How to Conduct Qualitative and Quantitative Chemistry Tests

How to Conduct Qualitative and Quantitative Chemistry TestsThe first type of chemistry that you should understand is qualitative chemistry. This kind of chemistry is about the information that can be made available by the materials that are tested. A qualitative test might involve a direct observation of how something looks, or it might involve a sense of smell, taste, or touch. These kinds of tests might be made at various places, such as a laboratory, a factory, or at a government office.Qualitative testing is a fairly simple process, but it involves a number of different techniques and steps. To begin with, a number of samples are collected in one room or another, and then they are taken to an observation room. In this room, a number of types of test materials are put on a table, some in plastic cups, others in glass jars, and others in other containers, and so on. You may also find these materials in soil or other forms of material. The purpose of this step is to test for contami nation, and the fact that there is a number of different materials involved.Qualitative tests are then made in the observation room. Most qualitative tests require the use of a microscope, and the use of sensitive equipment. A light source is needed in order to properly see the samples, and the use of special lights is also necessary. There will often be many people in the room at the same time, and the light source should be switched to make it easier to read the instrumentation and instruments that are being used.Qualitative testing is done in a number of different ways. Some of these methods involve the use of lights, and others involve the use of special instruments. There are many ways that a particular piece of material can be tested, depending on the situation. For example, there is the test for temperature sensitivity, which involves temperature differences between one piece of material and another, and then there is the question of sizing. The size of the sample is sometime s referred to as the size class, and there are also temperature ranges that are considered acceptable for testing materials of a certain size class.Quantitative testing involves the use of spectroscopy. The idea here is to test the property that a sample has, and the ability to detect this property is important. Spectroscopy is also very important for the testing of gases but is less important for liquids. The spectroscopic properties of a sample, whether it is solid liquid, or gas, can then be tested using different procedures, and this is usually done by making a comparison between the two spectra.Qualitative tests can also be done by using a variety of different instruments, but not all of them need to involve spectroscopy. A microscope is one such instrument, and the test for a particular property could be a fluorescence test. The objective of this test is to determine whether a sample has a particular chemical property, and in most cases, the spectroscopy will determine if the chemical property exists. The experiment is then based on the absence or presence of the chemical.It is important that the experimental design of the test to be carefully thought out. This is not always easy, because the conditions that are needed are not always easily determined. However, it is good to have a plan, and to keep it in mind throughout the testing. Many times the results of a qualitative test will vary from one type of material to another, so it is important to consider the different properties that are present in a sample, and try to put them into the experiment as well.The different types of conditions that need to be considered for the qualitative and quantitative aspects of a test may sound complicated, but it will be important to remember that these requirements are rather easy to fulfill. In some cases, the test results will also be considered, and it is possible to use a combination of these different types of tests.

