Many high school students have a difficult experience with their first classic literature assignment. The archaic prose of works by Dickens, Melville and Shakespeare can prove difficult to understand and seem like a whole other language. So how do we break the barriers between literature and learning?
There are a variety of ways that we can increase comprehension when reading literature. Using these techniques increase the comprehension of a classic novel in a variety of students and can result in successful comprehension of the piece of literature.
One of the top ways to increase comprehension of literature in the classroom, and with tutoring tactics, is to compare the text with a modern day interpretation of the literature. Learning by comparison can be helpful. Comparing the literature to modern situations assist the theme or the classic. Often younger generations will be more adept to learn the themes of classics they are able to identify with. If the tutor is able to provide some mirroring within the classic to modern day situations, the student is more likely to learn the information.
Providing a translation for texts written in poetry can also prove helpful. Since poetry is a language all it's own, especially with Victorian authors such as Byron, Keats and Shelley, providing a text with a contemporary translation under or opposite of each line in the poem increases comprehension for the student.
Using textual clues such as descriptive words to gain the feeling of the literature can improve comprehension greatly. These identifier words can create recognition of one word, which can lead to the comprehension of one phrase, which can lead to the comprehension of the whole page.
These are just some techniques a good tutor can employ to help their student's grasp of reading comprehension with classic literature; find a tutor near you to learn more!
Diane Palumbo blogs at Homework Help Today.
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Knowing proper spelling is very important for a number of reasons. First of all, when words cannot be spoken from our mouths we can write them down. If these words are not spelled properly, then that communication is compromised. Since communicating in writing is very important in many of our jobs, it is important that we know some very important grammar rules. Second, many use writing to write down their ideas. If proper grammar isn't used, then those who like to write in diaries and journals would not understand what they wrote when reading it years down the road. So not only is writing important when communicating with others, it is also important when communicating with ourselves.
Below are rules regarding the addition of prefixes and suffixes to words.
Prefixes
Prefixes are those additions that usually do not change the spelling of the word. The prefix is attached to the word despite any consonant duplications, accents, or syllabication. Examples are:
- Unavailable - the prefix is the "un" and it is easy to see that the remainder of the word, available, does not change.
- Misspell - Ironically, this word is the most misspelled word. A great way to remember how to spell misspell is that "mis" is the prefix and "spell" is the main word. The spelling of the main word does not change at all, but it is amazing how often this word is not spelled correctly.
Suffixes
When adding a suffix, the main part of the word usually changes the spelling of the word, but sometimes there are exceptions. Take the word treatment, for instance. "ment" is the suffix of the word and "treat" is the original word. Simply add the "ment" to "treat" and you have treatment without any spelling modifications.
For those words that have a short vowel sound and end with a single consonant, the consonant is doubled when adding on a suffix that starts with a vowel. These suffixes canbe ed, ing, or er. Some examples:
- Biggest- big is the main word that has a short vowel sound and ends in a single consonant. As a result, we add another "g" and then the "est" since it starts with a vowel.
There are exceptions, though. There are some words that end in r,x,w or y and don't require doubling. Such a word is blowing. The suffix is "ing," but because the single consonant is a 'w', there is no need for doubling.
If there are two consonants at the end of your main word, or two vowels, the consonant doesn't need to be doubled. An example is the word keeper. The vowels are e+e, so the "er" can be added on without doubling the consonant. Another thing to keep in mind is that when a suffix is added that begins with a vowel and the main words ends with a silent "e", that silent "e" should be dropped like it is in the words pricing and surprising. However, if the suffix used begins with a consonant, the silent "e" should be kept such as in the words likeness and advancement.
It is also necessary to drop the final "Y" in the main word when adding a suffix if the "Y" has a consonant before it. The word worry becomes worried and supply becomes supplies. But this rule does not apply to words ending in why in which the "ing" suffix is added. Examples are: Crying and obeyed.
It is important to know the rules regarding prefixes and suffixes when learning English. It is easy to see that there is more involved with adding a suffix than a prefix, but with practice suffixes can be added on without even thing about them. These rules are vital for effective communication, so knowing the rules is very important.
Improve your English speaking and pronunciation skills with our online English lessons. Online English school is dedicated to helping students achieve their English language goals.
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"If you don't know where you are going, you might wind up Someplace else"-Yogi Berra
Every December, High School juniors receive a Score Report Plus from the company which administers the PSAT/NMSQT in October. The Score Report Plus is very valuable for several reasons. First, the student receives the original test booklet along with an itemization of each correct and incorrect answer. Second, the student receives personalized feedback on all facets of the test. Suggestions are given to improve skills based upon performance on the math, critical reading and writing skills sections.
