements for graduation. You dont want to be on the receiving end of a dreaded email or phone call about missing required credits. The earlier you talk to your advisor, the better your chances of correcting your course load or any discrepancies that could prevent you from graduating on time. While speaking with your advisor, you may also want to inquire about career opportunities, applying for and attending graduation ceremonies, and any other post-graduation advice. [RELATED: 5 Questions Grad Students Should Ask Their Advisors] Network during your final semester As a graduate student, you have had several opportunities to connect with peers, faculty, researchers, and other professionals in your field. Now is the time to reach out to your network. Check in to see how they are doing, and what they are working on and where. Let them know you are finishing up grad school and what your future plans are. Also, ask for help if you need it. Know someone who landed a great job where youd also like to work? Ask him or her for pointers on securing and acing an interview. They might even be able to recommend you to the hiring manager! Assess your post-grad financial situation This checklist item is an important one! While in grad school, it is likely you had some sort of financial aid. Many students have been relying on loans since their undergrad programs. As you exit grad school, you should have a firm understanding of your finances. There are a few questions you might want to ask yourself, such as: How much will you owe in student loans each month? How much do your bills cost? How much money can you reasonably expect to make and whats the minimum you would need to earn to support yourself? Knowing the answers to these questions will help get you ready to make important financial decisions. Create a reasonable budget, focus on your job search, and, if needed, identify areas in which you can trim excess expenses. Earning a graduate degree is an exciting time! Enjoy your last semester and work hard, but also make sure you are preparing yourself to exit grad school successfully. Good luck! Any topics you want to know more about? Let us know! The Varsity Tutors Blog editors love hearing your feedback and opinions. Feel free to email us at blog@varsitytutors.com.

Maths Revision Resources A Level GCSE Maths Past Papers

Maths Revision Resources A Level GCSE Maths Past Papers Where Can You Find A Level GCSE Maths  Past Papers? ChaptersBenefits of Revision with Past Maths PapersTips for Efficient Maths RevisionWhere to Find Past Papers for Maths TuitionFind a Maths TutorGetting started with A-Level or GCSE maths revision can sometimes feel like an uphill struggle. It can be really hard knowing where to start, how to revise best, and what resources you should be using.To get the ball rolling with maths revision GCSE it’s important to know exactly what could come up in your exams. This means going over all of the syllabus content that you’ve covered over the term or year, and making sure you learn it.There are loads of ways to revise your maths syllabus for school. You can use all sorts of tools and resources such as your past notes and workbooks, websites containing course content, games and quizzes, and attending revision sessions that your teacher might put on.Textbooks aren't always the most beneficial form of revision, try something more practical! Photo credit: UGL_UIUC via Visual hunt  Once you thi nk you’ve gotten up to speed with all the course content and you’ve revised all the necessary topics for your exam, it’s time to start properly preparing for the actual exam paper. MyriamMaths Teacher 5.00 (13) £20/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors MarkMaths Teacher 5.00 (5) £200/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors Dr parikhMaths Teacher 5.00 (8) £40/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors KamalMaths Teacher 5.00 (9) £30/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors PetarMaths Teacher 5.00 (8) £40/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors GowsikaMaths Teacher 5.00 (5) £15/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors RubenMaths Teacher 5.00 (1) £15/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors ConorMaths Teacher 4.75 (4) £30/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutorsBenefits of Revision with Past Maths PapersFinding and working through copies of A-level past maths exam papers can be a really excellent way of preparing for your exam. Practising past papers will give you a clear idea of what you can expect in your upcoming exams, and will help you to:Familiarise yourself with the style of questions and formatRecognise the command terms usedKnow the length of the paper and how to manage your timeUnderstand how marks are allocatedMany students and teachers would argue that past papers are the best form of revision. They allow you to really prepare and rehearse for your exam and get more comfortable with the questions and how you should go about answering them.Tips for Efficient Maths RevisionWhen sitting down to do a past paper, make sure you do it properly. Sit somewhere quiet with no distractions, and set a timer so that you don’t run over the allowed time. Don’t have anything present that you wouldn’t be allowed in the exam â€" so no phones, music, books or notes!Start by reading the paper from cover to cover. This will help you understand how the paper is laid out, and where the marks are being allocated. You will also see from doing thi s how much time you should roughly spend on each question.Make sure you read the information on the front of the exam. This will clarify exactly which paper you are doing, how much time you have, and the basic rules you need to know when taking the exam.Thoroughly check the format of the paper and the individual questions. You don’t want to answer too few or too many questions if you’re not supposed to! Although exams aren’t trying to catch you out, it can be easy to fall into traps if you’re not careful.Read all the questions really carefully, as some of them might have instructions such as ‘answer two questions from part one’ or ‘answer one question from each section’, for example.Making mistakes when it comes to reading the questions and answering in enough depth can be easily avoided â€" so take your time to understand what each question wants so that you don’t lose marks needlessly.Make sure you read the paper in detail to avoid mistakes! Photo credit: alberto gp123 via VisualHunt / CC BYIt’s also really important that you pay close attention to the command words being used in the exam questions. These will indicate how you should answer the question. Words can vary between ‘explain’, ‘describe’, ‘compare’, ‘list’, for example.These words are huge hints as to how much you will need to write in your answer, and what exactly the question wants you to do.There are loads of different command words used in exams, so make sure you learn what each one means and is asking of you. Do this well ahead of time, you don’t want any surprises in the exam hall!If you see a command word that you are unfamiliar with in the exam paper, remember not to panic. Use your initiative and take an educated guess â€" it’s usually a case of common sense. Whether the word suggests you should be saying a lot or just giving a simple answer, look at the marks available and write what seems appropriate.Make sure you look at the marks on offer for ea ch question, this is a big indicator of what you need to do and what the command word means as well. If the question says ‘list’, and it has a maximum of three marks, you can be pretty sure that you should list three things.It is also crucial with maths exams that you read the question to see if you need to show your working. If this is explicitly asked for, you will know that some of the marks are awarded to showing how you got the answer.Some maths problems might be looking for a particular way of working out as well. So think carefully about what the question is asking you and how you should go about solving the problem, and remember to show all of your working in the answer book.    Time management is absolutely key when sitting an exam. You can get a rough idea of how much time you should spend on each question by comparing their marks. For example, you shouldn’t spend ten minutes on a one-mark question, and then only leave yourself three minutes for a five-mark question .A great way of learning to manage your time in practice papers is to add up all the marks in your paper and divide that by how many minutes you have to complete the exam. You will get a basic idea of how many minutes you should spend per mark, which will show you roughly how much time you have for each question.It’s important to do this as part of your practice though â€" try not to do it in your actual exam as it will eat into your time too much. Before sitting the real exam you should know the paper layout well, including its total marks and how many questions to expect.Where to Find Past Papers for Maths TuitionPast papers can usually be supplied by your teacher or subject department at school. They might have copies ready to hand from previous years, or they might be stored on an online database that you can access yourself. Speak to your teachers to find out how you can access the past papers that your school uses.It is also important that you get a copy of the mark scheme t o go with the exam if you can, so that you can mark your work and see where you did well and where you might need to put a bit more work in.The papers you need will depend on the exam board that your school is using. Check with your school who the exam board is so that you can find the right past exam and mark scheme to work from.The most common exam boards for the UK national curriculum are AQA, Edexcel and WJEC.For most examination board websites, you will need to be a teacher or education professional to access the past papers and any information. Your school will have access to the appropriate past papers for your revision, so don’t hesitate to ask for some.Maths Made Easy is a brilliant website that not only gives you access to revision notes, presentations, guides and support, but also lets you download past papers to practise.This site is aimed at years 1 to 13, so it includes all keys stages 1 to 4, and A-Level too. Simply click on your age level you need and have a browse of what the site has to offer.You can also specify which exam board you need between Edexcel and AQA to make sure you are practising the right stuff!Don't hesitate to get some help and guidance with your past papers! Photo credit: NEC Corporation of America via Visual Hunt / CC BYFind a Maths TutorIf you have private maths tutors, they might be able to find you some past papers to work through in your lessons at home, but they can usually be found directly through your school or maths department for KS3 or above.The most important part of doing past exam papers is understanding how you can improve for the real exam. This means you will need to mark the paper as accurately as possible according to the mark scheme, or ask a maths teacher or tutor to do it for you.Going through practise exams and obtaining maths help in general with your tutor is a great idea, as they can give you individual feedback and guidance on how to improve for the real thing. Your tutor will be able to notice any weak spots and where you need to put in some more practise.If you don’t have a private tutor, you can see if your teacher will mark your past paper or go through your results to see where your revision might need a bit more attention and fine-tuning.Was there anything in the practice paper that was particularly challenging? Or something that just completely stumped you? These are the things that you should make more room for in your study plan so that you are ready to answer them in the real exam.Discover how useful maths can be in life and why you should consider studying it.

