The Role of Nitrogen in Chemistry Gas Laws

The Role of Nitrogen in Chemistry Gas LawsChemical reactions have been around for hundreds of years and have helped to explain the chemical aspects of many phenomena. Many theories are now in place, the right one being that chemical reactions will follow a certain set of chemical gas laws.Chemical processes are much like a process in physics, which is that they are dependent on the reaction conditions and the temperature of the medium. The two are connected as all physical systems will react in the same way to the same heat, so long as the heat source is available.Chemical processes are dependent on many factors. These include water, gas mixtures, oxidation, addition of fuel, and reaction with oxidants. In the simplest forms, these are gases that are both present and not present at the same time.Nitrogen and oxygen are commonly found in the atmosphere, so are gases that are not considered in this list. Oxygen can be found in a wide variety of forms, from its element form to the solid , liquid, or gaseous form. Nitrogen, on the other hand, is not found in a wide variety of forms. It can only be found in one form: as a gas.Nitrogen is the most common element in the earth's crust, and most of what we see on earth is actually nitrogen. The Earth's surface contains a wide variety of nitrogen compounds which are unique to earth.Nitrogen compounds can be found in many forms, the most common ones being ammonia, nitric acid, nitrate, nitrous oxide, and nitrous oxides. Any of these compounds can be found on earth, and the earth's crust contains a large amount of these compounds. On earth, nitrogen is found in different amounts, ranging from having a small amount on some continents to an abundant amount on others.Nitrogen is found in hydrocarbon chains and molecules, and while it is in abundance on earth, nitrogen compounds can also be found in the atmospheres of the moon and Mars. Atmospheric nitrogen, as well as nitrogen compounds, are a key factor in how our planet's at mosphere works.While nitrogen is not currently considered by modern science to be an important element, it does have a large effect on our modern world. Even though nitrogen compounds do not have significant amounts on earth, they can be found in the atmospheres of the moon and Mars. Without nitrogen, the compounds that are present would be very different, and the way that nitrogen reacts with other elements on earth would be different as well.

7 Ways to Build Math Skills This Summer

7 Ways to Build Math Skills This Summer Math is not typically the first thing your child thinks of when summer is mentioned. However, there are ways to build math skills this summer that will make it more fun to incorporate into everyday life. Strategies to build math skills this summer include math-inspired games, engaging field trips, and DIY projects. Hoping to enhance your students math skills during summer break? Keep reading to learn seven ways to do so. Build summer math skills with math games Games are an excellent strategy to teach math skills over the summerthey inherently have associations of playtime for elementary students, and are more interesting and interactive than a workbook for middle school students. Tile games, such as Mobi, and math puzzles, like Sudoku, are interactive ways for your student to strengthen their math skills this summer and to have fun while doing so. In addition, there is often math in traditional board gamessuch as Monopoly or Yahtzee. When playing these games, you can encourage your child to take the role of the scorekeeper or banker. Beyond board games, research apps and computer games that may hold your childs interest. [RELATED: 4 Tips to Create a Summer Learning Plan With Your Child] Build summer math skills with a math-themed scavenger hunt Since the summer months are often the perfect opportunity to explore the outdoors, plan activities such as a math hike or scavenger hunt. Have your child look for patterns, geometric shapes, and clusters out in naturewhatevers appropriate to their learning level. Have them study symmetry in the collected items. If youd like, you can have them bring items back home, or simply take photographs on an adults phone for further discussion later. Build summer math skills by utilizing number talks Number talks are a teaching strategy used in some classrooms where a teacher leads a five-to-15 minute conversation around number problems. Students dont use math tools or manipulatives. Rather, in number talks, students are encouraged to visualize and think through math concepts in their minds as a way to build number sense. The teacher facilitates a conversation around problem-solving and students are able to see more than one way to solve problems. Number talks are an excellent activity to use at home in the summer. [RELATED: 4 Tips to Prevent Summer Slide] Build summer math skills by establishing real world connections Encourage math in your everyday interactions throughout the summer. Baking or cooking is a great way to practice measurement and fractions that is both tactile and tasty. Shopping at the grocery store, for example, or at the mall, is an excellent setting for practicing mental math, such as addition and calculating discounts. If you have a farmers market close by, elementary students can practice simple mental math problems for items that you buy. Encourage your child to familiarize themselves with prices on menus when you go out to eat and to help calculate the tip at the end of the meal. Build summer math skills by embarking on math-geared field trips Take your child on field trips, if possible, out in the community. The local childrens museum will often have dedicated math-focused areas. Math and science museums, of course, will also be great. You can also do math scavenger hunts in art museums, aquariums, field museums, and botanical gardens. Build summer math skills by teaching budgeting Have your child create and maintain a summer budget. At the beginning of the summer, have them make a plan for saving and spending. If you already give your child some allowance or spending cash, discuss with them how theyd like to use it. How much, or what percentage, do they want to save or possibly donate? What items would they like to save up for this summer? Putting them in charge of their own finances is great practice for the future and gives them ownership over an important part of their lives. Build summer math skills by researching DIY projects Encourage summer projects that might be too time-consuming during the regular academic year. Research DIY projects that are overall math-focused. Building a garden or flower bed together will provide some practice with measurement. Or complete engineering challenges, like constructing bridges or buildings out of household ingredients like craft sticks and Q-tips. If theyd like, enroll your child in a coding or robotics class or camp. [RELATED: 6 Activities to Keep Students Learning This Summer] Summer doesnt have to be a time where students forget math for lack of practice. Beyond these ways to build math skills, you can also check in with your childs outgoing or incoming teachers for other ways to practice math, or simply to get a better sense of where theyre going academically in the next year. 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.