History of Bass

History of Bass The History of the Bass Guitar ChaptersThe Bass, a Young InstrumentThe First Bass Guitars in the 20th CenturyDevelopments to the Bass Guitar in the 1970sChanges to the Bass Guitar in the 1980s“None of us wanted to be the bass player. In our minds he was the fat guy who always played at the back.” - Paul McCartneyA lot of aspiring musicians want to learn the guitar, the piano, or even the violin. However, significantly fewer people want to learn how to play the bass.Often, guitarists move to the bass but you don’t play a bassline like you would an electric or acoustic guitar.According to a survey by the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra (RPO), many people choose to learn the guitar, the bass guitar was popular amongst boys with 28% interested in playing it.Girls favoured the flute, recorder, violin, and viola.Are you interested in the bass guitar?Let’s have a look at its history. PeterGuitar Teacher £12/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors EdgarGuitar Teacher 5.00 (8) £30/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors PaulGuitar Teacher 5.00 (12) £18/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors DanielGuitar Teacher 5.00 (3) £40/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors ToddGuitar Teacher 4.75 (4) £35/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors SamueleGuitar Teacher 5.00 (5) £20/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors KurtGuitar Teacher 5.00 (3) £20/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors RyanGuitar Teacher £30/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutorsThe Bass, a Young InstrumentTraditional African and Eastern music has deeper instruments with fewer strings that are played horizontally that predate the electric bass guitar.The Imzad, for example, is played by the Tuareg people in Africa or the Khalam in Senegal. Then there’s the Guembri played by the Gnawa people. The bass guitar was designed to be a lighter version of the double bass that could be amplified. (Source: pixelia)During the 20th century, double bass players were looking for a way to play more loudly.  In the 1930s in the United States, swing and jazz reigned supreme. Bands kept playing louder and louder as they travelled from town to town.Owing to its size, the double bass was difficult to lug around and it couldn’t compete with the volume from the now-amplified electric Les Paul guitar.  The electric bass, just like the electric guitar, was invented to make up for this lack of volume when it came to country, rock ‘n’ roll, and blues music.  Luthiers were looking for a more powerful instrument that was lighter than a double bass.In 1910, the Gibson company created the first acoustic bass. It was a prototype without an amplifier but it met the needs of musicians.That said, it wasn’t until the 1930s that the first electric bass was created. In 1933, the American Paul Tutmarc created the Model 736 Bass Fiddle in limited numbers.  It had a short-scale neck, a solid body, and an electromagnetic pickup.The next model was the same size as guitars, included frets, and could be played horizontally. Adding frets to the four-string model helped musicians play the instrument with greater ease and it was easier to hold than the prototypes.  Paul Tutmarc’s instrument wasn’t much of a success in the 1930s and manufacturers Gibson and Rickenbacker preferred to work on what they already had. But the idea wasn’t a complete failure.20 years later, Tutmarc’s idea would come back: the electric bass was born and music and American culture were about to drastically change.  The bass guitar arrived just in time to turn the world upside-down.The First Bass Guitars in the 20th CenturyThe electric bass is one of the only instruments to be originally designed with amplification in mind. The first electric bass guitar was quite different to bass guitars now. (Source: seriouslycr8ive)When Paul Tutmarc invented his electric bass guitar, it just needed the right conditions and a few changes to make it work.  Industrial processes and further innovations made the bass guitar more viable.Leo Fender (1909-1991) launched the first full-scale electric bass in 1951, the Precision Bass.  The frets made it easier to play the right notes and vibrations in the strings were turned into an electrical signal through the pickup.  This bass guitar became very popular with Jet Harris (The Shadows), James Jamerson (Motown), and Rocco Prestia.  It resulted in a very particular groove.In 1960, the Jazz Bass was released. There were new sounds available thanks to its two pickups and had a thinner neck than the Precision Bass. The pickup by the bridge offers better middles whereas the pickup closer the neck offers more bass.Throughout the 60s, plenty of manufacturers started making versions: Gibson, Höfner, Rickenbacker, and Fender all flooded the market. The electric bass, particularly Fender’s Jazz Bass were in every studio and at every concert.The 1960s marked the age of rock: The Beatles, Pink Floyd, Janis Joplin, Jimi Hendrix, Led Zeppelin, The Animals, The Rolling Stones, Bob Dylan, Joan Baez, The Who, The Doors, etc.  