The Best Resources for Maths Revision

The Best Resources for Maths Revision From GCSE Maths To Degree Maths Revision, Here Are The Best Resources ChaptersEssential Learning Tips for Maths Revision GCSEMore Primary Maths Resources For GCSEMaths Worksheets For A LevelMaths Resources For University DegreesMaths, maths and more maths.If you clicked on this article, you are probably a Maths candidate with coursework and examinations to prepare for.Well, you're in the right place. We're here to advise each Maths pupil how to get the most out of your maths revision, and being as efficient as possible in the process of extracurricular learning.Whether you're a GCSE or iGCSE student looking to get the most A*, A and B grades that you can, an A-Level student needing to secure a place at your chosen further education establishment or university, or an undergraduate wanting to get the best start in your professional life, we have some great guidance tips for you  to examine here on how best to approach your tuition and maths revision as well as where to find the best free teaching resources to add to your student learning toolkit.First, l et's take a look at the various Maths courses from secondary school through to degree level.An Introduction To Maths CoursesNo matter if you are studying Maths aged fourteen or twenty-one, the subject holds so much weight professionally. Even  if you have no intention of continuing with Maths after school, enrollment on any college course or higher education degree will still depend on your displayed mathematical abilities (thanks to proof of qualifications and your CV), along with any job application. Not to mention how much Maths will come into play in your everyday life!To give you an idea of what you can expect to study and learn on all of the general Maths courses from school to university, here's a brief overview provided in the most part by the government.GCSE MathsAccording to the specifications set out by the government, a GCSE in mathematics should enable students to:1. develop fluent knowledge, skills and understanding of mathematical methods and concepts 2. acquire, sele ct and apply mathematical techniques to solve problems 3. reason mathematically, make deductions and inferences and draw conclusions 4. comprehend, interpret and communicate mathematical information in a variety of forms appropriate to the information and context.During a GCSE course, the primary topics that you will encounter in your maths studies are:NumberAlgebraRatio, proportion and rates of changeGeometry and measuresProbabilityStatisticsSurely there's some room to have fun among these modules? Of course, much of it depends on your teacher, their teaching style and the time you have to cover the content in lessons so don't go giving your  tutor a hard time of it when they have a class that won't settle quickly.That said, there's no harm in asking if your teacher has heard of these cool math games and if you might be able to try some similar puzzles and games during class!A Level MathsAs for A Level and AS students, the government thinks it's important for them to:understand mat hematics and mathematical processes in a way that promotes  confidence fosters enjoyment and provides a strong foundation for progress to  further studyextend their range of mathematical skills and techniquesunderstand coherence and progression in mathematics and how different  areas of mathematics are connectedapply mathematics in other fields of study and be aware of the relevance of  mathematics to the world of work and to situations in society in generaluse their mathematical knowledge to make logical and reasoned decisions in  solving problems both within pure mathematics and in a variety of contexts,  and communicate the mathematical rationale for these decisions clearlyreason logically and recognise incorrect reasoninggeneralise mathematicallyconstruct mathematical proofsuse their mathematical skills and techniques to solve challenging problems  which require them to decide on the solution strategyrecognise when mathematics can be used to analyse and solve a problem in  conte xtrepresent situations mathematically and understand the relationship between  problems in context and mathematical models that may be applied to solve  themdraw diagrams and sketch graphs to help explore mathematical situations and  interpret solutionsmake deductions and inferences and draw conclusions by using mathematical  reasoninginterpret solutions and communicate their interpretation effectively in the  context of the problemread and comprehend mathematical arguments, including justifications of  methods and formulae, and communicate their understandingread and comprehend articles concerning applications of mathematics and  communicate their understandinguse technology such as calculators and computers effectively and recognise  when such use may be inappropriatetake increasing responsibility for their own learning and the evaluation of their  own mathematical developmentThe overarching themes of an A-Level math course  in sixth form are, therefore, the following, with numero us sub-topics making up each section.mathematical argument, language and proofmathematical problem solvingmathematical modellingDegree-level MathAt degree level, you can choose to study towards a basic Maths qualification (no less demanding than a more specialised course, we'll add!) but you can also choose to focus on a specialism like  mathematical finance,  mathematical physics,  mathematical biology,  actuarial maths,  history of maths,  special relativity, quantum theory or  medical statistics, though many of these are available as modules in later years of a Maths bachelor of science degree.The topics you'll study during your introductory year on a Maths degree include:calculusalgebraanalysismechanicsprobabilitystatisticsgeometryvectorscomputational mathsOf course, the list doesn't end there. Once you've completed a Maths degree, you can either go straight into your desired line of work or you can apply for another qualification in the form of a diploma, Masters or PhD. To see how these advanced courses can help you down a specific career path, see the case study below.Louise Smith, Technical Business AnalystSpeaking through Prospects, Louise Smith, of J.P. Morgan, offers her advice for women considering a career in STEM after taking the MSci Astronomy and Physics degree at the University of Glasgow.A member of the first intake for the Tech Connect programme, a graduate scheme for students from a STEM background, Smith was first given an apprenticeship type role as Software Engineer before  expanding her responsibilities, completing her graduate programme and applying the skills gained to become an Associate.Having received a large amount of support since joining the company, including lots of training and being closely helped by mentors, Smith recommends finding a company  that will provide you with the right level of support and development. It is also a good idea to speak to relevant companies, their employers and your careers advisor at university or school. You should also be thinking about acquiring key skills so go to recruitment agencies to ask what employers are looking for.But to be recognised for your talents and passion, you first need to prove that you are worthy of support! The best way to do this is to be on top of your studies and revision.Either way, you should never think that you are beyond homework and revision, as even the best mathematicians need to work hard and reassure themselves that they are doing things correctly!So, whether you are a whizz at Maths or you always feel like you are one step behind your peers, the work you put in out of hours can be a huge factor in the outcome of your course. It is not uncommon for people with a better fluency and natural ability with numbers to become complacent and not put in the extra effort they should and to wind up with a poorer grade than a student who has struggled through the course but who worked hard on understanding the methodologies and brushing up on useful techniques