Ask an Admissions Expert Densil R. R. Porteous II

Ask an Admissions Expert Densil R. R. Porteous II Varsity Tutors brings you insider tips and advice straight from nationally recognized admissions experts. Densil R. R. Porteous II is currently the Director of Admissions at Columbus College of Art Design. He has served in leadership roles in admissions at Stanford Universityand his alma mater, Kenyon College. Densil has also taught at the high school and post-secondary levels when he served as Director of College Counseling at the Drew School in San Francisco and College Counseling Certificate Instructor at University of California, San Diego. VT: How far ahead of time should a student begin working on his or her college application? Densil: Arent students always working on their college application? Not to add to the unneeded stress of an already complicated process, but we know that everything a student does will somehow shape that ever generic college application. However, when it comes down to an application for a specific college I think a student can start a month or two into their senior year. With the prevalence of the Common Application and the Universal Application we now know that the root of many applications are the samethis is an effort by colleges and universities to take away a little stress from this process for students. Each school may have a supplement that a student should spend solid time on reflecting on the school specific questions and considering the answers that best speak to that schools community. Identify a schools application deadline, give yourself a deadline about a week before that deadline and then map back one month from that point. This may allow a student to create a large ca lendar of all the moving pieces needed to complete several applications at different schools. VT: What are the best ways to go about selecting a terrific essay topic? Densil: Ive been working in admissions for roughly eleven years as a professional and four years on top of that as a para-professional. I can say for certain there is no such thing as a terrific essay topic. There is such a thing as a well-crafted essayregardless of topic. The end game from an admissions essay is the admissions officer getting a deeper understanding of the applicantand hopefully how that applicant will engage as a part of that schools community. So, it is not about the topic, but it is about how you present the topic, the notion of how that topic relates to the essence of you, the applicant, and potentially how you see all of that affecting who you are and aim to become. VT: Are there any essay topics you get tired of seeing or would warn students to stay away from? Densil: The other day I estimated that I have read right about 10,000 essays during my time as an admissions officerthat is a large number. What I can say is that there are many variations on a theme. During my time as a college counselor I told my students never to write about something they wouldnt have in an open conversation with a very close friends parent. Say your best friend is someone you have known for at least ten years; youve been over to the house, likely had sleepovers, have gotten to know the family fairly well. You might be open to sharing the stories of struggles, a recent breakup, that tough choice you had to make about cheatingbut then there are those things that might make you blush if you had to share it with them. I wont give examples herebut if think youll blush when telling your very close friends parent then youll probably not present it in a very eloquent in an essay that wont make an admissions officer feel uncomfortable. And remember it is about the presen tation of the topic more than the topic itself. VT: What is the biggest mistake a student can make on a college application? Densil: Lying. Dont falsify information, dont add puffery to your presentation of self and dont write what you think the school wants to read. Be yourself, express your essence and do all of that respectfully. VT: What is the typical process an admissions officer goes through to evaluate applications? Densil: Every school is different but the core of the application evaluation process is trying to get a deeper sense of the student through the students written presentation of self, through any extra evaluative support from teachers or college counselors and looking at any numerical information that gives a sense of potential success in the classroom. VT: What do you think is the single most important thing a student should make sure they present in the best possible way on their application? Densil: Everything. A student should present everything in the best possible way being their most authentic self. VT: How should students go about determining the culture of a university, and whether they would be a good fit? Densil: We live in an age where so many students do their research about schools by visiting websites and listening to friendsthese are okay outlets but ultimately spending time on a campus really gives a student the sense of a community. Being able to engage with members of the community genuinely give a sense of what a prospective student can expect. A campus is made up of a variety of personalities and that sense of culture requires an experiential understanding. VT: Early-action, early-decision, binding/non-binding, regular decisions...With so many choices when applying, what do you recommend to students? Densil: Dont try to game the system. Do your research and make an informed decision. ED is bindingbe sure that is where you want to be and can afford to be. EA is not binding, but be sure that at the moment you submit that application you believe your application is the strongest it can be and that it wont change if you applied at a later time. Ask an admission professional at the school at which you are interested about statics in relation to acceptance rates, ask about that specific schools philosophy in relation to the different application options. Every school is different and being informed is most important. VT: How important are grades and standardized test scores when admissions decisions are being made? Densil: This is school specific as some schools dont require standardized test scores and some schools may not request transcripts until much later in the process of application review. A student needs to understand one thing: your numerical portfolio does reflect if and how you might be successful in the classroom at a college or university. If a student feels a need to contextualize their numerical portfolio because it doesnt fully reflect who they are as a student in the classroom then they need to share that information with an admissions office. If there is a learning difference present then an admissions needs to know that so as best to contextualize and application. If a student suffered from a physical illness keeping them from engaging in classroom, stresses at home, family obligations, work responsibilitiesall of these things may impact the numerical portfolio for a student and an admissions person doesnt know unless a student explains the situation. VT: What tips do you have for students asking their teachers for letters of recommendation? Densil: Ask early. Dont wait until a week before the deadline to request a letteryou will get a rushed letter. Dont just ask the teacher in the class where you got an Athat teacher may have very little to say about you. Find a teacher that likes youwe are human and we dont get along with everyonejust because you have an A in this particular class doesnt mean you get along the best with that teacher. Dont be afraid to consider a teacher where you have a lower gradeif it is a class where you working really hard and giving 110% that teacher will likely speak best to you dedication to an academic topic. Dont wait until the last minute you will get a rushed letter; ask earlyoh, did I say that already?The views expressed in this article do not necessarily represent the views of Varsity Tutors.