The post-war boom saw a huge cultural revolution which created a great opportunity for the electric bass to flourish. Preamps started to be included in the 1960s to boost the high and low ends. Great bassists like Marcus Miller and Jaco Pastorius used the Jazz Bass.In the same year, the following manufacturers were created:IbanezMusic ManDanelectroESP GuitarsGL InstrumentsBC RichCortAlembicWarwickBass guitars, which are tuned in fourths (E, A, D, G), slowly started to replace double basses as they were essential in genres like rock ‘n’ roll and pop and later heavy rock and metal.Discover the best basslines.Developments to the Bass Guitar in the 1970sIn the 1970s, some bassists went back to fretless basses. As music changed, so did the instruments. (Source: Free-Photos)Jaco Pastorius (1951-1987) was known for his fretless bass playing both while accompanying other band members or as a soloist. The fretless bass allows for warmer, rounder tones than with a fretted bass and allows you smoother slides and vibratos up and down the neck.Experimentation led to the creation of the six-string bass in 1974. The bassist Anthony Jackson asked the luthier Carl Thomson to make him one.Why?To play even deeper sounds, a fourth below the low E. The professional luthier added a low B string. He nicknamed this instrument the “Contrabass”.In the 1970s, rock music led to different woods being used for the neck: ebony, maple, spruce, rosewood, ash, etc.Luthiers started doing it all!Changes to the Bass Guitar in the 1980sThe digital age emerging in the middle of the 20th century helped create new musical styles thanks to electric instruments like guitars and basses.5-, 6-, and even 8-string basses were c reated. There were basses made from carbon, thick necks, flat necks, everything! While guitars tend to get most of the limelight, there are tonnes of different types of bass guitars, too! (Source: danpicasso2)Similarly, the 1980s saw new types of pickups, volume and tone dials, and improved nuts.Manufacturers also looked to broaden their offering to meet demand. Every musician had different tastes and they loved the choice. In the 80s and 90s, composers sought to express themselves further.This is why so many variations to the bass guitar were made. There were even basses tuned an octave lower than standard tuning. 5- and 6-string basses were used in Latin, jazz, funk, and metal music.At just under 90 years old, there are now sub-categories of bass guitar:Electric bassElectro-acoustic bassFretless bassesExtended range bass (ERB): 5- or 6-string basses.Nowadays, bassists have the choice of using combo amps, heads, amps with tubes or transistors with their bass guitars.Beware: Bass amps are different from guitar amps. They can’t handle the same frequencies.Now yo u should know more about the history of bass guitars. This should help you when it comes to learning how to play and choosing your first bass guitar.Find out more about the role bassists play.If you'd like to learn more, consider getting tutorials from one of the many talented bass tutors on Superprof. They can offer you one of the three main types of bass tutorials.Face-to-face tutorials are your traditional private tutorials between the student and a tutor. They're great if there's something specific you'd like to learn as the lessons will be tailored to you and your learning style. However, this bespoke service comes at a cost, meaning that this type of tutorial is usually the most costly.Online tutorials are also just between a single student and their tutor but their tutor won't be there in the room with them. Instead, they'll provide their tutorial over webcam. While this isn't always ideal for hands-on subjects, if you have a decent mic, a talented tutor can teach you how to play bass without even being in the room with you.Finally, you can also get group tutorials. With several paying students attending the tutorial, this type of tutorial tends to be the cheapest per person per hour. Of course, the tutor's attention is also divided amongst the students and they won't be able to tailor the lessons to a single student. However, in the beginning, this might be a good option as everyone needs to learn the basics and you don't want to spend too much money on a new hobby if you think you mightn't stick at it.Luckily for you, many of the tutors on Superprof offer the first hour of tuition for free. This is a great way to get to know your potential tutor, ask them about their teaching style, experience, and qualifications, and iron out the finer details of the kind of tuition you'd like.