and tips.This is because Maths isn't all about having a gifted flair for numbers, it is as much about using logical thinking to come to the right conclusion.So, throughout your studies, and especially if you start to face some difficulties, keep in mind that maths and logic go hand in hand. In other words, whatever concept you're finding had to grasp can be explained in a logical way, so don't get yourself worked up. Instead, sit back, take a deep breath, and tackle the problem with a fresh, clear mind.Whether it's arithmetic, algebra, trigonometry, geometry, multivariable calculus, equivalent fractions, complex numbers, quadratic equations, precalculus or long division of polynomial functions, the likelihood is that you'll find a way of understanding it. You just need to find your way.Maths is a wonderfully rich and diverse subject. However, unfortunately, it only takes one tricky homework assignment and many people wrongly think it's far too complex for them to learn.Th e reality is that there is no secret! You just need to put in the work and find a revision method that suits you.So, we've put together the crème de la crème of maths practice resources which you can use to get to grips with how to solve the kind of maths problems you'll find in your exam.Don't underestimate how valuable these tools can be in your learning journey. Go out and get yourself a revision planner and start scheduling in some revision sessions right now! Depending on how you work best, you can make a start on these easy-to-use numeracy resources alone or you can set up a study group with your friends.Success is in the Details - So Be Thorough!First of all, keep in mind that learning the ins and outs of maths takes time.But what does it mean to be thorough in this context?Effective learning means exercising self-discipline and making sure you cover every topic in depth.For example, set a detailed revision timetable and stick to it. Don't forget to be kind to yourself and schedule enough breaks to keep you refreshed. It is no good following a revision schedule suggested by your teacher if you are just going to sprint through it and not really take anything in. Make that revision count!Understand also that attending maths lessons or following math courses with a maths tutor is not enough. Revising what you have covered in class helps you to secure that understanding of the lesson and  consolidate your knowledge, focusing on points you find slightly more difficult and giving you the confidence to approach similar questions with little or no apprehension.By spending time going over subjects again and again, you can then give your full attention to each subsequent lesson and apply what you learn along the way.Don't get us wrong, not everyone is going to become a math genius overnight, and many will still face challenges that will seem too hard to overcome, but as long as you are realistic in your goal then there is absolutely no reason why you can't succ eed in achieving what you'd like to in this subject.Remember, if you make mistakes - that's okay! Every mistake is an opportunity to learn so that you don't get tripped up on exam day. In fact the more mistakes you make, the more determined it can make you to do better and the more effective that lesson can be. Be motivated by your downfalls - pick yourself up again and fight harder instead of staying down and hoping for the best.It can be hard to digest if you really dislike the subject but studying on a regular basis will fix your newly acquired knowledge into your mind and make it easier to recall this information. And then, who know's, you might end up actually enjoying maths lessons!Remind yourself too that, while revision can seem like a tedious task when you could be doing something more fun, there are few times in your life when you have to work this hard but that there are also rarely opportunities like this that crop up again and have such significance.Just think, each tim e you apply for a job throughout the rest of your life, your prospective workplace will always want to know your basic qualifications, one of which will be your ability in the fundamentals of maths. Is it really worth throwing away this opportunity to work hard and to open up doors for your future all for a game on your mobile phone or for hanging out in the car park with your friends and having a laugh?There will be plenty of opportunities for you to relax and spend time with your mates after the exam period is over, and what's best is that by then you will have done all you can and can truly let your hair down and feel satisfied that you couldn't have done more. Or could you?So don't think you can twiddle your thumbs until the night before. And don't allow yourself to look back at this time with regrets. If you want to do well, you'll have to work for it!Now, as we know, it's all very good talking about revision, but how do you even approach revising for a subject that has so many modules and that you've spent a year or more studying?! Keep reading for some tips on which resources to use, how and where to find them.Use Maths Resources Like Past Papers to RevisePast maths test papers are an invaluable revision resource.You can find them on the website of every major exam board including AQA, Edexcel, and OCR. Working through exam papers can help you prepare for the real thing, as you get to know what each board is looking for  and how they tend to word problems.Don't be tripped up by sneaky exam boards - revise with past papers! ¦ source: VisualhuntPast exam papers will also help you spot the key topics of your maths course, so you can know what to expect before you turn over the first page of your GCSE or A Level exam.One of the biggest benefits of using past papers is that you can read the examiners' notes after your attempt to see exactly how an examiner would have responded to your answers. You'll see the extent of the detail required to get that top ans wer, and you can take a really valuable lesson away.Exam boards also have answer booklets for each paper so you can see how you're improving.If you'd like to work through any math questions you got wrong, there are many maths teachers who put their working online so you can follow them to the correct solution, rather than going straight to the answers.Tip: Make sure you focus on the most recent papers. The UK maths curriculum is changing all the time and it's important that your revision is up-to-date.Work Out How Topics are RelatedMaking links between the concepts you're learning will help you to see the bigger picture of mathematics and therefore potentially use a different approach to a certain type of math problem.For instance, why not find out how Pythagoras can be explained using polygons or where Pi comes from.Making these kinds of connections when you learn maths will not only help you in your understanding, but it will build a firm foundation to further your maths education in the future.You can do this by consulting the web and just doing some general poking about on maths sites. It is recommended that you stick to websites designed for learners your age so that you don't get caught up in learning things that aren't necessary to pass your exam. However, if you really have an interest in a subject area, there is no harm in educating yourself further.Some websites we would suggest taking a look at are BBC Bitesize for GCSE and Revision Maths for A Level, but we will go into further detail below and introduce you to some teaching materials used by real-life learners.More Primary Maths Resources For GCSEYou're in year 11 and preparing to sit your final GCSE exams this Summer.For a lot of students, the math exams are the ones that cause them the most worry.No need to panic. Just like maths, every problem has a solution.Year 11 maths is all about algebraic equations, number sense, and graphs. Sub-topics include inequalities, linear equations, theorems, ind ices, square roots, reasoning, ratio, loci, vectors, probability and math  problem-solving.How did these topics become GCSE nightmares?It's all down to the way you