8 Steps to Getting Unstuck in Your Career by Coach Jackie - Introvert Whisperer

Introvert Whisperer / 8 Steps to Getting Unstuck in Your Career by Coach Jackie - Introvert Whisperer 8 Steps to Getting Unstuck in Your Career by Coach Jackie There are a host of feelings and internal messages that let you know something is not quite right with your career path.   It may be that you feel stagnant, unchallenged, frustrated, even irritable in your current position. You may not have the words, the clarity of expression or a way to articulate it succinctly just yet. You just know you feel an itch, a tug, maybe even a slap to the head that reminds you that you are not where you want to be. And when you recognize that this is your current emotional state, you may come to realize that you are stuck. The great news is this state is not permanent. This state lets you know that something needs to change, and you have the power to change it. In other words, this state of being stuck is a calling. A calling to take some action. The following are 8 steps to assist you in getting your career “unstuck. Step #1:   Hail, salute and affirm that you are “stuck” in your career.   When you acknowledge that your current position is not bringing you the greatest joy and satisfaction, it can give you the drive to start acting. Acceptance and giving this state a name is the first step. Taking stock of your feelings and owning them such as being dissatisfied with your job responsibilities or feelings of being passed over for a promotion or wanting to work in an entirely new field is the first step toward making a career change. Step #2:   Decide to get “unstuck.   Now that you have identified being stuck, it is time that you decide about taking steps to get unstuck. Your decision, in and of itself, to do something different is a powerful activator toward change. Change only comes from our decision to do something or various things differently. You may decide that enough is enough. You want to make a career change. You have decided that you are going to focus on taking this on and doing the hard work to travel a new career course. Step #3:   Take stock.   Evaluate, evaluate, evaluate.   There are various options you can use to explore your best career fit.   You can utilize career assessment tools such career fitter, Campbell Interest and Skill Survey, or Clifton Strengths Finder to assist in uncovering the best job match based on your personality, innate strengths and talents, your preferred work style and the best work environment for you to thrive. Review and decide which one of these tools would afford you with the necessary information you are seeking. Select one and complete the online assessments. Each is reasonably priced and will provide you with a report containing solid insight and a language to start your job or career change. Step #4:   Consider hiring a career coach.   You may decide that having an objective partner who is a certified professional career coach would provide you with the support and guidance you may need. A career coach like me can assist you in reviewing results in these assessments, provide you with a roadmap to achieving your desired results and advise you along the way. Career coaches can assist you in becoming clear about whether you want a new job, a new career or strategies on how to navigate workplace issues. We can assist you in gaining clarity and actualizing your goals. Step #5:   Use the SMART goal process.   Whether you decide to venture on this journey solo or with the assistance of a career coach, SMART goal setting creates the platform for real results to happen. SMART stands for Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic and Time-Bound strategies to craft your goals. The SMART goal system allows you to write your goals in clear and measurable terms.   For example, a goal focused on figuring out your next career steps may look like this. By September 2018, you will have taken the educational leap and have successfully and enthusiastically completed the SHRM (Society of Human Resource Management) CP Exam preparation class to prepare and pass the SHRM HR certification exam to begin your job search as a human resource generalist.                         Step #6:   Break it down.   Next, take those longer-range goals and break them down into bite-size action steps.   Make them doable, attainable and ensure that you set yourself up for success. These mini morsels are important steps. You may start by finding three HR professionals and ask to interview them about their role and tips on taking the SHRM prep class. You may also start by joining your local SHRM chapter and attending one of their meetings to meet other HR professionals. You may also commit to reading one HR related article either from the SHRM website or any other business publication like Harvard Business Review three times a week. These small steps will lead to big changes over time. Step #7:   Discipline creates movement.   When you are disciplined and put your action steps into motion, you will start to gain traction.   You will uncover and move toward your desired career focus and direction. It is only with these small action steps and your consistency and persistence that real change will occur. Once you have been in the throes of taking that SHRM prep class and have been developing and improving your HR knowledge base, your confidence will build. Step #8:   Stop, tweak and adjust.   Look at your progress in four-week intervals.   