Infographic 10 Best Fitness Exercises Stretches for Musicians

Infographic 10 Best Fitness Exercises Stretches for Musicians Suzy S. As musicians, it can be easy to forget that it’s not just our mind that matters our body plays a role in learning music, too! And just as it’s important to find a great teacher to guide us toward reaching our goals, it’s also vital that we remember how to take care of ourselves. Here are 10 fitness exercises, stretches, and activities  you can do to stay in tip-top shape, for all types of musicians from singers to guitarists to wind instrumentalists and more! Share this Image On Your Site pstrongPlease include attribution to TakeLessons.com with this graphic./strong/pbr /br / pa href=https://takelessons.com/blog/fitness-exercises-for-musiciansimg src=https://takelessons.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/10-Essential-Fitness-Exercises-for-Musicians.png alt= width=720px border=0 //a/pbr /br / p 10 Fitness Exercises Activities for Musicians Power yoga What it is: Fitness-oriented classes that focus on breathing, alignment, strength, balance, and opening up the body Best for: Everyone How to get started: Choose between heated and non-heated classes at a local studio or with a private yoga instructor; look for vinyasa-based classes that link breath to movement. Learning how to properly and deeply breathe isn’t just important for singers! Taking full breaths is known to reduce stress and improve concentration. Breathing slowly and deeply, especially during challenging yoga poses, will help you to do so during stressful moments, calming both your mind and your body. See also: 15 Yoga Poses with Powerful Benefits for Singers [Videos], Yoga for Musicians via Yoga Journal Core strengthening What it is: Exercises that strengthen the muscles in your torso, including your abdominals and back muscles Best for: Vocalists, pianists, wind instrumentalists How to get started:  You can incorporate core work in many different workout formats, but especially in Pilates, yoga, and kickboxing classes. Or create a routine for yourself that includes planks, crunches, and oblique work. Put simply, you need a strong core to hold yourself upright. It’s not just about having a six-pack; having a weak core can put strain on your back and ultimately cause chronic back pain. Core strength also helps improve your balance and stability super important for all the sitting and standing we do! See also:  8-minute Abs Workout,  Beginner Pilates videos  via Blogilates Posture work What it is: Exercises that help maintain proper alignment of your spine Best for: Everyone How to get started:  This is usually incorporated heavily in barre and yoga; you can also try doing some simple exercises at home, such as wall sits or shoulder rolls anything that encourages your shoulders back and down, your chin slightly tucked, and your feet parallel with each other. Sitting at a computer all day, being hunched over our phones, and  slouching in general can wreak havoc on our posture. Over time, our spine begins to morph into the wrong shape chin jutting forward, shoulders hunched, feet forming a v-shape. Not to mention that a performer with poor posture just doesn’t look as confident or as professional! See also: Posture and Breathing, via Brass Musician Magazine Arm strengthening What it is: Exercises that strengthen the biceps, triceps, and shoulder muscles Best for: Percussionists, pianists, string instrumentalists, wind and brass instrumentalists How to get started: Most common in weight training classes; create your own circuit at home or at the gym, including push-ups and different weight-lifting exercises. No matter if you’re a singer or you play an instrument, chances are you’re going to be holding something up, whether it’s your music,  your instrument, or your arms. Some instruments may even require using the strength of your arms for certain techniques. Strengthening your arm and shoulder muscles can help prevent injuries, especially to the joints that end up fatigued when they aren’t supported by strong enough muscles. See also:  Is weight training safe for pianists?  