learn.If the methodology of your educator doesn't suit the way you think, it makes you think you're less capable than you are.When it comes to learning math, low self-esteem can be incredibly detrimental, so you need to find revision strategies that suit your style of learning.Where to Find the Best GCSE Maths Revision MaterialsBBC Bitesize Maths is particularly helpful from KS1 maths to GCSE level, providing learner guides with math videos for qualifications all over the UK. The free resource tailors worksheets, lessons and other free resources for each of the four countries' curriculum.BBC Bitesize Maths is an ideal website for those who want to supplement their formal education as well as GCSE maths students looking for free math revision material  in the run-up to their exams.The website includes resources sorted by s chool year and topic, so learners can access step-by-step guides as well as video tutorials for their specific maths curriculum. The topics are also linked to the different curricula from the different regions of the UK, so all learners from England, Scotland, Wales and Ireland are catered for.What's great about this website is how easy to use it is. Its name, Bitesize, is a true indication of how easy it is to learn morcels of information, and how you can schedule revision sessions based on easily-digested, bitesize chunks of knowledge.For GCSE and A Level math help, there's The Student Room, where students can discuss queries in forums and find teacher-approved resources.The Student Room is an online forum for students which counts over 1.8m members worldwide, allowing you to discuss a range of topics with other pupils from countries around the world. Whether it's revision, lifestyle, university or relationships - there's an opportunity to chat about them all!What's more is that t his website, which caters for students from GCSE level (and it's international equivalents) upwards, offers free revision help to students via a range of easy to use tools. There are revision guides and past papers and there is information on exam reforms and what you should be prepared for on results day.If it's one particular subject you want help with, like Maths and its sub-topics, you can browse the materials and tools by subject.Studymaths.co.uk has revision notes, maths worksheets,  key formulae and even a glossary to help you get into the swing of practicing maths and understanding mathematical vocabulary and scientific notation. If you want to move away from textbook maths and learn in a more interactive way, this website has puzzles and free online  maths games  to help you learn key concepts. Then when you feel ready, you can have a go at some exam-style questions from the question bank to see how you're getting along.These days, everyone has a smartphone or tablet - you can use these for revision! Gojimo, the free interactive math app, can help you prepare for upcoming exams with personalised maths quizzes and the ability to track your progress. The app focuses on topics and maths questions from whichever exam board and qualification you select, so you can do effective revision on-the-go!Maths Worksheets For A LevelYou're studying maths and perhaps related subjects such as physics in year 12 or 13.Of course, you'll have work a lot harder for your maths A Level qualification than you did for your GCSE. The key to successful revision is keeping it fun  and having a maths tutor can also ease the transition.Even though differentiation and calculation of probability and statistics don't scream 'fun learning', this means finding interesting ways to learn each topic, aside from re-reading class notes. For example, why not work with a classmate and create flashcards to test each other? Or you could both attempt the same exercises and compare answers as a f orm of peer mentoring.The internet also has some great maths websites and downloadable online math resources to help you.Exam Solutions (maths made easy) provides subscription-free maths help for GCSE and A Level students, focussing on specific exam questions from real past papers. The teacher films himself working through maths exam questions step-by-step, so you're free to pause, rewind and fast-forward the maths videos. So if you're looking for a solution to question 3 of the Edexcel C1 paper from June 2014, you'll find it. Another handy feature is the 'helpful tutorials' placed next to each exam question, so you can revise further if needed.The internet offers lots of help for maths students ¦ source: Visualhunt - Anna DemianenkoYou can also use the Gojimo app for A Level maths revision. Just like for GCSE maths revision, you can focus on a specific exam and revise with maths quiz questions with instant explanations on-the-go!Maths Resources For University DegreesFor you, A lev els are long gone. You may be aiming for a career in finance, research or engineering, so you're destined to be a mathematician in some form.As your level of study is so advanced, revision tools can be hard to come by - but they do exist!The Mathematical Institute at the University of Oxford has a range of practice math problems aimed at those starting a maths degree. Each worksheet provides an opportunity for foundation year students and even undergrads to familiarise themselves with degree-level maths.For those studying economics or finance, the University of Warwick has put together a handy page of notes, exercises and quizzes. These are aimed at helping you with the mathematical aspects of your degree course.When you're studying for a degree, your lecturers will provide information on the format of the exam and will give you access to past exam papers as well as sample questions.It's down to you to get the most our of these somewhat limited resources. Do every question - even th e optional (often more difficult) ones. When you make a mistake, try again. See where you went wrong and learn how to avoid being tripped up next time.Ultimately, academic success is down to the learner.Of course, having the right resources is key, but the most successful students also know how to get the most out of them.There is a strong belief amongst students and parents that revision equates to hundreds of hours of revision, but while we agree that the more time you dedicate to the subject, the better, we also can't convey strongly enough the importance of making every minute of revision count. This way, even if you can't fit in as many hours one week than another, at least you can feel confident that you made that time really worthwhile. And with all of these amazing teaching tools available to you for free, there's really no excuse not to use them to your advantage!The website, GCSE Revision, asks learners and their carers to see from their perspective regarding taking the ri ght approach to learning and using your initiative to strive for excellence. It offers tips on how to encourage pupils of GCSE age to stay committed to their independent studies.See the table below for some of their suggestions on what to do and what not to do when scheduling revision sessions across the weeks, months and years, but remember that you ideally need to tailor a revision calendar that works for you and keeps you motivated.Maths Revision TipsWhat to doWhat not to doTake breaks every 3-45 minutesNo more than 4 hours per dayDo chunks of revision regularly (i.e. 2 hours each day of the week)Don't leave a gap of more than 4 days between revision sessionsCreate a timetableDon't be tempted to leave harder subjects until last.Break down the revision sessions into topicsDon't worry on your 'night off'. You need some stress-free time!Finally, don't lose sight of the fact that Maths is a subject based on logic. It's fascinating and interesting, but by nature, there is a risk of it becoming boring if it starts to become problematic in any way. Good learning happens when the student is interested in the course content, so know how to keep your degree interesting and most of all, enjoy it! Make life easier for yourself by making maths easier for you.So, see you on Wall Street in a few years time!?