Are your action steps getting you closer to where you want to be? Do you need to make corrections, adjustments or change course entirely? Has the SHRM prep class proven to be beneficial, have you made meaningful connections with fellow HR classmates and do you need to set a new bar? A new goal? Continue to assess, adapt and enhance your goal focus. Getting unstuck with your career starts with knowing that you are stuck. The amazing part is that you don’t have to live there. You are empowered and have the tools to make that shift and find the job, career or the tools to navigate your workplace situation effectively. By using these 8 steps, you can move from a place of discomfort into a state of pleasure and relief. Getting stuck is a great place to be. It reminds you that you want and deserve more. Author Bio: Jacqueline “Coach Jackie” Ross is a certified professional career coach, HR Director, motivational speaker and author of her newly published book entitled, Manage Up!   The Ultimate Guide to Managing Your Manager.   Coach Jackie has her own private coaching business where she works with professionals who are in a career transition and are ready to make a change to pursue their desired path. Go to top Do you know what your next career step is?  Many people don’t. I want to help you accelerate your career by connecting you with your Free Instant Access to my eBook on how to construct your Career SMART Goals â€" that will help you put together your actions and keep you accountable. Get your copy now and start your action plan today! Brought to you by Dorothy Tannahill-Moran â€" dedicated to unleashing your professional potential. Introvert Whisperer

How to Sequence a Hatha Yoga Class

How to Sequence a Hatha Yoga Class Which Hatha Yoga Sequence is Best for Your Needs? ChaptersHatha Yoga Session BasicsA Good Place to Start: Sun Salutation SequencesSequencing a Yoga for Beginners ClassWhat About the Sun and Moon?As though you didn’t already know it, hatha yoga is a very popular, very common form of yoga in the western hemisphere.Hatha fundamentally refers to yoga postures, meaning that your favourite type of yoga â€" be it Ashtanga, Iyengar, vinyasa and power yogas are all hatha.By definition, hatha yoga is meant to be physical; the word hatha itself means ‘force’, ‘effort’ or ‘willfulness’. That doesn’t mean that every hatha workout must be forceful; with the wealth of poses to choose from, you could design a workout for virtually any purpose.Many yoga teachers do just that!The easiest example to think of would be a beginners yoga class versus an advanced yoga session: if you’re just starting practising yoga, you need to understand how to ‘move from your core’ before graduating to more demanding poses.In beginner yoga classes, much of the new students’ focus is on their teacher: how to move just so, where to put one’s hand and so on. Focusing on the breath is a little-understood concept at that point and there may not even be a mind-body connection.More advanced yoga devotees have the buy-in and experience needed to permit their yoga instructor to step things up a little; to move on to more elaborate poses â€" poses that beginners would not be able to do.That is just one reason why yoga classes should be sequenced.Another excellent reason to carefully select your poses is that hatha yoga touches on so many aspects of the self, there are seemingly endless combinations of poses to derive a wide array of benefits â€" from digestive help to relieving arthritis.Which poses are most beneficial for which conditions? How many poses should a yoga teacher incorporate into a session for beginners? Which poses should be included?What about sequencing hatha yoga sessions for intermediates and advanced yogis?These are the questions your Superprof aims to help you answer today. The invigorating crescent lunge is ideal for yoga breathing! Image by Khusen Rustamov from Pixabayrule of thumb for hatha yoga suggests starting with the standing poses â€" warrior poses, gate and tree poses, moving down to the kneeling poses such as ‘cow and cat’ and downward-facing dog.The seated poses would be next, among them the ‘bound angle’ and ‘cow face’ poses â€" and let us not forget ‘crane’ and ‘peacock’! And then, we arrive at the lying down poses, with ‘cobra’ and ‘sphinx’ being very similar.Finally, savasana! Enjoy your ‘corpse’ pose; you’ve earned it!Some yoga teachers have preferred poses that they will include in every session â€" the crescent lunge is a particular fav of mine, for example.However, if you are currently undergoing yoga teacher training or hope to soon, you should always be sure to mix things up a little bit so that your students do not become bored with the same sequences in every class.By some estimates, there are th ousands of yoga poses to choose from, meaning your yoga sessions need never be the same.Just one little exception to that point: if you are leading restorative yoga sessions, you should probably keep things pretty much the same, seeing as that particular yoga sequence is meant to serve a particular purpose!With these general guidelines in place, let’s take a look at some targeted hatha sequences.A Good Place to Start: Sun Salutation SequencesMany yoga teachers like to begin their class with a sun salutation; it is a great way to warm up, stretch and work major muscle groups. Sun salutations are particularly effective in vinyasa flow classes and also in power yoga classes because each movement flows into another.A benefit of these Suria Namaskar mantras â€" the Sanskrit name for sun salutation sequences is that they coordinate breath with movement. For instance, as you sweep your arms upwards in the ‘raised arm’ pose, a deep inhale feels inevitable because your ribcage naturall y expands on that move.Likewise, as you flow into a forward fold, exhaling is inevitable; it is almost as though you were compressing a bellows.While practising the sun salutation, it