via Tim Topham, How Weight Training Has Made Me a Better Musician via William James Intense cardio What it is: Exercises that increase your heart rate and keep it high or raise it in intervals Best for: Everyone How to get started: Try a spin class or do sprints, jumping-rope, or jumping jacks on your own. Cardiovascular health is important for everyone, but musicians especially can benefit from the mind-over-matter mentality that it takes to push yourself past your limits. And increasing your heart rate during exercise can ease stress, relieve anxiety, and help you sleep better all of which benefit both your practice and your performance. See also:  Burst Training for Beginners  via Dr. Josh Axe Dance classes What it is: Classes (or videos) that include short snippets of choreography and a variety of genres of music Best for: Vocalists, instrumentalists (especially those playing in any sort of ensemble or band) How to get started:  Try a Jazzercise, Zumba, or cardio hip-hop class. These classes are a great workout, and some formats include strength training, too. Dance classes with choreography require you to stay present and focused, and to memorize moves in the context of the music. These skills come in handy when you need to memorize a piece of music, especially if you are singing or playing with others. They also require coordination and improve your rhythm by forcing your body to feel the beat. Lastly, dance classes can expose you to types of music you might not listen to on your own. See also:  30-minute Aerobic Dance Workout  via GoodHealth 24/7 Neck shoulder stretches What it is: Stretches that ease tension in your neck and shoulders and encourage them to stay relaxed, even after the stretch is over. These stretches also bring balance to your body Best for: Pianists, wind instrumentalists, guitar players, string instrumentalists How to get started: Do several stretches that include the front and sides of your neck and the fronts of your shoulders; do these several times a day, especially before and after practicing. Keeping tension in your neck and shoulders while practicing can cause you to suffer more over time. Especially if you allow your shoulders to come up and forward, this can really weaken your posture and cause back pain, in addition to the neck pain already present. Tension can also inhibit your playing, since many techniques require your muscles to be controlled but in a relaxed way. See also:  10 Essential Stretches for Musicians via Music Notes, 11 Stretching Exercises for Musicians via The Strad, 16 Simple Stretches for Tight Shoulders via Greatist Hip flexor stretches backbends What it is: Stretches that open up the front of your body and counteract all the sitting and leaning forward we do Best for: Vocalists, pianists, guitarists, drummers How to get started: Many yoga postures are hip openers and backbends; take a yoga class, work with a private yoga teacher, or do a few stretches on your own at home. Tension in the front of your body causes it to be imbalanced and ends up pulling on the back of your body. This takes a toll on your posture and can cause muscle and joint pain. Some say that we carry our stress in our hips, so opening them up would naturally help relieve that stress. Backbending opens your chest and lungs and can help you breathe more deeply. See also:  4 Hip Flexor Stretches to Relive Tight Hips  via Stack Outdoor hobbies What it is: Any outdoor activity that forces you to breathe and/or sweat! Best for: Everyone How to get started: Go hiking, biking, or swimming; do a marathon or mud run; take a surfing or stand-up paddleboarding class. In his piece “For Poets”, Al Young advises “Come on out into the sunlight/ Breathe in Trees/Don’t forget to fly”. The message rings true for all artists the best inspiration comes from being out in nature and experiencing life. Many musicians spend so much time holed up in studios and practice rooms, so it’s even more important to remind ourselves to get out there and have those one-of-a-kind experiences. See also:  5 Things That Smart Musicians Do Every Day, via SonicBids Meditation What it is: Sitting in stillness, calming your mind, and focusing on your breath for a certain amount of time Best for: Performers How to get started: Take a meditation class  or listen to a guided meditation. Meditation not only reduces stress and anxiety, it also improves focus and memory. And when you have the skills to calm your mind anywhere, anytime, you can handle anything! For performers especially, practicing meditation will connect your mind and body and allow you to keep calm, no matter how many people are in the audience. See also:  Free Guided Meditations  via UCLA Health,  How Musicians Can Really Benefit From Meditation via GuitarHabits Try these fitness exercises, get healthy, and give your music the strong, vibrant musician it deserves! And don’t forget one of the most important aspects of growing as a musician: a great teacher who will guide you and encourage you to be the best you can be. Good luck! Post Author:  Jasmine T. Jasmine T. teaches piano, academics, yoga, and more in San Diego, CA. She has her Power Yoga Level 1 200-Hour Certification, as well as a Certificate of Merit for Piano and Theory from the Music Teachers Association of California. Learn more about Jasmine 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

