Disadvantages of Asexual Reproduction Online Biology Tutors Tutorpace

Disadvantages of Asexual Reproduction Online Biology Tutors Tutorpace The formation of a new individual from their parents is called reproduction. The formation of a new individual if only one parent is involved is called asexual reproduction. Reproductions are of two types- sexual reproduction and asexual reproduction. Sexual reproduction: The reproduction in which two parents of opposite mating types are involved. Asexual reproduction: The reproduction in which only one parent is involved in the production of a new individual. Thedifferent types of asexual reproduction are vegetative reproduction, budding, spore formation, regeneration, Fragmentation etc. Disadvantages of asexual reproduction: 1. When numerous individuals are produced during asexual reproduction there will be a struggle for soil, nutrients and light which affects the health of the newly formed plants. 2. Asexual reproduction doesnt allow any type of genetic variation as there is only one parent is involved in it. 3. As only one parent is involved there is no recombination of genes in asexual reproduction. It is genetically static. 4. The newly formed individuals are exactly the same copy as that of their parents. So if there is any genetic defect in the parent, it will be transferred to the offspring 5. The whole population of the new individuals will be completely wiped out when an unfavorable condition exist. 6. As the newly produced individuals shows less genetic variety, there will be a lesser chance of survival in a changing environment. 7. As there is no fusion of gametes there is no variety in the offspring during asexual reproduction. 8. Reproduction leads to overcrowding and a struggle for existence. 9. Harmful mutations cannot be removed by asexual reproduction.

Studying for the ACT Online ACT Prep Online Tutoring Tutorpace

Studying for the ACT Online ACT Prep Online Tutoring Tutorpace Studying for the ACT can be simple and interesting for a high school student who later wishes to study in a college or in a university. The main purpose of the ACT exam is to prepare a student in an academic way to be able to later handle college level courses. Hence colleges prefer ACT scores so that they get an idea about the academic knowledge the student has learned. ACT test paper contains 4 main sections: English, Mathematics, Reading and Science. ACT plus Writing is an additional option students can take if they want their ACT scores along with the Writing score. These sections, except writing section contain multiple choice questions and students should pick the right answer from the given set of options. To get good ACT score in the English section, students must improve their grammar skills. For mathematics section, it can be helpful if students prepare a list of math formulas so that it helps them remember the concepts and the possible related questions. Reading section consists of comprehension passages and students must answer the questions based on those passages. The questions are simple however, they test the students ability to make comparisons, to locate and understand significant details, to interpret the main idea etc. Science section also tests the students logical and reasoning skills in science related topics. For students taking the writing test, they must focus on their writing skills so that their essay presents their point of opinion on the given topic and also looks meaningful.