seems as though your body’s positions mirror your breath’s inward and outward cycles. As you can see by this seated forward-fold, yoga is sure to increase flexibility! Image by Jenia Nebolsina from PixabayThat is rather the point of this sequence. When done correctly, each ‘reaching’ move is done on an inhale and each release is done on the exhale.There are many ways to sequence a sun salutation but most yogis agree that one should start in mountain pose (pranamasana) and then flow into ‘upward salute’ or hasta uttanasana, its traditional name.The rest of the sequence is a follows:Uttasana or standing forward bend: feet shoulder-width apart, bend forward at the hipsAnjaneyasana or crescent moon pose: a deep lunge with head back and arms raised highAdho Mukha Svanasana: the downward dog positionsAshtanga Namaskara: knees and chest down, hands under shoulders and hips raisedthis asana has many names including ‘chest, knees and chin’, indicating what should touch the mat when done properlyUrdhva Mukha Shvanasana or ‘upward-facing dog’: head and torso rais ed; hips and legs on the matAdho Mukha Svanasana: again, flow into the downward-facing dog poseAnhaneyasana: again, the crescent moon position, this time with the other foot backUttasana: again, bend forwardHasta Uttasana: reach again for the heavens with your head raised, really opening your chest upPranamasasa; back into mountain pose; the salutation is complete. Namaste!This sequence is more commonly known as a Type A Sequence, from which you may logically infer that there must be a Type B.Type B substitutes the ‘forward bend’ pose with the chair pose, which looks like the yogi is about to sit down on a chair, albeit with arms raised high. The Type B sequence includes the forward bend but calls for the yogi to grab their toes. It also includes warrior poses.Of course, nothing says you cannot include other asanas in your warmup sequence; some yoga instructors may insert a boat pose (navasana) or a seated forward bend.The important takeaway of sun salutations is that they are m eant to open the body up and coordinate movement with breathing; to ready the mind and body for deeper reflection of the fundamental yoga philosophy: that the mind, body and spirit are one.Did you know that yin yoga does not call for any standing asanas? The extended triangle posture features in many hatha yoga classes Image by Irina Logra from PixabaySequencing a Yoga for Beginners ClassUsing the Sun Salutation sequence is a great way to start your class â€" indeed, some instructors base their hour-long class on these 12 asanas alone, but you should probably add a few asanas to make each session complete.The average hatha yoga session includes between 20 and 30 asanas; about half of them should be dynamic.Hatha yoga is a ‘yang’ yoga, meaning that there is more movement involved than, say in a yin yoga class. Each session should start by working the body. Once the body is ‘opened’, warmed up, practitioners can focus exclusively on breathing which, in turn, leads to a meditative state.After your sun salutation, deciding which asanas to include in your sequence really depends on the results you are aiming for.If you are looking for general flexibility and other benefits of yoga, you would use a combination of standing, hand-and -knees and seated poses, culminating in a series of laying down poses. Just make sure the poses flow into one another!In this table, we’ve listed a sequence of asanas to try; naturally, you may replace some of these poses with your favourites.Hatha Yoga Sequence for BeginnersNameTarget Area(s)NotesSurya Namaskar or Sun Salutationworks your entire bodya series of 12 poses to warm the bodyStanding PosesThe focus is on strengthening major muscle groups and building balanceWarrior poses, Tree poses, Gate poses, Extended Side Triangle and othersHand-and-knee postureswork your core as well as lower jointsCamel pose, cow-and-cat; upward and downward facing dog; plank and side plank.Seated posturesgain flexibilityhead-to-knee, seated forward bend, bound angle, cow face poseLying down poseswork your abs and backOn your stomach: Sphinx, Cobra, Pigeon, Bow On your back: Bridge, Fish, Plowsavasana corpse poseresting your entire bodyNamaste!What About the Sun and Moon?Somehow, word has gone a round in yoga circles that ‘hatha’ is actually the melding of two words: ‘ha’ for sun and ‘tha’ for moon, implying that hatha yoga is a balance between solar and lunar energies. Or, if you wish, between yin and yang.Unfortunately, that theory is not correct.While ‘ha’ does indeed represent ‘sun’, it is not the only word for the sun, nor is it meant to represent the sun in ‘hatha’. Likewise, ‘tha’ may well stand for ‘moon’ but Sanskrit texts give no indication of such.While the practice of hatha yoga is millennia-old, focus on the physical is a relatively new aspect of the discipline and, focusing one’s efforts solely on balancing the physical and mental aspects of yoga leaves out the most important aspect, the spiritual.Really, it is more than a matter of semantics.According to Swami Svatmarama, spending all of our energy trying to balance two forces constantly in flux overlooks the fundamental philosophy of yoga. He averred that we should instead f ocus and guide the mind so that the body’s energy can flow as it should.Now learn how you can sequence any yoga class…

25 MORE Spanish Writing Prompts for Beginners