15+ Useful Spanish Phrases and Etiquette Tips for Dining

15+ Useful Spanish Phrases and Etiquette Tips for Dining Brooke Neuman Are you planning to eat your way throughout Spain?  Below, Spanish teacher Breeana D. shares some useful Spanish phrases and etiquette tips for dining out Are you planning a big trip to Spain? Chances are you’re going to be eating at a lot of delicious restaurants during your stay. Before you embark on your trip, it’s a good idea to learn a few  useful Spanish phrases as well as some etiquette tips. After all, the same etiquette rules you  follow  in the U.S. might not necessary apply in Spain, as the culture is very different. Below are a few tips for eating out, as well as 15 useful Spanish phrases to assist you while you taste all of the delicious foods Spain has to offer. Spanish Etiquette for Dining Allow the host to begin eating first: Don’t dive into your dish before the host. Wait until the host begins eating or says, “ ¡Buen Provecho!” or “ ¡Provecho!” (Enjoy your meal) to begin eating your meal. Use your eating utensils: You will be given a fork, a spoon, and a knife to use while eating. Large spoons are for foods such as soup and beans. Small spoons are for desserts. Keep your hands visible: Place your hands on either side of the plate when not eating. Hiding your hands is seen as suspicious. Be sure to keep your elbows off of the table, while keeping your hands visible. Don’t dip your bread in the soup: In Spain, it is considered rude to dip your bread in the soup. In fact, it is uncommon to dip bread in anything, including sauces. Call over the waiter for the bill: Its considered rude for a waiter to bring the bill to the table unsolicited. If you want the bill, make a point of catching the waiters eye and making the hand gesture like youre writing in mid air. Engage in conversation: Spaniards love conversation! Feel free to talk about your day, your family, and your hobbies. Also, don’t be scared to ask others at the table questions about themselves. 15 Useful Spanish Phrases for Dining Now that you’ve brushed up on your dining etiquette, it’s time to learn some Spanish common phrases that will come in handy when conversing with your waiter or others at the table. Here are some common  Spanish  phrases that your waiter may use: ¿Qué desea comer? (What would you like to eat?) ¿Qué desea beber? (What would you like to drink?) ¿Estan listos para ordenar? (Are you ready to order?) ¿Qué quiere? (What do you want?) ¿Lo siento/Lamento, no tenemos _____ (Sorry, we don’t have___) When answering the questions above, try using these useful Spanish phrases: Un momento por favor. (One moment please.) Estoy/Estamos listos para ordenar. (I/We are ready to order.) Quisiera _____. (I would like ___.) When asking the waiter/waitress questions, use these useful Spanish words: ¿Cuál es el plato del dia? (What is the dish of the day?) ¿Qué nos recomienda? (What do you recommend?) ¿Cuál trae el plato? (What is in the dish?) ¿Soy alérigico a ___ (I’m allergic to___) ¿Señor/Señora, la cuenta, por favor? (Mr./Ms. the bill, please?) When talking to the person you’re dining with, these Spanish common phrases will come in handy: ¿Qué nos recomienda? (What do you recommend?) ¿Como es tu comida?   (How is your food?) ¿Qué te gusta hacer?/ ¿Qué le gusta hacer?  (What do you like to do?) ¿Qué libro acabas de leer ?/ ¿Qué libro acaba de leer?  (What book did you just finish reading?) Useful Spanish Words for Dining In addition to learning the useful Spanish phrases above, its also helpful to learn some common Spanish words youll encounter on a menu. When ordering food, keep these common Spanish words in mind: Una entrada (a starter) Segundo (main meal) Postre (dessert) Vino (wine) Here are some Spanish words you might come across when reading a menu: Pollo (chicken) Buey (beef) Carne de cerdo (pork) Gambas (prawns) Cerveza (beer) Vino de postre (dessert wine) Vino rosado (rose wine) See Also: Spanish Food Vocabulary If you keep these helpful etiquette tips in mind and practice these useful Spanish phrases and words, you should be well prepared when going to eat out at a Spanish restaurant! ¡Buena suerte y buen provecho! (Good luck and enjoy your meal!) Post Author: Breeana D. Breeana D. teaches Spanish lessons in Abington, PA. Specializing in Early Childhood, Elementary, and Special Education, she is currently enrolled in Temple University’s Elementary Education program.  Learn more about Breeana 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

Can Changing Your Motivation Change Your Progress

Can Changing Your Motivation Change Your Progress Why do you want to learn English?Thats probably the most common, yet most important question you will ever be asked with regards to learning any language.When I ask students of LOI, the most common answers I get are: Im learning for work, for travel, for a test,etc. or followed by: Ive been learning for years. Theres always a sense of obligation, and have-tos.Now thats fair enough, and its important to have a specific goal in mind, and to take steps towards that goal. However, think about when you for example start a diet with the thought of: I HAVE TO lose weight. Just the sound of it is a heavy burden. Why not replace that thought with: I want to feel better. I want to be less stressed, and I want to be more confident. Doesnt that just sound more pleasant even to say to yourself?We can apply the same principle to learning English. Instead of: I HAVE TO learn English for this, that and the other reason. why not replace it with: I want to learn English to communicate, to put my tho ughts into someone elses head in a new way. I want to learn more about myself, and other people.Learning any language is a journey, so why not enjoy it? If youve been learning for years, and feel youve hit a language plateau, take a good look at why youre learning, and perhaps broaden your motivations.

Six Scholarship Resources Your Teen Should Check Out

Six Scholarship Resources Your Teen Should Check Out If you have a high school junior or senior who is about to start applying to colleges, cost and financial aid might be top of your mind. One of the best ways to lower the cost of college, of course, is by earning scholarshipsand the more your teen applies, the greater chance he has of securing some scholarship money. Here are several scholarship resources to explore: High school guidance counselor Hopefully your teens high school encourages students to meet regularly with the counseling officeand you should do the same. Doing so helps your teen stay apprised of all things college, including scholarship tools your teen can use to research and apply for scholarships. Guidance counselors have lots of experience helping students find and get scholarships. They are also the best source of information about local scholarship programs, community foundations and other resources that you wont learn about on the scholarship search engine websites. Teachers Your teen shouldnt assume that her teachers are solely focused on what happens inside their classrooms. They are connected to the local and national education community and might know more than your teen realizes about scholarships and how to get them. When the time comes, your teen should also lean on her teachers to review and edit her application essays and write recommendation letters for scholarship and college applications. College websites Just as your teen should stay in touch with guidance counselors and teachers and visit the high school website regularly to ensure hes up-to-date on local scholarships, its a good idea to check out colleges financial aid pages for information on any merit-based scholarships. If your teen is certain about his major, make sure he visits the department or school section of the website too to look into any field-of-study scholarships. A direct phone call is also worthwhile. Fastweb Fastweb gives students access to its database of more than 1.5 million scholarships worth $3.4 billion in funding. Your teen simply creates a profile and the site matches her with scholarships for which she might be a candidate. She can also manage deadlines and keep track of applications. Big Future This is the College Boards scholarship search platform, which offers much more than a scholarship search engine: financial aid information, a college comparison tool, a tool to help students explore careers and majors, and more. But the scholarship engine is searchable by scholarship category and lets users filter categories by a variety of criteria (ethnicity, GPA, test scores, etc.). Big Future has access to scholarships, financial aid and internships from more than 2,200 programs, totaling nearly $6 billion in funding. Cappex The name Cappex originates from the phrase College Application Exchange, and the database connects students to colleges that might be a good fit based on various recruitment criteria. It matches students with eligible scholarships from its multi-billion-dollar database and provides them with direct links to apply. Teens can also search for scholarships manually by category to uncover scholarships that might still be a good fit, even if their profile doesnt show it. The students who put in the time are the ones who are the most successful with securing scholarship money. Encourage your teen to treat the scholarship searchand the college application processlike his job during the last half of high school. His chances of success will go up significantly, and the effort will definitely be worth it.