Dont Quit Now! How to Keep Kids Interested in Music Lessons

Dont Quit Now! How to Keep Kids Interested in Music Lessons Megan L. Few things are more frustrating than investing your time and money in an instrument and lessons for your child only to hear weeks later that theyve changed their mind and dont want to continue. Although youre frustrated and you want your kid to get the many advantages that music lessons have to offer, you also dont want to turn your home into a battleground. Whats a parent to do? If your child tells you that they dont want to continue with music lessons or if you sense that their motivation is slipping, you can take action. Read on to find out what you can do to keep your kid committed to learning music! Ask Why, and Really Listen The most important thing you can do is really listen to whats happening in your childs life that is making them want to quit. Do they feel shy or insecure about learning something new? Are they frustrated because learning music is more work than they thought?  Let your child know that its totally normal to feel nervous about trying a new activity and learning takes time. Share with them a time when you felt nervous or frustrated with something but you persevered and eventually succeeded. Put it on the Calendar Sit down with a calendar and write down all of your childs activities. If the calendar starts to look more like it belongs to a busy executive than a third grader, your kid is probably feeling overwhelmed and over-scheduled! If music is important to your child but stress is making them want to quit to get some free time, look at other activities and see if there is anything else that can be cut out. Talk to their Teacher   Everybody has different inherent strengths that come into play when learning music. Maybe your child is frustrated with the piano because theyre a natural drummer or a shy singer who would love to pick up a guitar. Talk with your childs teacher to see what their honest feedback is about your childs musical strengths and weaknesses. Switching instruments or going from an instrument to vocal lessons (or vice versa!) can help keep your kid involved in music in a way that is better suited to their learning style and personality. Try a Different Method   If your child is having a hard time with the pacing of group music lessons, get him or her involved in private, one-on-one music lessons. Ask your child how they feel about their teacher. If their teachers approach or personality isnt the best fit for helping your child succeed, dont feel bad about trying out lessons with a different instructor! Set a Goal Whether its learning a favorite song or preparing for a performance, help your child pick a goal and show them how continuing lessons will help them reach it. When kids see that their hard work and practice is going toward a tangible achievement, they usually feel more excited and determined to continue. Parents, how do you keep your kids interested in music lessons? Share your stories and advice in the comments! 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 Photo by CProppe