5 Steps to Mastering the Fine Art of Work Confrontation - Introvert Whisperer

Introvert Whisperer / 5 Steps to Mastering the Fine Art of Work Confrontation - Introvert Whisperer 5 Steps to Mastering the Fine Art of Work Confrontation We are all faced with uncomfortable issues at work some times.  Someone does or doesn’t do something that is an issue with agreements, work flow or your values.  Plain and simple, it creates a problem for you; and you are now faced with how best to tackle the issue. All too often, we simply try to ignore things, hoping the problem will just go away.  Sometimes it will, but you can’t count on ignoring an issue as a method of problem solving.  It’s too passive.  And leaving it alone may reinforce it or even cause it to get worse.  Sure, you can wait to take any action so you can further observe the issue while you are deciding on what you will do.  That is not ignoring the issue; it’s planning. For those issues which impact you and your work, you need to master the fine art of confrontation.  Confrontation doesn’t need to be a vicious attack on someone else, nor does it need to be cringe worthy.  Confrontation is part of problem solving.  Unlike other issues you solve at work, confrontation is looking for a person to modify their behavior as your primary solution.  Other business problems are solved by a combination of system, process, policy and people.  Learning to confront issues with people behavior is a tool which you will find extremely valuable. Focus on the problem. The first step in learning confrontation is to ensure you are looking at and solving the problem.  Many people in these situations become offended and take other people’s actions as a personal affront.  When that occurs, they will often make up stories to fit the behavior, like “the person is back stabbing” or “the person has it out for me”.  Rarely, does another person give too much thought to how their actions affect others, so being paranoid doesn’t help.  Take the attitude that this person has some reason for doing what they are doing and probably doesn’t realize the impact to you. Drop the emotions.  If you have really stepped into a problem solving space, you have to drop the stories and emotions in order to be effective.  If you are waiting too long, you may be allowing yourself to get so worked up over your stories that when you do confront, you will go from a great problem solver to an explosive jerk in a split second.  If you allow your emotions to drive your actions, you will lose in many ways. Script out what you want to say.  Until you master confrontation, it will go much better if you write down word for word what you want to say and how you want to say it.  You don’t want to you use judgmental words or absolutes like “you always” or “you never”.  That is simply untrue, unproductive and will put the other person on the defensive.  Keep your comments focused on solving the problem. You are there to solve a problem, so what is the issue?  If the other person is doing something and it’s ticking you off, you really do need to understand what the issue or impact is.  To simply tell someone to stop doing something isn’t helpful.  For example, if they are dropping into your office and eating up a bunch of your time with their important agenda, you can easily solve that problem.  Before they descend on you, go to their office and say “I notice you really want my help with x fairly frequently.  If you think that will continue, I’d like to schedule regular times for us to meet so I can plan the rest of my work schedule. Would that work for you?” Be specific.  You’ll notice in the above example that I needed to find out if the demand would continue and then make my request for how to proceed.  No attack, simply coming up with an alternative that should work for both people.  If it doesn’t, then you have a place to begin joint problem solving. Confrontation doesn’t need to be an ugly thing if you adjust your thinking and approach to solving an issue with a co-worker. Go to top Let me emphasize that Self-Promotion doesn’t have to be obnoxious to be effective. But, if you don’t Self-Promote you, who will? If you ever want to get ahead, you have to learn how to Self-Promote. I want to help you accelerate your career by connecting you with your Free Instant Access to my video that shows you simple, yet effective ways to Self-Promote. Start watching now: CLICK HERE Brought to you by Dorothy Tannahill-Moran â€" dedicated to unleash your professional potential.