The Score Report Plus helps the student map out a game plan aimed at maximizing the best possible SAT score. For example, if a student consistently answers the same type of question incorrectly, certain skill builders will be suggested. Studying for the SAT is much more efficient once the student focuses on his or her weaknesses. You need not study all areas of math if geometry is your only weakness. You need not practice endless passage based reading questions if your vocabulary is so poor that you cannot answer sentence completions.
Another valuable component of the PSAT/NMSQT results is it provides the student with a yardstick from which to set goals. Each section on the PSAT/NMSQT is scored on a scale of 20 to 80, which equals 200 to 800 on the SAT scoring scale. My students are given a goal sheet, which is a personal signed written contract. Before signing this contract, I ask the student to fill in certain blank spaces which represent the score that the student realistically expects to achieve on each part of the SAT.
Here is a list of scoring goals that a diligent student should set based upon PSAT/NMSQT results:
If your PSAT Score is:
20 to 30 (200 to 300) set your goal for a 150 point gain
31 to 40 (310 to 400) set your goal for a 125 point gain
41 to 50 (410 to 500) set your goal for a 75 to 100 point gain
51 to 60 (510 to 600) set your goal for a 50 to 75 point gain
61 to 70 (610 to 700) set your goal for a 25 to 50 point gain
Above 70 (700) strive to maintain the same standard of excellence
The above table is only suggestive and is based upon my personal interaction with students over the years. It is not based upon any scientific data or empirical studies. Students may set even bolder goals than those set forth above. Writing down goals is only one step towards achieving those goals. Once a goal is set, the student must put in the actual time and effort necessary to turn those prewritten goals into real SAT scores.
Steven N. Weisman is an author and private SAT Tutor. Many valuable test strategies and information can be found on his blog and website http://www.testniques.com
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With competition for private school slots increasing every year, knowing the ISEE test questions and knowing what to focus on studying for the ISEE test is a vital step. It is estimated that there are over one million students vying for enrollment slots that are far less than that number each year. Below are the major sections of the ISEE test to help you understand what to focus on.
There are three major sections of ISEE test questions.
Verbal Reasoning
The verbal reasoning section is about 30 minutes in length containing multiple choice questions. The questions will require the student to identify synonyms and also complete sentence structure correctly.
Mathematics
The mathematics section is also multiple choice and is about 30 minutes in length. The students are required to answer questions in geometry, algebra, and some basic equations. This is a section that should be a focus for most who are looking for ISEE test help, as the multiple choice answers will not differ very much, and a student must be confident in how to do the problems to succeed.
Reading Comprehension
The reading comprehension section is about 40 minutes in length, and is also multiple choice. Here the student reads paragraphs and is asked a series of questions about what is contained in the text. Again, this is a point of struggle for many students as many have been trained to scan books instead of taking the time to read and comprehend them.
The final portion of ISEE test questions is a written essay, that is not graded, but sent to the prospective schools.
In all, those needing ISEE test help should focus on the three areas listed above, and be sure to stress the importance of the reading comprehension section, as this seems to be the biggest struggle for many students.
There are some very reliable web based programs that are tailored specifically for ISEE test questions. The best program I have come across can be found at http://www.ThePrivateSchoolExam.com.
Here you will find an in-depth training course, completed with practice exams, and video instructors to help your student succeed.
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Business Spanish may not be an official term, but by learning and applying the language to the sales environment opens up a potential customer market of millions of people. As with any customer, they would prefer to look at and purchase items that they can relate to more easily, which is inevitably via their native language.
The concept of learning business Spanish and the benefits thereof can be realized if one merely considers the size of the market. Figures from a few years ago estimated the business Spanish market, excluding the United States, was over 350 million individuals of which over 10% of the those people had access to the internet. Therefore this allows an additional target market via the internet that must be tackled in professional business Spanish terms and in a way that will call this market to action. Furthermore, it has been estimated that a spending power of over $1 trillion will be realized within the next 7 to 10 years.
One has numerous opportunities to learn business Spanish, but the basic starting point would be to familiarize yourself with the language from a starter point. The business Spanish will progress after one has mastered the basics from the everyday language and usage point of view.