A Last-Minute Checklist Before Submitting Your College Application

A Last-Minute Checklist Before Submitting Your College Application Congratulationsyou are nearly finished with your college applications! Although most schools provide applicants with a list of items to submit, it is still possible to overlook a detail or two. These are 4 tips to manage the college application process. Here is a last-minute checklist before submitting your college application to help you ensure that you have dotted every i and crossed every t. 1. Review what forms are requiredand when In addition to your personal information, high school records, and standardized test scores, prospective colleges require a variety of supplementary documents. For instance, if you plan to attend a state school, you will likely need to provide proof of residency. Know your deadlines. Though you should already be familiar with your due dates, it does not hurt to check each colleges website once again. The deadline for transfer students may also be different, so make sure you apply at the appropriate time. Here are 5 must-do steps before submitting your college application. 2. Verify that your ACT/SAT scores were sent This is especially important if you are applying to several schools. Since there can be a large period of time between registering for your test, studying for your test, completing your test, and receiving your scores, it is easy to forget which colleges have already received your scores and which have not. 3. Remember that honesty is the best policy If your college requires a resume, submit an updated copy. If you automatically upload your resume from last summer, you may neglect to highlight that important internship from the fall. While you do not want to omit details, you should also take care to avoid overstating any information. Wording a resume can be difficult, especially when you wish to make a good impression. Nevertheless, admissions officers can quickly spot exaggerations and inconsistencies. 4. Read and revise Edit your essays not once, buttwice. Make sure your content and voice come across as you intended them. If you are uncertain, ask a trusted teacher ortutor to proofread them for you. These are 6 application essay mistakesto avoid. 5. Pay special attention to special programs Applicants to special programs in music, dance, or art may be required to provide an audition DVD or portfolio. Consequently, you not only want to ensure your work is top quality, but that the presentation is, as well. Revise your videos as you would an essay. Check for fuzzy transitions and edit out unnecessary background noise. Ensure only your talent is in the spotlight. 6. Confirm everything The benefit of submitting your college application by mail is that it allows you to visualize what you are sending by manually collating it in a folder. However, now that most college applications are online, it is possible that partsor allof your application will be electronic. Confirm that your transcripts, test scores, and other supplementary materials have been received, and when you click submit on your application, look for a confirmation email in your inbox. If you are opting for traditional mail, confirm that the mailing address is correct. Even though this is a last-minute checklist, do not wait until the midnight hour to apply. If your application is due on a Friday, send it the Monday before. Part of making a good impression is being prompt. And do not worryif you have done all you can, you are sure to do well. Here are some additional top tips for completing your college applications.