25 MORE Spanish Writing Prompts for Beginners Suzy S. A while back, Spanish tutor Joan B.  shared a list of easy writing prompts for practicing Spanish. Readers loved these, so were back with  even MORE Spanish writing prompts to try!   Writing in Spanish is not only an essential skill on its own; practicing writing will also improve  your vocabulary, increase your understanding of grammar concepts, and enhance  your communication skills both in written and spoken forms. The following are 25 Spanish writing prompts that will stimulate your imagination, stretch your abilities and, most importantly, help you to become a powerful and persuasive writer in Spanish. Tackle a writing prompt regularly  (like once a day, or once a week) and youll soon find yourself writing persuasively with very little effort! 1. Describe a time when you had an argument with someone, and how you resolved it. This is a chance to describe a sequence of events or statements using the preterite tense (El dijoy entonces yo le dije), as well as the expressions (No estar de acuerdo and Hacer las paces). 2. Write a tall tale. Describe an outlandish event in as much detail as possible. Use this as a chance to practice narrative writing and use a variety of descriptive adjectives and phrases. The more out there, the better! 3. Explain what you do to conserve, recycle, reduce, and reuse. Green living is a hot topic today, and the words associated with it (conservar, reciclar, reducir, reusar) include  useful Spanish  vocabulary for daily living. 4. What is your favorite Spanish or Latin dish? Is it paella, pollo asado, or tamales? Whatever it is, write out the ingredients and process for making it, in the form of a recipe. You can look up a recipe in English for inspiration if youre not sure how to make it. 5. In your opinion, what is the worst environmental problem facing us today, and what can be done to improve the issue? Take this opportunity to learn issue-specific vocabulary (for example, for global warming, you could use el calentamiento global) as well the subjunctive when expressing certain views (Espero que). 6. Write a letter to the editor about a local community issue you feel strongly about. This prompt will challenge you to use formal, polite, and print-worthy grammar and syntax, as well as develop your own personal voice in Spanish. 7. Youve decided to apply for a job where youll use your Spanish-speaking skills. Write a paragraph or essay in Spanish detailing your knowledge, experience, and study in the language. This can include descriptions of trips to Spanish-speaking places, formal study, the types of Spanish classes youve taken and concepts learned (Sé explicar bien mis opiniones.), and how long youve studied (Comencé a estudiar en la escuela secundaria, y después assistí a la universidad.). Not only is this great practice, its good to have on hand just in case you do need to document your Spanish knowledge, in short order! 8. Your roommate or neighbor has a very annoying habit and youve finally decided you cant take it any longer. Instead of telling him or her directly, write a letter using a variety of formal commands and subjunctive structures ( ¡Cámbialo! or Sugiero que). 9. Youve met someone whos about to start studying Spanish. What advice would you give him or her to succeed? This is a great opportunity to give advice (dar consejos) and even include a proverb or two (La práctica hace al maestro.). 10. Youre planning to travel to a Spanish-speaking country. Describe what you hope your daily routine will be. Practice using sequencing words (antes, después, entonces), reflexive verbs (relajarse, divertirse, etc.) and expressions for activities (ir al concierto, visitar un museo, dar un paseo por la ciudad). 11. If you could have any type of pet, which would you choose, and why? Talk about how you would take care of your pet and what activities you could do together. You can use hypothetical phrases (Si pudiera tener una mascota, tendría un perro e iría al parque con él). 12. Describe the members of your household and who is responsible for what duties around the house. The expressions you use are essential phrases for travel and daily life its important to know how to say cambiar las sábanas  (change the sheets) and lavar la ropa  (wash the clothes)! 13. Prepare a short comedy act. Choose an event that has comedic potential and make light of it in a humorous way. Try to contar un chiste  (tell a joke), which is challenging to do in Spanish as a second-language speaker. You can even ask a native Spanish speaker for help with tackling this prompt. 14. Describe your route to work or school. What mode of transportation do you use, which way do you go, and what are the pros and cons of your particular route and way? This is another practical writing prompt to exercise your ability to describe modes of transportations, routes, and transportation directions (Primero, tomo el autobús número; Evito el tráfico de las 5 por tomar una ruta alternativa). 15. Respond to a letter or other communication youve received from someone telling you about their news and activities. Even though they probably wrote to you in English, draft a response to them in Spanish, detailing your own news and activities and commenting on theirs. You can also draft a response to an imaginary letter in Spanish if you prefer. Explain what youve been habitually doing (En estos días, estudio mucho) and retell specific events that have occurred (Ayer recibí una buena nota.). This is a good time to practice choosing between the imperfect tense and preterite tense for past events. 16. Invent a fairy tale in Spanish. You can begin with the words Había una vez (once upon a time) and let your imagination take it from there. You can write a fairy tale youre familiar with, or create a new one. This Spanish writing prompt is good practice for perfecting the imperfect and preterite tense, as well as refining your descriptive writing abilities in Spanish, since fairy tales often involve vivid description of interesting characters. 