Once one has established the basics of business Spanish, you will be able to enter into marketing activities that will provide an inroad into this market and will provide you with the potential sales of this market. The marketing strategy would be aligned to your existing vision and mission, whilst incorporating this business Spanish campaign. The process of learning business Spanish will also put you in a unique position of understanding and being able to communicate your desired communication effectively, via your marketing partners and agencies.
Business Spanish represents a growth opportunity to the organization that is being sought by companies in every community and may be the break that your company needs to move onto the next level. The consumer at the end of the line is more likely to respect and appreciate your business Spanish efforts, realizing that his or her culture and native tongue is important to your business; thereby increasing the opportunity of generating sales.
Once you have decided and conducted the learning of business Spanish, you will be empowered to travel to the target market locations, geographically speaking, and be able to communicate and converse with your distributors and customers on a mutually beneficial understanding; and with clear communication. Learning business Spanish will benefit you, your company as well as your new target market, providing sustainable growth and development over the long term.
Most of us learn Spanish at school as our third and fourth language, but in todays environment people are choosing to learn Spanish fast If you have decided to learn Spanish then read on.
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Teaching children about latitude and longitude is challenging at best. Asking children to visualize imaginary and invisible lines that only seem to exist on a map is beyond many young minds. When I came across the Confluence Project web site I was ecstatic! Now this was something that younger children could relate to and understand! Alex Jarrett started the Confluence Project in 1996. He became interested in the unique spots on earth where the integer degrees of latitude and longitude intersect. What would be at each unique spot?
I begin my one-hour lesson with the globe. We look at it. Practice saying longitude and latitude while trying to remember which is which. I give a tip that the "flat" lines rhyme with latitude....flatitude, latitude. The long, up and down lines, begin with the word "long." I find that even fourth and fifth graders need review on these terms.
Next we discuss the uses of latitude and longitude in regards to finding locations and absolute location. At this point I like to talk about the various GPS devices that are commonly found in households today including the navigation systems in cars and hand-held GPS units.
Next I share some background information about the fun adventure of geo-caching which is a treasure hunt all over the world using given latitude and longitude. Often I find one child who has heard of this before.
Finally, I discuss the Confluence project. We talk about the term confluence. Most often the term is used to define the meeting place between two rivers or two sections within one river. In the case of the Confluence latitude and longitude project, it is where the whole number latitude and longitude lines meet.
My first lesson on this topic usually focuses on our own state so I give a handout with the web address and the confluences of Michigan with the direction to check out each location. I first show a couple of the locations and share the neat stories that are shared in finding the confluences. And, of course, we find the one closest to our home.
Send your students out to actually "see" where latitude and longitude meet. This makes those invisible lines have meaning! As I've done this lesson over and over during the past I find the adults and parents walking by are even more intrigued by the Confluence Project and the idea of being able to see each meeting place.
Visit http://www.confluence.org Just before sending the students off at the end of class I remind them to share this idea at the dinner table when Mom and Dad ask what they learned in school today! Bet they can stump their parents by mentioning "Confluence" and kids love doing that!
Interested in other technology-rich lessons? Download a free project at http://technologylessonsforteachers.com
Kathy Cothran is an elementary media specialist committed to helping teachers turn toys into learning tools. Her vast teaching experience ranges from preschool through Master's level education classes.
For years Kathy has been a "Gadget Girl." She loves technology! Tie that to her extensive teaching background and she has been able to interest, invigorate, and inspire children and teachers to use technology in a rich, exciting manner.
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Lessons about personal, social and health matters including sex and relationships will be compulsory in all England's schools from ages five to 16. The government is currently reviewing the best way in which they can tackle the situation. Reports have shown that more than 1,000 people found two thirds would support sex lessons from the age of 11. Reviews of the education in the UK were taken out as Government officials said that current education is too 'patchy'.
Teaching health education to kids who are 11 is acceptable I suppose however teaching kids from the age of 5 I think is just too much. The department for Children, School and Families said the review of sex lessons had identified "a need to challenge the perception that sex and relationships education happened in a 'moral vacuum' in schools and says that parents and schools can and should work together to decide how best topics should be taught.
The Government are trying to improve the framework and moral understanding around which teachers can then talk about sex education later on in children's school lives.
I can understand the basic logic behind the scheme but personally I would never really notice the difference if this concept was not implemented. I cannot see the advantage of deploying this tactic to school children at such a young age, it just doesnt seem 'normal'. It feels as though it is too much at such a young age. I will have to stand corrected on my statements but in my opinion the concept of teaching young school children health education is not right.
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