Songs to Practise Singing

Songs to Practise Singing The Best Music for Learning How to Sing ChaptersThe Best Songs to Practise SingingThe Most Popular HymnsThe Best Patriotic Songs for Learning How to SingChristmas Songs for Learning how to SingTo learn how to sing, you need to improve your vocal technique by using something that we all have, a voice. Singers use their vocal cords and breathing to produce pleasing sounds for a huge variety of different musical styles.To learn how to sing, they often need to attend singing lessons - private lessons or group lessons - with an experienced singing teacher. Nevertheless, you can still learn to sing on your own by practising without taking lessons.In this article, Superprof has a list of great songs you can use to exercise your voice, try new vocal techniques, and learn how to sing. We’ve got popular songs, hymns, Christmas songs, and even some patriotic songs.Whether you're learning to sing in pitch, establishing your vocal range, or just need some singing tips, here's a great selection of songs you can use in your voice lesso ns or just to improve your singing when you're practising on your own! TraceySinging Teacher 4.92 (13) £25/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors PortiaSinging Teacher 4.91 (11) £35/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors NicolaSinging Teacher 5.00 (11) £40/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors JazzSinging Teacher 5.00 (6) £40/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors PerrineSinging Teacher 5.00 (3) £50/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors TiemSinging Teacher £40/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors TomSinging Teacher £25/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors MiriamSinging Teacher 5.00 (4) £35/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutorsThe Best Songs to Practise SingingThere are plenty of great modern and classic songs to help you to learn how to sing some songs are known by just about everyone. Here are some of the best songs for learning how to sing. There are plenty of great popular songs you can use to practise your singing. (Source: Pexels)Learning to sing is much easier when you love the song you're singing. You just need to find songs you like with the singing techniques you're working on in them. If you have a voice teacher, they can often find some good ones for you, but if you don't, here are a few great popular songs you can sing along to with or without a music teacher.Coldplay â€" Fix You: This song is a great one to sing along to if you want to get better at hitting a high note. There's a lot of switching between your chest voice and head voice. There are quite a few long vowels where you'll need to hold the notes or do a short run of notes.Christina Perri â€" A Thousand Years:  This is a great song if you want to learn how to sing. There's a good variation in rhythm between the choruses and verses and you won't need to use your head voice a lot as there isn't any call for falsetto.Sam Smith â€" Stay With Me: This one is quite fun vocally. This is another song where you need to sing high notes with your head voice and go back down to your chest voice. That said, there are some points in the song where Sam Smith doesn't make use of his head voice to hit some of the notes.The Most Popular HymnsWhether you’re religious or not, the music used in hymns is great for beginners as they’re often designed to be sung by those with little or no experience in singing. Here are some of the most popular hymns to get you started with singing. You'd be surprised at how good hymns are for learning how to sing. (Source: ddzphoto)Oh Happy DayOh Happy Day is a gospel arrangement that was created in 1967 by The Edwin Hawkins Singers who had success in the United States and around the world. Here are the lyrics:Oh happy day (oh happy day)Oh happy day (oh happy day)When Jesus washed (when Jesus washed)When Jesus washed (when Jesus washed)When Jesus washed (when Jesus washed)He washed my sins away (oh happy day)Oh happy day (oh happy day)He taught me how to watch, fight and pray, fight and prayAnd live rejoicing every, every dayOh happy dayHe taught me howOh happy day (oh happy day)Oh happy day (oh happy day)Oh happy day (oh happy day)There’s a great version of this song in Sister Act.The Lord’s PrayerThe Lord’s Prayer is a religious hymn that takes the namesake prayer (also known as “Our Father...”) and adds music to it. The advantage is that any practising Christian will already know all the words. You can use it to pr actise your singing voice while adding a melody.The Best Patriotic Songs for Learning How to SingIf you’ve ever watched “Last Night of the Proms”, you’ll know that there’s plenty of great rousing patriotic music that you can sing along with.If you want to improve your voice, there are some great songs written about the UK that will have you trying to hit high notes, using vibrato, and working your diaphragm.Here are some of the most rousing patriotic songs for learning how to sing! Rousing patriotic songs are good for practising your singing. (Source: skeeze)Land of Hope and GloryThis British patriotic song was written by Edward Elgar with lyrics by A.C. Benson and is part of the Pomp and Circumstance March No. 1. King Edward had suggested to Elgar that the melody would make a great song.The most famous part is the chorus, which is as follows:Land of Hope and Glory, Mother of the Free, How shall we extol thee, who are born of thee? Wider still and wider shall thy bounds be set; God, who made thee mighty, make thee mightier yet, God, who made thee mighty, make thee mightier yet.The song is at a reasonable tempo and requires a fairly narrow vocal range so it shouldn't pose too much of a challenge to aspiring singers.Rule BritanniaThis patriotic song is great for testing your singing ability. Whether you use it as a vocal warm-up or the core of a singing lesson, this can do wonders for your vocal training.God Save the QueenThe good thing about the national anthem of the UK is that it's quite slow and simple and almost anyone can sing it. Of course, great singers can turn it into something more than the kind of droning chorus is becomes in sporting events, but as a national anthem, it's meant to be sung by everyone so it's good that you don't need to be a professional singer to get it right.There are no runs, very few notes that are held for a long time, and it's one of the better songs to perform in a choir or a group since the more people singing it, the better it sounds.Christmas Songs for Learning how to SingIf there’s a time of the year when everyone wants to sing, it’s Christmas.What better way to learn how to sing than with Christmas songs and Christmas carols?Here are some of the best Christmas songs for learning how to sing. A jolly Christmas song is great for practising your singing during the holiday season. (Source: Pexels)Jingle BellsThe song “Jingle Bells” is one of the most popular Christmas carols and has versions all over the world. Here are the opening lyrics:Jingle bells, jingle bells,Jingle all the way.Oh! what fun it is to rideIn a one-horse open sleigh.Jingle bells, jingle bells,Jingle all the way.Oh! what fun it is to ride in a one-horse open sleigh.Not only will this song help you learn how to sing but it may even bring back memories of Christmases gone. Furthermore, the whole family can sing along with you.O Christmas TreeO Christmas Tree is a Christmas carol that originated in Germany and is regularly heard during the holiday season. The joyful melody makes it an ideal song for practising singing over the Christmas period.Petit Papa NoëlPetit Papa Noël (literally Little Father Christmas) is a 1944 French song from Tino Rossi. While very popular in France, it’s a useful song for l earning how to sing.There are many famous artists who’ve covered it and even a few English-speaking artists that you may have heard of:Chantal GoyaDorothéeDalidaMireille MathieuClaude FrançoisMichèle TorrCéline DionRoch VoisineJosh GrobanMary J. BligeIf you’re looking to become a singer over the holiday period, these songs should be helpful.Now you have a few songs to get you started without any help from a singing teacher. To learn more, check out our other articles in this series. Once you’ve exhausted our list, you can always look for a private singing tutor on Superprof!If you're singing off-key, straining your voice in your singing exercises, or just struggling to sing high, getting voice training from a professional singer is probably the way to go!On Superprof, there are plenty of talented and experienced singing tutors who can help you. There are three main types of tutorials offered: face-to-face tutorials, online tutorials, and group tutorials. Each type of tutor ial has its pros and cons so think carefully about which type would work best for you, your learning style, and your budget.