What is it Like to Attend Concordia College

What is it Like to Attend Concordia College The tutors behind Varsity Tutors are not just here to teach theyre sharing their college experiences as well. Shantel received her Bachelor of Arts degree in English and Education from Concordia College. She is currently a tutor in Boston specializing in ESL/ELL tutoring, readingtutoring, writingtutoring, and several other subjects. See what she had to say about her experience at Concordia College: VT: Describe the campus setting and transportation options. How urban or rural is the campus? Did you feel safe on campus? Are there buses or do you need a car/bike? Shantel: The campus is set in a smaller town of about 40,000, and it is across the river from Fargo, North Dakota (population: 114,000). The campus is incredibly picturesque. It is hidden from the rest of the world by beautiful trees, making it feel like you are in your own world. There is a gorgeous bell tower, a pond with a fountain, and beautiful buildings with impeccable landscaping. The campus is very safe and well-lit. Campus security will walk with students if they would like them to. Many of the buildings are interconnected, which is helpful in the winter.There are plenty of restaurants, coffee shops, bars, ice cream shops, and fast food places within walking distance. Quite a few students will come with a car if they live a few hours away, so it's never a problem to get a ride somewhere. There are ride share boards for going home for weekends or vacations. A local taxi service offers a discount to college students, so having a car isn't really necessary. A bike would be help ful, but its also not necessary. Everything on campus is an easy walk away. VT: How available are the professors, academic advisers, and teaching assistants? Shantel:One thing I loved about Concordia College is how easy it was to talk with professors. There are no teaching assistants, and academic advisers have an open door policy. Your academic adviser is often a professor that you will have for your major, and I got to know mine very well. Students will have the same professors multiple times, which helps to build those connections. Freshmen classes may be 20-30 students, and upper-level courses can be as small as seven. The average class size is 18, and the student to faculty ratio is 12:1. Professors hold regular office hours, but they are available via email at almost any time, and they welcome students walking in to say hello or to ask a question. VT: How would you describe the dorm life rooms, dining options, location, socialization opportunities with other students? Shantel:First- and second-year students are required to live on campus to help build community. All of my college friends now, ten years later, are people I met in my first year of college, and my best friends are women who were on my dorm floor. Dorms for first and second years are not co-ed, and they are separated by building. The RAs are fantastic! They plan social events, mixers, and are always available to talk to students. My freshman RA and I are still very close. There are two dining halls on campus with a huge variety of options. There are campus apartments for juniors and seniors, where many students will live. I chose to live off-campus, and I partially regret this decision, even though it was a good glimpse into real life. I missed the community of the college. VT: Which majors/programs are best represented and supported? What did you study and why? Did the university do a good job supporting yourparticular area of study? Shantel:There are 65 majors, and most students will double major or at least have a major and a minor. I was an Education major, but I also was required to major in English and minor in Communications. The reason behind this is so that I'm more of an expert in my content area. Concordia College is a liberal arts school, so students are required to take several core classes in various subject areas. I enjoyed being able to expand my knowledge in other areas. I took a meteorology course to fulfill my science requirement, and bowling (which took place at a local bowling alley) to fulfill my physical fitness credit. With the Education major, students are out in schools in their first year. There are mini practicums/student teaching opportunities each year that lead up to the senior year semester of student teaching. I loved all of the opportunities to get in the classroom and practice teaching, learn from veteran teachers, and gain experience. VT: How easy or difficult was it for you to meet people and make friends as a freshman? Does Greek life play a significant role in the campus social life? Shantel:There is no Greek life at Concordia College, but there are over 100 clubs. I was active in several, and I made a lot of new friends. There is an activity fair every fall where students can learn about all of the clubs and intramural sports groups. Concordia College has all of the college sports you'd need (including hockey), plus an active music scene. Concordia College is most well known for music (not sports). The Concordia College choir, band, and orchestra all do tours each year, many of which include an international trip. There are several different levels for each group for students with varying abilities and time commitments. My favorite part about Concordia College is that the week before school is freshman orientation week. All freshmen are assigned a club and do many of the activities with that group. Clubs are led by an upperclassmen who is trained, and students get to know each other in a smaller setting. Club leaders make door signs for each student and come by to welcome them as they arrive on campus. It's a great way to get to know the campus and to ask all the questions students are wondering. Freshmen all take a common class with their club throughout the first semester. VT: How helpful is the Career Center and other student support services? Do many reputable companies recruit on campus? Shantel:The Career Center is fantastic, and students also have access to a psychologist and a campus pastor. There are many counseling groups happening on a rolling basis, including a grief group. VT: How are the various study areas such as libraries, the student union, and dorm lounges? Are they over-crowded, easily available, spacious? Shantel:It's never hard to find space on campus to do anything. The campus is small, and there are only 2,400 students. It's small enough that you usually recognize someone as you're walking around campus, but there are plenty of new people to meet. Finding a quiet study cubby in the library is easy to do. There are more computers than students need, and there is a lot of outdoor space where students sit and chat. There are study areas in each dorm, and nooks and crannies all over campus. VT: Describe the surrounding town. What kinds of outside establishments / things to do are there that make it fun, boring, or somewhere in between? To what extent do students go to the downtown area of the city versus staying near campus? Shantel:The surrounding areas population is 224,000, and there are two other colleges nearby. Minnesota State University Moorhead is not far away, and NDSU (North Dakota State University) is just a short drive. The NDSU Bison are well known for their impressive football and hockey teams, so going to a game there is always fun. The Fargo-Moorhead area is heavily populated with college students, so there is plenty to do. VT: How big or small is the student body? Were you generally pleased or displeased with the typical class sizes? Shantel:With only 2,400 students, freshman classes may be 20-30, and upper-level courses can be as small as seven students. The average class size is 18. I loved the smaller class sizes, especially as I got into my upper-level courses. It was great to have so much personalized attention, and my ideas were always heard. Professors all know their students very well, and they remember us years later when we visit. They love teaching and are approachable. VT: Describe one memorable experience with a professor and/or class. Perhaps one you loved the most or one you regret the most. Shantel:I really enjoyed my History of the English language course, and the professor who taught it was hilarious. He loved his subject matter and really taught me what it was to be a good teacher. I took just as many notes during his class about the content as I did his teaching methods. I also did a semester abroad, which I highly recommend to anyone! I studied in Norway and traveled to seven other countries as part of my program. It was the most incredible experience. During spring break, some classes will have an opportunity to travel abroad. For example, I took a literature class that had the option to go to France with the professor over spring break. I regret not going on that trip. There are plenty of opportunities for travel with groups like Habitat for Humanity. Check out Shantels tutoring profile. The views expressed in this article do not necessarily represent the views of Varsity Tutors.