16 Super CEFR Placement Tests That Speak for Themselves

16 Super CEFR Placement Tests That Speak for Themselves 16 Super CEFR Placement Tests That Speak for Themselves Do you remember that Kids in the Hall skit about the shopkeeper who speaks no English?If you dont, feel free to take a peek. Ill wait.Hummm-dee-dum-dee-dum…Oh, good! Youre back.You can imagine the frustration of the young man who just wanted to buy a pair of shoes, only to be toldâ€"quite eloquentlyâ€"that his would-be interlocutor didnt understand a word he said.While such an articulate expression of ignorance is rare, its not uncommon for language learners to feel chagrined when trying to describe our fluency.Fortunately, theres no need to stay in the morass of uncertainty.Thanks to the efforts of the Council of Europe, we can now attain a standardized measure of our proficiency in a host of languagesâ€"in Europe and beyond.So lets see how you can use these tests as motivation to grow your fluency and get results! CEFR: A Standard for Standardized TestsGreat moments in linguistic history: How it all beganSo, just what is the CEFR? How did it come about?Nearly thirty years ago, the Council of Europe decided to create an official framework for measuring language proficiency. Developed throughout the 1990s, the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) laid out standards for language proficiency at six different levels, based upon an individuals skills in four areas of communication: listening, reading, speaking and writing.The culmination of decades of linguistic research, the CEFR created a standard to be used not only for language education, but also to help language learnersâ€"and their teachers and employersâ€"better gauge levels of fluency.In many ways, the languages we speak are like an invisible road, connecting us with others who speak them. Its no coincidence that the release of the CEFR coincided with the formation of the European Union (EU) at the turn of the 21st century. Since EU leaders wanted to ensure that people, products and money could move freely through member states, the Council of Europe needed a way to build a solid linguistic infrastructure in a multi-lingual environment.The standardization of CEFR placement tests means that their results give a clear picture of how well someone can communicate in a given language. Thanks to the CEFR, a school in Berlin can accept students from Rome, knowing that they can interact effectively with German-based teachers and students. The Grenoble Institute of Technology can confidently hire a professor from London, since his CEFR placement test shows that he can communicate in near-native French. Rolls-Royce of Derby can welcome an engineer from Barcelona, understanding that shell have no problem discussing designs in English with her team.The CEFR levels: A six-pack of proficiencyThe CEFR is broken down into a half-dozen levels, giving just enough granularity to equate a learners skills with specific capabilities in a language. The six CEFR proficiency classifications can be understood as follows:CEFR LevelsOfficial DescriptionApproximate Proficiency LevelA1 A1Basic UserBeginner to Low IntermediateB1 B2Independent UserIntermediate to Low AdvancedC1 C2Proficient UserAdvanced to FluentWithin each CEFR level, there are corresponding can-do statements for the three primary skill-sets involved in language use: understanding (listening and reading comprehension), speaking (spoken interaction and production) and writing.Finding Your Place: How CEFR Placement Tests Benefit YouAnd now, for the question of the ages: How can the CEFR help you in your quest to study or work overseasâ€"or simply to become a better language learner?Studying abroadCEFR language placement tests can qualify you to study as a foreign exchange student at overseas secondary schools. No matter where you come from or how long you studied, the results of these standardized tests will reassure the admissions officers at your chosen school that you have the linguistic chops to keep up with their programs of study.Sometimes, CEFR placement tests are used to measure the langua ge proficiency of teachers who wish to educate the youth of another country. Even if you plan to teach your native language, you still need to communicate effectively with your students.If youre an academic who wants to perform research at a university in a different country, CEFR placement tests can demonstrate that you have the language proficiency needed to work smoothly with other researchers while conducting complex experiments or evaluating statistical data.Working in another countryIf takin care of business and workin overseas appeals to you, taking a CEFR placement test could be just the ticket to winning your dream job.CEFR is used by many businesses as a standard to measure language proficiency. If you meet the businesss standards via standardized testing, and you have the other needed qualifications for the job in question, you could be well on your way to a rewarding career in the foreign country of your choice.Assessing your learning levelSometimes, when youve been stud ying another language for a long time, its difficult to figure out just how fluent or proficient you are.You might breeze through the daily news reports in Le Monde… but be hard-pressed to get through a contemporary novel. Or you may be able to sing along like a native to all your Fanta 4 albums, but struggle to remember word genders or conjugate verbs.Yes, language learning is a complicated and multifaceted business. Relying solely on unofficial self-assessments to determine your proficiency level can leave you frustrated and confused. Using the CEFR self-assessment grids for the languages youre studying can be a good launching pointâ€"but these grids cant give you the same objective measurement as a placement test.CEFR placement tests can help you assess your language levels realistically, measuring your performance in several different skill sets (such as listening and reading comprehension or writing).Even if you dont achieve your intended level at first, dont despair. These t ests will give you an objective evaluation of your language skillsâ€"so you can see where you need to improve, and get a better idea of how to focus your efforts.Once you have the official report from your CEFR placement tests, you can employ tools like language learning trackers to keep yourself on target.You can also use FluentU as a handy tool to study for future tests and continue advancing your studies. FluentU takes real-world videosâ€"like movie trailers, music videos, news and inspiring talksâ€"and turns them into personalized language lessons. Like the CEFR, FluentUs materials are divided into six levels that you can use to self-assess and learn level-appropriately.With FluentU, you hear languages in real-world contextsâ€"the way that native speakers actually use them.Just a quick look will give you an idea of the variety of FluentU videos on offer:FluentU really takes the grunt work out of learning languages, leaving you with nothing but engaging, effective and efficient l earning. It’s already hand-picked the best videos for you and organized them by level and topic. All you have to do is choose any video that strikes your fancy to get started!Each word in the interactive captions comes with a definition, audio, image, example sentences and more.Access a complete interactive transcript of every video under the Dialogue tab, and easily review words and phrases from the video under Vocab.You can use FluentU’s unique adaptive quizzes to learn the vocabulary and phrases from the video through fun questions and exercises. Just swipe left or right to see more examples of the word youre studying.The program even keeps track of what you’re learning and tells you exactly when it’s time for review, giving you a 100% personalized experience.Start using FluentU on the website  with your computer or tablet  or, better yet,  download the FluentU app from  the  iTunes store  or  Google Play store.16 Super CEFR Placement Tests That Speak for ThemselvesCEFR p lacement tests can be extremely useful, whether youre planning on studying abroad, working overseas or just trying to get a grip on your true proficiency in a foreign language.Below, well look primarily at six tests that evaluate your mastery of three of the most widely-spoken European languages. While you cant take them for free, you can prepare for them without breaking the bank. Then, well briefly look at more tests that expand further through Europe and beyond.Well lead you directly to a host of free online resources for savvy learners who want to familiarize themselves with the nitty-gritty of these important tests… so, when testing day comes, youll feel fully preparedâ€"and confident about showing off your skills.FrenchThe two primary CEFR placement exams for French are the DELF and the DALF. Lets look at some of their characteristics.No prerequisites: Everyone is welcome.  