17. Write a letter to a world leader whose policy actions youre familiar with. Commend him or her on the actions you agree with, and explain why you agree. Offer criticism of those actions you disapprove, along with suggestions for alternative action to be taken. Use the comparative and superlative in your letter (Esta acción es tan buena como lo que hizo); you may also find use for the subjunctive (Es mejor que resuelva el problema de). 18. If you could live in any country for an extended period of time, which country would you choose and why? Explain what traditions, customs, cultural practices and daily living styles appeal to you, and what you would do there. This is a chance to use the imperfect subjunctive and the conditional in a common and useful structure (Si pudiera vivir en algún país, viviría en). 19. In your opinion, what was the most important world event of the past year? Describe the event itself, using the appropriate tense (imperfect or preterite). You may also find a use for the past progressive (Mientras el gobierno estaba estabilizando, el presidente se murió.). Try to use a mix of objective factual statements, as well as more subjective statements that reflect your opinion about the event. 20. Spanish is fast-becoming the lingua franca (a language that is used among people who speak various different languages) of the United States. What are the benefits and disadvantages of this, from an economic and cultural standpoint? Useful phrases for this prompt include Por un ladoy por otro lado and Pienso que. 21. Why do you study Spanish? What do you hope to gain from the language? Are your reasons primarily linguistic, cultural, economic, or something else? Explain what attracts you to the language, and the level you aim to reach. Also express  how you feel using verbs such as sentirse and me parece que. 22. You have the opportunity to live with a family in a Spanish-speaking country as part of a study abroad program. Write a letter to the family, introducing yourself. Tell them essential information, as well as some fun and interesting facts about you so they can start to get to know you. Use an informal yet polite tone. You can also include what you hope to gain by living with them by using polite requests (Me gustaría si pudiéramos hablar en español casi todo el tiempo.; ¿Sería posible hacer actividades todos juntos?). 23. What do you like to do in your free time? Describe the activities you do, when you usually do them, and with whom. You can begin with En mi tiempo libre. Use this prompt as a chance to expand and memorize Spanish  vocabulary you might learn new expressions as you describe your activities in Spanish. 24. What is your astrological sign? Do you believe in astrological signs? Why or why not? Do you think you fit the typical profile for someone of your sign? You might want to use expressions like  aunque  (although) and sin embargo  (nevertheless). 25. Youre going to host two Spanish-speaking exchange students. Write them a letter telling them about any customs they should be familiar with, as well as the daily schedule they will follow. You can describe your daily school or work schedule, as well as the times that activities occur. You can also remind them of specific items they might want to bring from home. If you work through (ahem, write through!) these 25 Spanish writing prompts, youll be well-versed in a variety of topics, registers of written Spanish, and typical structures and expressions to express your ideas concisely and clearly. You can also take your completed prompts to your teacher or tutor for further feedback, or simply re-read them and edit them on your own, over time. Enjoy, and continue working toward the level you wish to reach in Spanish! Post Author: Joan B. Joan B. lives in Carmichael, CA and has been teaching high school Spanish for more than 18 years. A lover of language, shes studied French, Arabic, and Italian and spent time living in Spain. Joan aims to help students improve on tests and increase their conversational ability when traveling to Spanish-speaking countries. Learn more about Joan  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

How To Find Dance Classes In Birmingham

How To Find Dance Classes In Birmingham Start Dance Classes In Birmingham And Be In With A Chance To Take Part In The Commonwealth Games Handover! ChaptersDancers sought For 2022 Games In BirminghamTypes Of Dance Classes On OfferAdult Dance Classes Birmingham Beginners: For People Who Have Two Left FeetBenefits Of Ballroom Dancing: What Will I Learn?Latin Dancing: What Will I Be Taught By My Dance Instructor?A Wide Variety Of Kids Dance ClassesJazz Dance Adult Beginners Thursday 6.00pmContemporary Adult Beginners Tuesday 6.15pmThe Dance Workshop (Moseley Village)Jive Beginners Monday 6.30-7.30pmBallet Intro Course Monday 7.30-8.30pmFlamenco Elementary Tuesday 6.30-7.30pmTap Intro Course Tuesday 7.30-8.30pmEgyptian Dance Beginners Wednesday 8.30-9.30pmBallroom and Latin 1st Level Beginners Friday 6.30-7.30pmFor further details on each dance centre's class schedule, venue or timetable, please contact the dance teacher or visit their website.Also, if you aren't sure what to wear to each session, then ask in advance. You will probably be working up a sweat in most classes and getting your heart pumping so your best bet is to wear c omfortable clothing like shorts, a t-shirt and some soled trainers, to feel happy going into that initial warm up. Meanwhile, if attending a ballet class, you might need to wear tights and ballet shoes whilst those females enrolled in salsa dance classes may be asked to bring heels.So long as you make sure you are prepared, there's no reason why you