A Level Biology Revision Resources And Techniques

A Level Biology Revision Resources And Techniques A Level Biology Revision Notes, Guides And Online Resources ChaptersTips For A Level Biology StudentsGuides And Resources For GCSE Biology RevisionHiring  A Biology TutorIf you have just started an A Level Biology course in the last couple of months or you are almost a whole term (where has that time gone!) into the final year of biology tuition, then you might be interested in finding out where to source the best revision guides and online materials for this subject. After all, it is nearly impossible to pass the test with a notable grade on just knowledge alone!Below is some information on where to find such resources and how to use them to improve your technique during the exams. You may also benefit from some of our  helpful tips, designed to help you to get organised before the assessment.Dont be fooled into thinking that if you've completed past papers in other subjects, then you've acquired all the experience and techniques you need - a top Biology response will have very different criteria than an English question, for example.Don't g et too comfy just because you have done some past papers for other subjects already - Biology revision and past papers won't be the same as them. Photo on Visualhunt.com MahimaBiology Teacher 5.00 (10) £30/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors AndyBiology Teacher 5.00 (2) £15/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors AlishaBiology Teacher 5.00 (10) £9/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors SaifBiology Teacher 5.00 (9) £22/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors FrankBiology Teacher 5.00 (8) £90/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors HeavenliBiology Teacher £9/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors SiobhanBiology Teacher £60/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors MackenzieBiology Teacher 5.00 (2) £15/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutorsTips For A Level Biology StudentsLearning doesn't come naturally to everyone. Remember also that, even if some of your classmates seem to breeze through the syllabus, they might be battling their very own demons deep down, whether that be dealing with insecurity, health problems, issues at home or anything that might cause them yo feel anxious on top of their studies. However grave your concerns, the main thing to remember is to not suffer in silence.If it is keeping up with the content that causing you to get distressed, then you can tackle this head on by hiring a tutor to provide you with some additional help.A tutor who specialises in the Sciences and who has relevant experience in getting students to pass or even excel in areas of the Biology A Level syllabus could be just what you need to calm your nerves and build up confidence ahead of the culmination of the course.What's more, your peers don't even need to know that you are falling behind! Privately hired tutors can help in a range of ways - find more information on this below.Aside from getting direct help with your studies, there are many other ways that you can make life easier for yourself when studying towards your A Levels, and the grea t thing is that many of these are actually free.The key to learning success is to plan, so don't leave everything until the last minute and wind up full of tension - get organised now and take inspiration from our tips below to help you with your Biology studies.The key to good revision is planning, so make sure you think ahead about how you tackle exam revision. Photo on VisualHunt.comBuild A Study And Revision PlannerIt is never too early to start thinking about your exams, even if they are over a year away.You can use many online tools to help you build a trusty revision planner, one of which can be found via The Student Room, but it is just as easy to create a hand-written diary if you prefer in which you can put all your school-related information.In this planner, be sure to write down all of your key dates, like the dates of the exams if you know them already. This will give you a goal to work towards. Don’t forget to keep the journal up to date by putting in anything and ev erything linked to your Biology studies.If you find it easier to create your study planner digitally, you can benefit from linking it to your mobile phone calendar and then receiving alerts without having to remember to carry around or consult your diary.This is perfect for pupils who rely heavily on their phones as they can use the device to their advantage and to encourage learning with ease. You can even download tailored revision apps onto your phone too so you can do much of your exam preparation from your phone.Ask QuestionsDon’t be afraid to ask questions throughout your Biology course, and don’t leave it until it is too late!Your teacher will be more than happy to help you when you have questions about the course or the exam, by either offering you advice or by pointing you in the direction of resources to look at.Don't feel that