Anyone who wishes to do so can take the DELF or DALF exams; you dont need to go to a certain school, r ead a particular text or meet any other prerequisites.Registration: Face-to-face.  Registration must be done in person, at the examination center. At this time, theres no remote alternativeâ€"not even online. You can find approved examination centers both within France and elsewhere in the world. Be sure to check the calendar for the available exam dates in your area. (If youre taking the test outside of France, youll need to select your local examination center first.)Retakes: Try, try again.  There are no limits on the number of times you can take these exams. You can retake them as many times as you need to pass.Diploma: No expiration date.  Once youve passed the DELF or DALF, you hold the diploma for life. You never need to take the exams again or do anything to renew the validity of your results.Test information sources: Alliance Française CIEPThe Alliance Française (French Alliance) is the official French-language educational organization that offers preparation for both th e DELF and the DALF tests.Detailed information on the tests themselves is available from an organization known as CIEP (Centre international détudes pédagogiques, the International Center for Pedagogical Studies).DELF:  Diplôme d’Études en Langue Française  (Diploma in French Language Studies)The DELF exams, which span CEFR levels A1 to B2, come in five different versions. These are based upon several factors, including the learners age, background and purpose for taking the test.Here’s a breakdown of the main types of DELF exams and the CEFR levels they cover:Exam NameCEFR Level(s)Intended AudienceAge Range (years)DELF PrimA1.1 to A2Primary school students7 to 12DELF junior*A1 to B2Middle school high school students12 to 17DELF scolaire*A1 to B2Foreign students of French12 to 17DELF tout publicA1 to B2Adults (general)over 17DELF ProA1 to B2Adult job candidatesover 17*The DELF junior and DELF scolaire exams are identical in content. However, the DELF scolaire (DELF for Sch ools) is administered by educational institutions that have an agreement with their local French embassy.Free online resources to prepare for the DELF examsDELF PrimSample papers are broken down into the different skill categories:Compréhension de loral (listening)Compréhension des écrits (reading)Production écrite (writing)Many of these samples can be downloaded and printed. The corresponding audio files can either be downloaded or played in your browser.  Level A1.1Sample 1QuestionsAnswersSample 2QuestionsAnswers  Level A1Sample 1QuestionsAnswersSample 2QuestionsAnswers  Level A2Sample 1QuestionsAnswersSample 2QuestionsAnswersDELF junior/scolaireThe main page for the DELF junior/scolaire prep includes the audio files for the oral comprehension parts of the exam.These test prep materials for the DELF junior/scolaire exams will give you a good idea of what to expect:A1A2B1B2At the beginning of each packet is a summary of the total number of points each section of the exam is wor th, as well as the length of time available to complete it.Theres an answer key at the end of each set of test prep materials.DELF tout publicDesigned to be taken by adults, the DELF tout public tests the French language knowledge of those outside France.The Sample Papers page contains the questions, answer keys, audio files and spoken interaction guides for the DELF tout public at each level.DELF ProAlso known as the Diplôme détudes en langue française, option professionnelle (Diploma in French Language Studies, Professional Option), the DELF Pro is geared toward those who wish to work in France, or who are trying to advance in a French-speaking workplace.Both sample exercises and the corresponding answer keys are available for each level of the DELF Pro:Level A1QuestionsAnswersLevel A2QuestionsAnswersLevel B1QuestionsAnswersLevel B2QuestionsAnswersDALF:  Diplôme approfondi de langue française  (Diploma in Advanced French)Here are a couple things that apply to the DALF specifi cally.Top-drawer design for upper-level learning.  Picking up where the DELF exams leave off, the DALF exams cover CEFR levels C1 C2. These are the highest levels of proficiency described by the CEFR framework.For adults only.  Unlike many of the DELF exams, the DALF tests are designed to be taken by adult learners.Free online resources to prepare for the DALF examsDALF (C1 C2)Like the prep materials for the DELF Junior/Scolaire exams, the DALF sample papers include a breakdown of the test scoring and section durations.At the C1 level, the answer keys and audio transcriptions are included in the same booklets.Since responses at the C2 level are essentially free-form, answer keys are not included. (C2-level audio transcriptions are linked separately.)DALF C1, Sample 1DALF C1, Sample 2DALF C2, Sample 1 (corresponding audio transcription)DALF C2, Sample 2 (corresponding audio transcription)The links to the audio files themselves are on the main DALF sample papers page on the CIEP sit e.GermanGoethe-Zertifikat  (A1 C2)The Goethe-Zertifikat used to be called the Zertifikat Deutsch. The Goethe-Institut adopted the new name around May 2013.Heres what you need to know about it.The full spectrum.  Theres a Goethe-Zertifikat corresponding to each level of the CEFR. You can use this German-language self-assessment tool to get an idea of which Goethe-Zertifikat test you should take.For young and old(er).  Goethe-Zertifikat levels A1 through B1 can be administered to both young people and adults. However, the B2 through C2 levels are for adults only.All-access pass.  Test prep resources include practice materials for those with low vision or other special testing needs.Test information source: Goethe-Institut (HQ in Munich, with offices worldwide)Free online resources to prepare for the Goethe-Zertifikat examsCEFR LevelAge Range/Intended AudienceExam Name (and Link to Resources)A1Ages 10 16A1: Fit in Deutsch 1AdultsA1: Start in DeutschA2Ages 12 16A2: Fit in DeutschAdul tsGoethe-Zertifikat A2B1Young people adults; same testGoethe-Zertifikat B1B2Adults only; for higher ed or employment, especially in the medical fieldGoethe-Zertifikat B2C1Adults only; same goals as the level B2 examGoethe-Zertifikat C1C2Adults only; those who wish to research or study in Germany, or to teach at a German schoolGoethe-Zertifikat C2: Großes Deutsches Sprachdiplom (GDS) (Advanced German Speaker Diploma)TestDaF:  Test Deutsch als Fremdsprache  (Test of German as a Foreign Language) (B2 to C1)Skills, not levels.  TestDaF is a single exam that assesses your CEFR level from B2 to C1, based upon the skill you demonstrate with listening, speaking and writing modalities. To find out if youre ready to take the TestDaF exam, try this brief skills check.Test locally.  You dont need to travel to Germany to take the TestDaFâ€"you can probably do it much closer to home, no matter where else you live in the world.Go to school or go pro.  TestDaF is used for foreign students who wis h to study in German undergraduate or graduate programs. All undergraduate and graduate schools in Germany accept the TestDaF as proof of your German-language proficiency. Although its primary focus is academic, TestDaF can also assess your readiness for German-language career opportunities. (An alternative exam for business professionals is the adaptive Goethe-Test Pro.)TestDaF is forever.  Once youve passed the TestDaF, you will not need to renew it or take it again. Your TestDaF certificate will never expire. And you can take the TestDaF exam as many times as you’d like to achieve your desired score.Test information source: TestDaF-Institut (Bochum, Germany)Free online resources to prepare for the TestDaF examThese practice tests include sample questions, an answer key and a hints and tips guide.Based on the organization of the CEFR levels, sample tests are broken down into Reading Comprehension, Listening Comprehension, Writing and Oral Expressionâ€"just like the real exams.Te stDaF Hints TipsTestDaF Model: Set 02TestDaF Model: Set 03(Please note: There appears to be no TestDaF Model: Set 01 on the TestDaF-Institut website.)SpanishDELE:  Diplomas de Español como Lengua Extranjera  (Diplomas of Spanish as a Foreign Language) (A1 to C2)Spanish in all flavors.  The DELE accommodates all varieties of Spanish, especially starting at the B1 level. So whichever style of Spanish you learned, you can have it fairly tested through the DELE exam.Direct correspondence to the CEFR.  The six DELE test levels are matched directly to the six proficiency levels defined by the CEFR. Use this handy-dandy assessment grid to see which of the six DELE exams would suit you best.Unconditional registration.  There used to be several requirements for taking the DELE. For example, candidates could not be native Spanish speakers, or have had Spanish as a primary language.This all changed in November 2015. Now, anyone who wishes can register for the DELE examsâ€"including native Sp anish speakers.The test is used by both schools and employers to assess Spanish-language proficiency, so it benefits both students and workers in a Spanish-language environment.No expiration date. The DELE certification never expires, and is recognized throughout the world.Taking the test: Papers, please!  