won't look forward to your dancing classes each semester!If you live in the South, take a look at our blog on dance lessons in London.Benefits Of Ballroom Dancing: What Will I Learn?In beginners' Ballroom classes, you will learn to dance basic steps and techniques associated with standard Ballroom as well as Latin Ballroom dance styles. You don't need a partner to join, which makes it perfect for those looking for social dancing opportunities.So long as you sign up for a course for those new to the dance, you won't need any previous experience or dancing skills. You just need to be interested in learning about the history of dance, maste ring the variety of styles that come under this category and feeling happy and confident to interchange the styles each week whilst practising them in your spare time too.As part of a Ballroom workshop, you will learn basic moves needed to dance the Foxtrot, Waltz and Tango (i.e. standard Ballroom dances) as well as those required for the Cha Cha, Rumba and Jive (i.e. Latin-based Ballroom). You will be taught the differences between leading and following in a dance sequence or routine as well get the opportunity to dance with multiple partners over the weeks.The skills acquired during this type of dance class will boost your self-esteem when dancing in nightclubs, or when you have your first dance with your new husband or wife, and likewise your father-daughter dance on your wedding day.Get to know about pole dancing classes here.Latin Dancing: What Will I Be Taught By My Dance Instructor?Latin dancing, particularly for men, allows you to gain a number of very useful skills.Men are often scared of dancing or feel uncomfortable showcasing their skill because they fear that others will think it is unmanly. It is important to note that men and women, straight or homosexual, call all benefit from dancing.If, however, you are a man who is a little self-conscious, then Salsa classes could be the perfect way to make you feel comfortable in your own skin. The dance techniques you will learn along the way will impact you physically, mentally, spiritually, and emotionally - all great reasons to let go and leave your comfort zone!During your introduction to Latin dancing, you will not only gradually become a better dancer, you will also come to realise that you are turning into a more modern, well-rounded man who is comfortable with who he is: his sexuality, his looks, his career, his life. So go on and face your fears and start learning how to dance like a real man!Still think that dancing isn't for you? You may not even realise it, but Salsa dancing teaches you how to lead. This is a valuable skill to have both on the dance floor and off too. It not only affects your confidence in being assertive, but it also helps you to better communicate with others using your body language and posture.All of the above skills could be an important factor in terms of how you approach your professional life, romantic partnerships and social situations.Many more dances can have the same impact as the above on a man or woman's life. Take a ballet class, for example, which is a great way for men and women alike to combine gymnastic skills with contemporary ballet techniques. We often talk of ballerinas and tutus, but ballet training is encouraged for men too by many a top ballet academy.Ballet school teaches poise and self-expression to boys and girls through to adults and beginning ballet as a talented individual could lead to you being a renowned ballerina in the world of dance theatre.A Wide Variety Of Kids Dance ClassesKids can attend a range of dance lessons t oo, from classes for toddlers, preschoolers, for kids and for students to after-school clubs for those older teens.If looking for dance classes for children (boys and girls), you'll probably discover music classes, ballet barre, ballet pointe, toddler dance, dancing tots and gymnastics classes. Other developmental courses for kids that are designed to stimulate their fine motor skills are any sensory or creative play sessions that allow them to have a boogie (or do some wiggles if they're still not on their feet yet!).If you're not local to Birmingham, have a read of Dance Classes Across the UK.

How To Choose Your Sewing Machine

How To Choose Your Sewing Machine Sewing Machines For Learning How to Sew ChaptersChoosing Your Sewing Machine Based on the Type of Sewing You DoChoosing Your Sewing Machine Depending On Your Skills and BudgetChoosing A Sewing Machine According to TypeThe Different Makes of Sewing Machine“Marriage, such as it is practised by catholicism, is nothing more than a stitch in the heart, neatly done.” (Victor Hugo, 1802-1885)In the UK, despite the emancipation movement and steps made towards equality between the sexes, the last dregs of patriachy still consider sewing a purely feminine activity, as though men were capable of doing everything except sew clothes and do housework.Yet learning to sew means that torn or worn clothes need not be confined to obsolescence - instead of buying anew, they can be repaired or recycled. This means taking sewing classes, then finding the right sewing machine according to very specific criteria - a computerised or a mechanical sewing machine, for example?What make should you buy?How many types of stitches?Which sewing machin e is best for beginner sewing projects?Which manufacturer is best if you want to hem a skirt, make a cushion, sew on a zip or sew the leather for your sofa?My mother always told me that it’s not the tool that makes the clothing, but the tailor (or dressmaker).And it’s true that you don’t need a professional sewing machine to repair a garment. But considering the impressive range of industrial sewing