What is it like to Attend Princeton University

What is it like to Attend Princeton University The tutors behind Varsity Tutors are not just here to teach theyre sharing their college experiences as well. Sarah graduated from Princeton University in 2011 with a Bachelors degree in Anthropology. She currently tutors in Phoenix, specializing in numerous subjects including Calculus tutoring, MCAT prep tutoring, and SAT prep tutoring. See what she had to say about her time at Princeton: VT: Describe the campus setting and transportation options. Are there buses or do you need a car/bike? Sarah: Princeton is a campus that is very easily navigated. The vast majority of students walk to class, and I would say on average, it took me 5-10 minutes to walk from my dorm to a class.There are some students who ride bikes, but they are mostly Engineers who live in the dorm that is on the opposite side of campus from the Engineering buildings. VT: How available are the professors, academic advisers, and teaching assistants? Sarah: Academic advisors are incredibly helpful. You are assigned a professor who will be your academic advisor (until you declare a major at the end of sophomore year) before freshman year. This professor advises only about 8 students, so there is plenty of one-on-one time. I remember we first met our advisor group at a barbeque the week before classes started. There are also numerous academic advising fairs where you can speak to professors, upperclassmen, and advisors, grouped according to discipline. VT: How would you describe the dorm life rooms, dining options, location, socialization opportunities with other students? Sarah: Dorm life is the reason I chose to go to Princeton. Students live on campus all four years, and the university is divided into 6 residential colleges. Each residential college has a dining hall, intramural sports teams, and various fun events. Each residential college has multiple dorms, and then each dorm is divided into Zee Groups which usually have about 24 students. Each Zee group has an RCA (Residential College Advisor) who is an upperclassman who is there for support and facilitating all sorts of social and cultural activities (I was an RCA). I think that some of my best friends from Princeton were people who were in the same dorm as me. VT: Which majors/programs are best represented and supported? Sarah: This is varied. I remember there being a lot of Economics and History majors, but Id say that every department at Princeton is phenomenal. VT: How easy or difficult was it for you to meet people and make friends as a freshman? Sarah: Making friends was easy freshman year because of the way we were grouped with others, and all of the activities that were organized for us during Freshman Week. Its nice having the Residential College system, and not all being thrown into one big pond at once. VT: How helpful is the Career Centerand other student support services?Do many reputable companies recruit on campus? Sarah: I only ever went to the Health Professions Advising center, which was very helpful. They made sure I was taking all the pre-requisites for medical school, and that I completed all of the steps that I needed for applications. VT: How are the various study areas such aslibraries, student union, and dorm lounges? Are they over-crowded, easily available, spacious? Sarah: I love and miss the old libraries. Princeton reminded me of a castle, and there were always fun places to explore. I remember there being an old library in the basement of one of the old stone buildings that was incredibly beautiful. There is everything you could wantnumerous libraries from ones that have been around for over 100 years, to modern and interactive study spaces. The other thing that was nice was that printing was free and very accessible. 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? Sarah: The town of Princeton is absolutely gorgeous. There are many local independent shops and historic sites. Honestly, I chose Princeton because of the university and not because of the surrounding town. There was so much happening on campus that I honestly sometimes forgot that there was a world outside. VT: How big or small is the student body? Were you generally pleased or displeased with the typical class sizes? Sarah: I think the student body was over 5,000. This made it so that you were constantly running into people you knew, but you never knew everyone in your class. This would have been an overwhelming size for me if it hadnt been broken up into the residential colleges. VT: Describe one memorable experience with a professor and/or class. Perhaps one you loved the most or one youregretthe most. Sarah: There are too many to count. I guess one example would be that in high school I absolutely dreaded History. I was upset that I was required to take some type of History class at Princeton for our core distribution requirements. I signed up for U.S. History: 1920s until Present, because I thought that at least I would have a good knowledge of important events. The professor was Kevin Kruse, and after the first lecture, I was hooked. He lectured in a way that was much more story-telling than lecturing. I was engrossed, and looked forward to going to class. Even the material that he assigned was fascinating. Another example was the reason I decided to become an Anthropology major. I took a class with Alan Man called Human Adaptation and Evolution. Dr. Man put many of our medical problems as a society today in the context of human evolution. One example is the compromise we made, becoming bipedal and at the same time having larger skull sizes. This made the angle of the femur greater for women for child birth. This greater angle helps explain ACL injuries in women. Check out Sarahs tutoring profile. The views expressed in this article do not necessarily represent the views of Varsity Tutors.