DELE exams are still taken on paper. Theyre administered in over a thousand test centers throughout the world, in over a hundred countries. If youre taking the test within Spain, you can register over the internet. However, if youre taking it in another country, you must register in person at the test center.Test results: Allow 12 weeks for delivery.  Exam results are sent to candidates via email three months after the exam date. The exams are graded by Instituto de Cervantes, and candidates can also see their certification through a secure online portal.Test information source: Instituto de CervantesFree online resources to prepare for the DELE examDELE A1 A2/B1 para escolares ( Students 11 17 years old)DELE A1 C2 (Ages 16 and up)SIELE:  Servicio Internacional de Evaluación de la Lengua Española  (International Evaluation Service for the Spanish Language)A test for the 21st century.  Introduced in 2015, the SIELE is similar to the DELEâ€"with the significant difference that the SIELE is administered on a computer. While SIELE assesses candidates based on the six CEFR levels of proficiency, it does so using one adaptive test. Skills are tested in five different categories (each explained below with its own video summary):Listening comprehensionReading comprehensionWritten expression interactionSpoken expression interactionRegistration is online, no matter where you take the test. (Like the DELE, the SIELE is administered in official examination centers around the globe.) Youll receive your results electronically within three weeksâ€"as opposed to the three-month waiting period for results from the traditional DELE.Dont panicâ€"its pan-Hispanic.  From t he beginning, the SIELE was designed to cover all types of Spanish, regardless of which variety the candidate speaks.Choosing your SIELE Exam: Four-course meal or à la carte.  Go gourmet with the SIELE Global Exam that uses all assessment modalities (reading, writing, speaking and listening) to test your Spanish-language mastery… or try the à la carte model, with the Independent Modalities (S1 through S4) exams. The S1 through S4 tests measure your performance in various combinations of the assessment modalities:Test NameModalities TestedS1Reading Compression + Listening ComprehensionS2Reading Comprehension + Written Expression InteractionS3Listening Comprehension + Spoken Expression InteractionS4Spoken Expression InteractionTheres even a newer S5 option, that covers Written Expression Interaction and Spoken Expression Interaction. Depending on why youre taking the SIELE exam, just one of these combinations might cover every skill set you need to test.Flexible scheduling.   Although you need to take the SIELE at a designated test center, you can choose which center to use, and you can select a test date that works for your schedule.Dont forget to renew.  Unlike the DELE, which is permanently valid, the SIELE certification you earn will need to be renewed every five years.Test information source: Instituto de CervantesFree online resources to prepare for the SIELE exam(Official) Guide to Sitting the SIELE Exam (PDF)SIELE Objective: Online Preparation Materials (test registration required for full access)Instituto de Cervantes makes these materials available for free when you register to take the SIELE exam. These resources are organized by test format (Global or S1 S4 Objectives), or by modality (speaking, writing, etc.). They include interactive practice activities and a practice test.European Languages and BeyondAlthough were focusing in on testing for three of the more prominent European languages, CEFR has become a standard of testing and classific ation for students of many languagesâ€"even those languages based outside of the European Union.Tests using the global CEFR standard (or an equivalent standard) are now available for many languages, including these seven.Chinese:  HSK Exam?The HSK Exam from the Confucius Instituteâ€"known in English as the Chinese Proficiency Test or the Chinese Standard Examâ€"doesnt correspond precisely to CEFR standards. However, the Hanban agency, who administers the test, has made some effort to match up their levels to CEFR standards, starting with HSK Level 1.English:  TOEFL?,  TOEIC?,  IELTS??There are three major CEFR placement tests for the English language:TOEFL is the Test of English as a Foreign Language, intended for the evaluation of non-native speakers. It corresponds to the CEFR levels, starting with the Speaking and Writing components of level A2.TOEIC is the Test of English for International Communication. Its purpose is to assess the English-language skills of speakers who use En glish to communicate with people from many lands. Like the TOEFL, scores on the TOEIC can be understood in the context of the CEFR levels.IELTS, the International English Language Testing System, is accepted largely by academic institutions in Canada, Australia, New Zealand and the UK, as well as a few thousand schools in the United States. It’s also used for visa and immigration purposes in Britain, Canada, New Zealand and Australia. Its scoring doesn’t match directly with the CEFR levels, but there are reference materials available to help you understand the correlation of IELTS scores to the CEFR.Italian:  CILS CELIYour Italian-language skills can be tested by one of two major exams, the CILS or the CELI. There are many online resources you can use to prepare.The CILS (Certificazione di Italiano come Lingua Straniera, or Certification of Italian as a Foreign Language) exam is headquartered at the Università per Stranieri di Siena (the Foreigners University in Siena). Corres ponding roughly to the CEFR levels, its accepted by the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and helps visitors gain admittance to Italian universities:CEFR LevelCILS QualificationA1CILS A1A2CILS A2B1CILS UnoB2CILS DueC1CILS TreC2CILS QuattroThe CELI, or Certificato di Conoscenza della Lingua Italiana (Certificate of Knowledge of Italian Language), is administered by the Università per Stranieri di Perugia (the Foreigners University in Perugia). Like the CILS exam, its considered an official qualification by the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and can be used to qualify for study in Italian institutes of higher education. (The CELI is also accepted by the Italian Ministry of Education and Research.)You can take the CELI exam at test centers throughout the world. Like the CILS, it matches up to CEFR levels:CEFR LevelCELI QualificationA1CELI ImpattoA2CELI 1B1CELI 2B2CELI 3C1CELI 4C2CELI 5Japanese:  JLPT? (Japanese Language Proficiency Test)Japanese speakers can test their linguis tic know-how with the Japanese Language Proficiency Test. Following the Japan Foundation standard, the JLPT uses six levels of can-do statements to correspond to the CEFR standards.If you want to test yourself first, try this online self-evaluation.Korean:  TOPIK? (Test of Proficiency in Korean)TOPIK, the Test of Proficiency in Korean, basically mirrors the CEFR standards:CEFR LevelTOPIK QualificationA1TOPIK IA2B1TOPIK IIB2C1C2TOPIK results can be used for secondary school admissions in Korea. The test is also used for immigration purposes, and is a qualifying factor for career opportunities (including teaching).(European) Portuguese:  CAPLE (Centro de Avaliacao de Portugues Lingua Estrangeira)The Centro de Avaliacao de Portugues Lingua Estrangeira  (Center for the Evaluation of Portuguese as a Foreign Language, or CAPLE) administers a series of five tests, corresponding to the CEFR A2â€"C2 levels:CEFR LevelCAPLE QualificationA2CIPLE (Initial Certificate of Portuguese as a Foreign L anguage)B1DEPLE (Elementary Diploma of Portuguese as a Foreign Language)B2DIPLE (Intermediate Diploma of Portuguese as a Foreign Language)C1DAPLE (Advanced Diploma of Portuguese as a Foreign Language)C2DUPLE  (University Diploma of Portuguese as a Foreign Language)Russian:  TRKI? (also called TORFL)Russian speakers, rejoice! You can evaluate your language skills with a test that sounds tricky, but matches up fairly closely to the CEFR levels.The TRKI, or ???? ?? ???????? ????? ??? ???????????? (known in English as TORFL, or Test of Russian as a Foreign Language), corresponds to the CEFR as follows:CEFR LevelTRKI/TORFL QualificationA1ElementaryA2PreliminaryB11st CertificateB22nd CertificateC13rd CertificateC24th CertificateAs more and more language placement tests jump on board the CEFR bandwagon, we language learners can come to a better understanding of our own linguistic proficiency. We can demonstrate our fluency in ways that help us get jobs, study abroad or simply satisfy our o wn learning goals.And thats a boon to us allâ€"shopkeepers, shoe seekers and everyone in between.