machines and budget sewing machines, the choice can seem difficult.You want a good sewing machine but you don’t know the technical details of each of the brands? Read on to find out everything you need to know to pick the right sewing machine for you.Learn also which fabrics to select for you sewing projects.over £8,000.Beyond £200, the quality of the manufacturer and the available options will influence your choice of sewing machine, for example:Thread cutterAutomatic buttonhole stitchSpeed adjustmentAutomatic needle positioning at restSewing feetThreaderNumber of stitchesPric e.Remember that a sewing machine with an adjustable stitch length and width will be more comfortable to use than a non-adjustable one, which will come with its own list of little annoyances and work-arounds. To sum it up, here’s a table with all the criteria according to price, sewing level and expectations:Less than £100 £100- £500More than £500Sewing levelBeginner sewingIntermediate levelProfessional levelUseBasicsMore comfortable sewingCan sew anything in any waysImportance of make and functionsminorhighDeal-breakerThe type of machine you buy also depends on the use you will make of it.Choosing A Sewing Machine According to TypeMost sewing machines work on a knotted stitch principle, with upper and lower threads coming from thread bobbins. The lower bobbin is at the heart of the whole mechanism. There are several different types of sewing machine on the market, ready to succour a needy seamstress.Mechanical vs. computerised sewing machineMechanical sewing machines are best fo r small budgets, but they were also quite sought after by professional tailors and seamstresses for their versatility, since everything can be adjusted manually.Singer is one of the oldest sewing machine companies out there. Photo by Internet Archive Book Images on Visual huntAnd who hasn’t lusted after a Singer sewing machine with a presser foot, as old as sin - or at least, as old as 1851 at most. However, you need to know this kind of sewing machine like the back of your hand. It’s better to wait until you have some experience before making lovely dressmaking creations on old, purely mechanical or electrical sewing machines.You need to know exactly how your mechanical sewing machine works to use it properly.A computerised sewing machine will be more expensive, but it is ideal for a beginner sewer. This beginner sewing machine will do most of the work thanks to its automatic adjustment - length and width of the stitches, threading, automatic buttonhole stitch, programming diff erent stitches - making it easier to use.No need to know all the gears and levers on your old Singer, Pfaff, Brother, Bernina or Husqvarna sewing machine. This type of machine is a comfortable sewing tool and, as an added advantage, electronic machines are quieter than mechanical sewing machines. What is more, electric sewing machines have become easier to repair than mechanical ones, as the evolution of technology has negated the need to dismantle the whole sewing machine to find the problem. Now, sewing machine repairmen often only need to plug in a cord or update the machine’s software.Mechanical sewing machineElectrical sewing machineAdjustmentsManual (you need to be versed in the machine’s “anatomy”)AutomaticNoiseCan be very loudQuietRepairsCan be complicatedDigitalisation facilitates certain repair tasksUseVery precise operation for intermediate or advanced sewersIdeal for beginnersPriceSmallMiddle to highNow, computerised sewing machines are often easier to repair tha n mechanical ones. Photo by sparr0 on VisualhuntThe Different Makes of Sewing MachineNow on to the different sewing machine companies.  Though certainly you will find a good range of products online, if you’re unsure of what you need, a real-life haberdasher’s will give you the best advice.From the 19th century until fairly recently, Singer was the non plus ultra of sewing machines both among housewives and tailors. But with the rise of globalisation, many new firms have come onto the market with excellent products that shook Singer from its throne. At the top you will find sewing machines by Bernina (beginner sewing students should opt for the Bernina 215, easy to carry and simple to use), Husqvarna and Pfaff (durable, powerful and easy-to-use). A Pfaff Passeport 2.0 or 3.0 is ideal for your first sewing classes.These are considered to offer the best quality, but there are others:Elna is for beginner sewing students who want to sew on mechanical sewing machine - such as the Eln a eXplore 240 or the Elna 3210 Jeans, a mechanical sewing machine that lets you sew thicker fabrics such as denim or corduroyJanomeBrother: easy to use, known for its Innov Is line designed especially for beginner sewersBernetteToyota.Here are the different machines summed up according to their functionality and pricesThere are sewing classes London, in Glasgow, in Manchester and all over the UK.SilverCrest SNM 33Singer StarletHusqvarna Viking E10Singer Simple 3232Pfaff Smarter 160 SJanome Skyline S3Pfaff Expression 3.5Number of stitches3316204023120200Buttonhole stitchAutomatic, 4 steps4 step4 step1 step1 step7 steps16 stepsLength adjustmentyesyesyesyesnoyesyesWidth adjustmentyesnonoyesyesyesyesThreaderyesyesyesyesyesyesyesSpeed adjustmentnoyesnoyesyesyesyesPresser feet5454578Weight6 kg7.5kg6.3 kg7.5 kg6.3 kg10 kg10.6 kgPrice £80 £200-300 £140 £170 £200 £800-2,000 £1,400Right! You have your whole sewing kit together, with all the accessories: sewing machine, bobbins, threads…But how do you learn to sew? By taking sewing lessons online or at home. See you on Superprof for your first sewing course!Learn more about sewing supplies and accessories you can use on your projects.