How to Become an English Tutor

How to Become an English Tutor Step-by-Step Guide to Become an English Teacher Find Tutoring Jobs ChaptersWhat are the Duties of a Reputable English Teacher?Your Guide to English Teaching According to the National CurriculumHow to Officially Qualify to Teach English to KS1/2 in a School?Guide to Teaching Key Stages 1/2Private TutoringOnce you decide to become a teacher/tutor, you realize that it is a demanding job as much as it is a rewarding job. Before you decide to take up a teaching job, it is prudent to do your research and take note of what's involved.You could become a maths tutor, chemistry tutor, a French tutor, algebra tutor or biology tutor but becoming an English tutor  has some privileges.English skills are crucial for succeeding in English class as well as other classes which students take. Due to this fact, English teachers are provided with a plethora of teaching opportunities. They can teach an amalgam of literary genres ranging from classic, fiction, film, web-based media, non-fiction etc.A good quality English education enables students to be able to speak and write fluently in English. Their communication skills improve and they are able to convey their ideas and emotions in a much better way. They also develop necessary listening and reading skills which help them understand others better.Students grow socially, spiritually, intellectually, emotionally and culturally once they refine their English reading skills. In order to fully participate in the society, they have to acquire all the skills of the English Language.51.6% of the internet is in English, which means that to get the maximum benefit out of the knowledge available online, one has to be proficient in English, the sentence structure, verbs, tenses, vocabulary etc.earn more from tutoring!Learn to to manage teaching students with dyslexia here.

Learning Biology Online Biology Tutors Tutorpace

Learning Biology Online Biology Tutors Tutorpace Of all the branches of science biology is perhaps the most unique as it tries to unravel the mysteries of life. It is universal and knows no boundaries. If it is to be learnt effectively, it must be experienced, and if it is to be experienced, it must be learnt individually by observation and experimentation. This is possible only when one does things by himself. And the only place where the things can be experienced under controlled condition is the laboratory. Biology is thescience which deals with the structure of living organisms and gives us knowledge about how they function. The study of Biology is important to us. Because 1. Biology helps us to understand ourselves better and to realize the meaning of being alive 2. It enables us to meet our needs through judicious use of resources, eradicate diseases and check degradation of our environment 3. It acquaints us with the fundamentals of nutrition, health and population control. 4. It makes us aware of our role on earth, reminds us of our limitations in understanding the ecosystems and enhances our appreciation of the beauty of rich and varied living heritage. 5. It teaches us how to practice science. 6. It warns us about the possible environmental hazards caused by our activities such as indiscriminate use of pesticides and fertilizers, destruction of forests, and discharge of pollutants. Biology applies scientific methods to arrive at an understanding of living organisms. Biology is useful to regard life as complex matter that is susceptible to analysis by chemical and physical approaches.