you have to wait until your next scheduled lesson either - most teachers have a school email address that they can be contacted on or are avail able to chat to during break times by knocking on the staff room door.So, don't sit at the back of the class wishing you had asked that question - the chances are that some of your peers are probably wondering the same thing! Moreover, if you vocalise your query, you might find that you get an even more detailed response than you could have found elsewhere which will stick in your brain for the duration of the course.However, don’t forget that there are many others ways to get answers nowadays too if you missed your chance in class or if you are still searching for more expansive answers. For instance, the Internet is a huge network that connects us with resources but also with people who have similar interests and who can offer helpful discussions.Forums like the one found on The Student Room are specifically designed for students to interact with eachother, share their concerns, offer advice or simply to vent frustration about their education.Make Use Of Biology Past PapersAs yo ur teacher will no doubt have told you, past papers are one of the best forms of revision that you can do in the run up to exams. Past papers not only give you an idea of the types of questions you can expect come your exam, but they also help you to develop a good exam-writing style.To pass the exam with flying colours, you really need to tick all of the boxes that the examiners are looking out for, some of which might not be things that come naturally to you (for instance, repeating all of the keywords from the question asked as your construct your response - these small but easily forgotten details are sometimes the key to getting the correct focus in a given question and therefore achieve a better mark).Guides And Resources For GCSE Biology RevisionThe BoardsOther equally helpful resources can be found on each of the exam boards’ websites as well, including information about the grading system.For example, the Eduqas website has a Question Bank tool which enables pupils to cre ate custom question papers in just a few clicks from a catalogue of past papers,OCR, meanwhile, proposes high-quality resources which can be searched by qualification type and resource type, to help you find the right documents for you. You can also download a skills guide from their site to match your personal skills to particular qualifications. This could be a worthwhile activity for those unsure where they are heading.Revision WebsitesIf you have not yet come across it, be sure to visit BBC Bitesize for your learning needs throughout the course.This website, dedicated to UK students of all ages and taking a variety of exams, will help to break down the topics in an easy way and will additionally make learning that little bit more fun.As well as BBC Bitesize, Revision World is a fantastic place for students to go during times of need. This easy to use website offers students study help, coursework assistance, essay writing tips, past papers and many more valuable resources to mak e revising easy and enjoyable.Finally, as mentioned above, why not download a revision app which has been developed in line with your specification for a really convenient revision solution?Revision apps are handy because you can be sent alerts or revise whilst on the go. Photo on Visual huntGetting hold of revision materials online is brilliant as most resources are easily accessible at the click of a button, plus they are usually free. If they aren't free of charge, then you may have to pay a small sign up fee or just register your details to receive alerts and updates by email or SMS.Be cautious, however, of any resources that you find on unofficial websites as their suitability for your course cannot be guaranteed. Also, you can never know who wrote them, if they are even specialised in Biology and what their purpose for writing them is.If you can, try to stick to official sources like educational sites and materials produced by teachers, examiners and other specialists.Hiring   A Biology TutorFurthermore, although it requires a little more financial dedication than looking for help at school, in books or on online forums, you might find it useful to hire a tutor to help you to improve your level of understanding of the topics in Biology. No matter your ability or level, Superprof has hundreds of teachers offering support from a  biology tutor A level  to science tutors at KS1.If you choose to go down this road, you are better off finding a tutor earlier on rather than getting close to the exam and realising that there are large gaps in your learning. That said, tutors are normally happy to schedule in sessions to help specifically with exam revision, helping you to tackle your exam in a logical and organised way.Tutors are particularly useful if you are falling behind for any reason, if you want to ensure a better grade or if you have specific requirements to meet in order to study Biology at the next level. Visit Superprof for more information.