A Checklist for Your Final Semester of Grad School

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

Maths Revision Resources A Level GCSE Maths Past Papers

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

The Best Resources for Maths Revision

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

15 Famous Drummers You Should Know About

15 Famous Drummers You Should Know About The Best Drummers in the World ChaptersFamous Jazz DrummersBest Rock Drummers of All TimeFamous Female DrummersLearning From Your Favourite DrummersAnyone who has ever taken face to face or online  drum lessons has dreamed of becoming one of the greatest drummers of all time. They want to influence young jazz drummers just as they were influenced by the bands of their youth, play the drum solo in a metal band and find themselves on the cover of Drummer Magazine.Superprof is here with a list of famous drummers to provide inspiration to aspiring musicians., then with Rod Stewart. His younger brother Vinny played with Dio and Black Sabbath.Ian PaicePaice is the one member of Deep Purple who has been with them from the start. He plays hard and fast and full of energy and is know for hits such as “Smoke on the Water” and “Hush”.Phil CollinsThough Phil Collins also played jazz, he is best known for being the lead drummer in the Prog-Rock band Genesis. He is widely considered to have been the best drummer of the 1970s, often coming into the studio to support other well-known names. He is known for his “gated snare” drum sound. Nerve damage has forced him to retire as a drummer in 2007 (or has it?), but his legacy lives on.Learn which drums make up a traditional drum set...Dave GrohlFrom playing on pillows with snare sticks to contributing to Nirvana’s hard, uncompromising sound, Grohl has truly come up in life.He is the lead guitarist and main songwriter for the Foo Fighters and still drums for Them Crooked Vultures.Dave Grohl, drummer for Nirvana, Foo Fighters and Them Crooked Vultures. Photo credit: Giarc80HC on Visualhunt.comGinger BakerTrained in jazz, Baker started with the band “Cream”. He’s known for his power style, complicated rhythms, energy and showmanship. Ginger spent several years in Nigeria to study African drumming, and his rhythmic style reflects it.To take drum lessons anywhere in the UK, you only need to head to Superprof!Famous Female DrummersFor some reason, female drummers are not quite as visible as male drummers in rock bands, but a number of women have made their mark in the music world as some of the best drummers around.Cindy Santana-BlackmanA versatile drummer who has worked in jazz drumming and rock, she first rose to prominence drumming for Lenny Kravitz. She has drummed with a variety of bands including Spectrum Road, Sam Rivers and her husband Carlos Santana.Sheila E.Sheila Escovedo is a well-known drummer, singer and songwriter who had her big break during the eighties. She is best known for her work with Prince.Meg WhiteThe percussionist for the blues rock duo The White Stripes, Meg White has a minimalist, flowing style that set a powerful stage for their music. She often sang as well.Karen CarpenterThough her career was tragically ended by anorexia, Karen Carpenter was known as a drummer before she was famous as the lead singer of The Carpenters. She was especially admired for her ability to drum and sing and the same tim e, something that is not easy to do.Janet WeissConsidered as one of the top fifty best drummers in the world, Janet Weiss has played with bands such as The Furies, then got taken on with Sleater-Kinney after an impromptu jam session after one of their shows. She also played for Quasi, the Jicks and Wild Flag.Bobbye HallA session musician not affiliated with any one rock band, Bobby Hall has played with many of the greats, including Stevie Wonder, Bob Dylan, Lynyrd Skynyrd, The Doors and Pink Floyd. She plays a dizzying array of percussion instruments, from congos to congas to tabla to the güiro.Discover also the history of playing drums through the ages!Bobbye Hall is a session musician who has worked with all the greats, with a large number of percussion instruments. Photo credit: Sunkissis, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=40881344Learning From Your Favourite DrummersLooking at the performances of star drummers is a good way to progress in your craft. Watch music v ideos or YouTube videos of concerts and pay attention to their technique on the snare drum, their trick for double bass rolls, how they hold their sticks or hit the cymbal.Of course, part of finding yourself as a musician is finding the moves that are most comfortable for you. But if you try to imitate other drummers, you will get a feel for what works for you and what does not. It will give you ideas for your drum fills and a starting point for elaborating your own style.Try looking at drummers outside of your own music style. Sometimes certain trends in a genre can lead to bad habits or ignoring a technique that is very common in jazz though it’s rarely done in funk.Also, finding what you liked or didn’t like in their performance will help you fine-tune your own. You can try recording yourself or having a friend make a movie as you play the drums so you can analyse your own performance the way you did that of your drumming idol.If you are taking drum lessons London or in Manch ester, our Superprof drum tutors will teach you how to emulate your drumming heroes! You can even find drum lessons for kids.Now discover more facts about the drums!