6 Tasks for the Summer Before Graduate School

6 Tasks for the Summer Before Graduate School The summer before graduate school is an exciting time. How you use the next few months can influence your transition back into life as a student, especially if you took time off after graduating college. These are 3 tips for starting graduate school. Here are six tasks for the summer before graduate school: 1. Arrange your move If youre moving to a new city, one of the first things to think about is where youll live and how to get yourself (and your belongings) there. Youll need to find a place to rent or buy, so check out online listings, and, if youre able, visit potential apartments or houses in person. Then, decide how much you want to bring with you, and schedule transportation and/or shipping for your items. Also arrange for people to help you move friends or a moving company. Make sure youve tied up any loose ends with your old landlord (if applicable), and dont forget to update your address where necessary. 2. Communicate with current and incoming students Communicating with students in your program is a great way to ease the transition into the school year. Contact your department for email addresses, or find your classmates through social media. This way, you can ask current students any questions you may have, such as recommendations for housing or what to expect when you move. You might even be able to ask them if there is anything you can do to mentally prepare for your first semester. Getting in touch with your incoming class is also a great idea. You may be able to get to know people youll soon be studying with. 3. Buy a planner and other school supplies Being organized is key to successas a student. These 6 habits will help you become a more oganized student.Take some time to buy supplies that will help you in this regard. Think about whats worked for you in the past: what kind of folders, binders, and writing utensils do you want to use? Do you need a physical planner, or will you use a calendar on your phone? Once you start your semester, you may need to head back to the store for additional items, but aim to start day one strong. 4. Research campus and local resources A huge benefit of being a student is the variety of resources at your fingertips. If you live close by, visit campus and see what kind of resources are available to you in terms of technology, the library, and your specific department. You may even find some good study spots while youre visiting. Check out local community resources, as well. What can your town offer you thats related to your graduate work, such as organizations or job opportunities? If youre not able to visit, contact other students or research online. 5. Read for pleasure before schoolwork sets in Before youre assigned your first batch of schoolwork, take some time to readfor fun. Visit your library or bookstore and savor the free time you have left. Find online magazines or newspapers that interest you. Hopefully youll enjoy your assigned readings and be able to budget in reading time during the school year, but doing so in the summer is a great way to enjoy your remaining months. You may even find books that are fun and relate to your chosen path of study. This guide to summer GRE prepmay help you get a head start! 6. Enjoy summer events in your city Before you move, or even if youre staying in the same location, look for summer events to attend before the school year starts concerts, street festivals, movies in the park, plays, etc. You can plan activities according to your schedule and interests, like trying new restaurants or being outdoors. Find a way to enjoy the summertime before you hunker down with your studies. Preparing for the next chapter in your academic life is both exciting and nerve-wracking, but the six tasks listed above are a great place to start in the summer before graduate school.

Should I Go to Missouri State University

Should I Go to Missouri State University The tutors behind Varsity Tutors are not just here to teachtheyre sharing their college experiences as well. Shawn earned his bachelors degree in psychology from Missouri State University in 2009. He is currently a St. Louis tutor specializing in SSAT tutoring, ISEE tutoring, writing tutoring, and more. See what he had to say about his experience at Missouri State University: Describe the campus setting and transportation options. Shawn: Missouri State's campus is very near downtown Springfield, MO and feels about as urban as Springfield can be. Some buildings are actually in downtown itself, including a fairly new art building repurposed from an old warehouse. MSU offers an excellent shuttle service in and around campus that runs all day until around 10pm most evenings. If you live and work on campus or near downtown, you do not really need a car and I highly suggest getting a bike; Springfield is a great biking town. How available are the professors, academic advisers, and teaching assistants? Shawn: It really depends. My advisor in the psychology department was usually available and always had posted office hours. When she went on maternity leave, however, it was difficult to get another advisor to meet with me. The T.A.'s are often very busy and, while they try their best their schedules, do not always make meetings easy. Full professors are generally easier to meet with. How would you describe the dorm liferooms, dining options, location, socialization opportunities with other students? Shawn: The nice thing about MSU dorms is there are many living options to choose from traditional dorms, suite-style, 5 person suite-style, even single dorms for older students. There is also a special dorm for high-achieving students. Freudenberger, known as Freddy, is the main freshman dorm. It is older and not as nice as the others, however, it is large and a great place for freshmen to make new friends. I stayed in suite-style in Hammons house. The suite style dorms are not as good for socializing and the RA's are very strict. There are a number of clubs and activities on campus, but in all honestly, they are often not well-attended, aside from campus concerts. The dining rooms are decent, though people looking for organic or vegetarian options should consider alternative meal plan arrangements. I strongly recommend living off-campus after the freshman year. Housing is cheap in Springfield and there are safe neighborhoods full of other students in almost every direction near cam pus. Which majors/programs are best represented and supported at Missouri State University? Shawn: MSU was originally a teacher's college and the education department is still large and strong. I have heard positive things about that department. I felt as though there was excellent faculty and an amazing dean in the psych dept. during my time there. However, I do not feel that the university adequately funded our department. How easy or difficult was it for you to meet people and make friends as a freshman? Does Greek life play a significant role in the campus social life? Shawn: I attended Westminster college as a freshman and transferred to MSU as a sophomore; however, I can say that people who lived in mostly freshman dorms like Freddy, had a fairly easy time making new friends. There are also freshmen-only activities during the first few weeks that I heard were also good for meeting new people. Greek life is present at MSU, but I would not say it makes up a significant role in campus social life. Given the ample opportunities for cheap housing in the area, most of the social activities take place in the neighborhoods around campus and downtown. How helpful is the Career Centerand other student support services? Shawn: The career center was very helpful in choosing a major. I met with a career counselor who spent lots of time talking to me, giving assessments, and helping me find information. I went from undergraduate to graduate studies, so I did not look into any on-campus recruitment. How are the various study areas such aslibraries, the student union, and dorm lounges at Missouri State University? Shawn: It depends. The student union and library are large and, while you may have to look a bit, it is usually not too hard to find a quiet spot. The dorm study lounges are rarely used and make great study spots. Describe the surrounding town. Shawn: Downtown Springfield has a lot to offer college students. There are many art galleries, restaurants, coffee shops, lounges, clubs, bars, and several decent concert venues. The downtown area has undergone a revitalization in recent years and it is all geared toward college students. Most students above the age of 21 socialize downtown on a regular basis. Since downtown and campus are so close, it is easy to head that way. How big or small is the student body? Were you generally pleased or displeased with the typical class sizes? Shawn: The student body is very large, but it does not feel that way on campus. Most classes are fairly small, around 15-25 students. One exception to this is lecture classes for undergraduate general education classes, which are held in large lecture halls with sometimes over 100 students. Describe one memorable experience with a professor and/or class. Perhaps one you loved the most or one youregretthe most. Shawn: I fondly recall working as an undergraduate research assistant in the psychology department under Dr. Ann Branstetter-Rost. It was a great opportunity to expose myself to research and helped me get into graduate school. I also was given partial funding by the department to attend a conference with my lab in Phoenix, AZ my senior year. Check out Shawns tutoring profile. The views expressed in this article do not necessarily represent the views of Varsity Tutors.

Listening Exercise A Discussion on Dialects

Listening Exercise A Discussion on Dialects This is an interesting English listening exercise partly because it may be challenging for students more familiar with a North American neutral accent.One of the unique qualities of LOI English is our teachers come from several different English speaking countries. Taking classes with teachers that have different accents will strengthen your overall listening abilities and prepare you for exams.The IELTS, TOEFL, CAE, First Certificate, and PET love to have different accents in their listening parts of the exam. Some of the accents are even difficult for native English speakers to understand  at first. Listen to this amazing actor and his accent. One thing to note is the Idris Elba is a master at changing his accent from British to North American to South African.Answer the questions below in comments and we will respond.1. What is the first question that Idris Elba asks? 2. What role do many hope is in Idris Elbas future? 3. What were his concerns with playing the character in Beasts of a Nation? 4. What does he consider every character? 5. What was similar between himself and the character he played, Stringer Bell? 6. Why did he choose his uncles voice for the character he played in Beasts? 7. Does he want to do more dark roles?Do you think that Idris would make a good James Bond? Why or why not? How many different dialects/accents does your language have?