LSAT Tip of the Week Analytical Reasoning Practice Problem #1

LSAT Tip of the Week Analytical Reasoning Practice Problem #1 LSAT Law School Blog This week, we will focus on an example of how to setup an analytical reasoning (logic games) question. Our practice question will be from the June 2007 LSAT. This is Section 1, Question 1: A company employee generates a series of five-digit product codes in accordance with the following rules: The codes use the digits 0, 1, 2, 3, and 4, and no others. Each digit occurs exactly once in any code. The second digit has a value exactly twice that of the first digit. The value of the third digit is less than the value of the fifth digit. Rule 1 - First, we will diagram this question by pulling out each rule we are given. The first one states that it is a five-digit code, so we will make 5 blank spaces. __ __ __ __ __ Rule 2 - Next, we are told that these digits only use the digits 0-4 and no others. 0 1 2 3 4 Rule 3 - Then we are told each digit occurs only one time. 0 1 2 3 4 1 1 1 1 1 Rule 4 - The next rule is that the second digit has a value exactly twice that of the first digit, so: x 2x _ _ _ : From this rule we can infer that there are only two possibilities once this rule is considered, either: 1 2 _ _ _ OR 2 4 _ _ _ Rule 5 - Our final rule is that the value of the third digit is less than the value of the fifth digit. From this we infer that the number “4” cannot be in space 3 and the number “0” cannot be in space 5. Once you diagram it always is smart to make a few scenario possibilities with all the rules taken into account. So, we have: #1: 1 2 0/3 _ 3/4 â€" This is compiling all the rules since we know the second number has to be twice the first, which works here with 1 2. It also takes into account that the third digit fifth digit â€" and we only have the numbers 0, 3, and 4 left so this means that spots 3 and 5 will either be 0 3, 0 4, or 3 4. #2: 2 4 0/1 _ 1/3 â€" Again, we are compiling all the rules since we know second number is twice the first, which works with 2 4. It also takes into account that third digit fifth digit â€" and we only have the numbers 0, 1, and 3 left. So, this means that spots 3 and 5 will either be 0 1, 0 3, or 1 3. With the rules down and the two scenarios already figured out, you will probably be able to already answer a question or two. Let’s try the first one together just to see how we will implement what we have diagrammed. Question 1: If the last digit of an acceptable product code is 1, it must be true that the (A) first digit is 2 (B) second digit is 0 (C) third digit is 3 (D) fourth digit is 4 (E) fourth digit is 0 This is a “must be true” question and we must implement all of our previously stated rules in addition to the new one we are given, that the last digit has to be 1. Since we diagrammed and made example scenarios, this will be a piece of cake. We will use Scenario #2 here: #2: 2 4 0/1 _ 1/3 Our new rule is that digit 5 must be 1, so: 2 4 0/1 _ 1 Since each digit can only be used once (Rule # 3), we know that the third digit will have to be 0, and the only digit left for digit 4 is a 3- so we have our final code: 2 4 0 3 1. Now answering the question will be simple, we will just run through each answer choice and see which was holds to be true with the code we have created. Option (a) states that the first digit is 2, which is correct! While you're working hard and studying practice questions, make sure you take some time to read up on current events in the law school world.