Checkmate Talking About Overcoming Adversity in English

Checkmate Talking About Overcoming Adversity in English Ugandan girl, Phiona Mutesi leads chess revolution from the slums Whenever we read the paper, we generally extract the information we need without being moved by many, if indeed any, of the articles. Today, however, was an exception for me as I was genuinely touched by a piece I read in the UK Guardian newspaper about an Ugandan girl of humble origins who is on her way to becoming one of the finest chess players or Grandmasters in the country.Before we read the article, lets think about some of the issues it raises:Discussion Questions  Have you ever overcome a situation of adversity?Do you think women have achieved full equality with men in the country in which you live?Is there a group in your country you feel are unrepresented and maybe even that their rights are denied? If so, what can be done to improve the situation of this group?Grammar Questions:  In journalism this is called a color piece, meaning that it focuses on descriptions and impressions rather than analysis. As a result, the article in rich in adjectives. See if you can spot ten ex amples.Pick out one example of a comparative adjective and one example of a superlative adjective?What is the  most used tense in this article: Past simple or present simple?Pick out two examples of direct and two examples of indirect speech in the text.Find two synonyms for the word adversary in the text.Ugandan girl, Phiona Mutesi leads chess revolution from the slumsby Xan Rice in KampalaDespite background the 15-year-old girl is already countrys number two player and has competed at World Chess Olympiad.Photo of Phiona Mutesi by Xan Rice for The Guardian. In a rickety church in a Ugandan slum, a girls hand thrusts forward and a black bishop falls. The girl shows no emotion, though she knows the end is near. Striking quickly, silently, the black queen is toppled, and then the king. Only then does she smile.You attacked too much, she tells the boy sitting opposite her on the wooden bench, a homemade board between them.Phiona Mutesi is 15. She has just finished primary school and i s still learning to read. Her family is so poor they have been evicted from tiny, rented shacks more times than she can remember. She is about as far as you could get from the typical chess player in Uganda â€" doctors, bankers, and their children who attend elite schools.Yet Mutesi already has a strong claim to be the best female player in the country. Last September she competed in the World Chess Olympiad in Siberia as Ugandas No 2, the only girl in a team of university students and working women. On her return she triumphed in the richest and most prestigious local tournament, defeating the countrys top-ranked player along the way.So unlikely and swift has been her rise â€" she has had little formal training and plays largely on instinct â€" that some of Ugandas chess officials are now whispering that Mutesi may not be being unrealistic when she says in a soft voice: I want to be grandmaster. That is still a long way off. But it may not be as improbable as the achievements that she and the other children of Katwe slum in Kampala have already achieved.Theyve caused a chess revolution here, says Godfrey Gali, general secretary of the Uganda Chess Federation.Born in 1995 in Katwe, a vast slum where streams of sewage crisscross the dirt paths, Mutesi was three when her father died. Her sister died soon afterwards. Mutesis mother worked hard, rising at 3am to go the market to buy avocados, eggplants and pumpkins to resell, but money was always tight. After one year of primary school Mutesi was forced to drop out, along with her brothers, and sell boiled maize in the slum.They were just a few of many children in Katwe compelled to work rather than learn â€" children that Robert Katende, a 28-year-old Ugandan employed by the US charity Sports Outreach Institute, was trying to help. Realising his football project was not for everyone, Katende decided to teach chess to a few children. Mutesis brother was among them. One day she followed him to Agape church, where t he games took place. She was nine at the time.I had never heard of chess. But I liked how the pieces looked, she says.Mutesi was a quick, determined learner. Every night she practiced against her brothers, a kerosene lamp in their shack illuminating a board borrowed from Katende. Within a year she was regularly beating Coach Robert. He was impressed â€" I could see how she planned many moves ahead â€" but not surprised. Other children in his class had already proved that growing up poor was no hindrance to being a good player, and may even have been an advantage. These kids in the slums are used to thinking How will I get through the day, Katende says. They are survivors, and chess is a game of survival.After initial resistance from the chess federation, which had insisted that the national junior championships were for schoolchildren, but not children from the streets, Katende was allowed to enter a team from Katwe in 2005.For most of the children it was the first time they had lef t the slums.At the tournament they were isolated, and some of the other competitors thought they were dirty, Katenda recalls. In fact they were wearing their best clothes and looking as smart as they could.In 2007, aged 11, Mutesi entered for the first time. Some of her opponents were twice her age. She won the competition. She defended her title the following year. Though tournaments have not been held since, Mutesi and some of her Katwe team-mates were moving on to bigger things. In 2009 she and two boys from Katwe travelled to Juba, in South Sudan, for a regional childrens tournament involving 16 countries. It was the first time she been to an airport, had her own room, or ordered from a menu.She won all her games, and the girls title. The boys were undefeated too; together they won the team prize. That alone was not groundbreaking â€" though a minnow in world terms, Uganda is rated third among the chess-playing countries in sub-Saharan Africa.But the fact that Mutesi and her two team-mates were all from very poor backgrounds, with little or no access to theory, was unprecedented.In Uganda chess has always been seen as a game for the rich, like golf, says Gali. Now the kids from the slums are among the best players in country.At the Olympiad in Siberia Mutesi was trailed by American and Dutch television crews who had been alerted to her remarkable story. She struggled, losing her first four games â€" opponents included the Canadian No 1 and an Egyptian grandmaster â€" before managing a win. Her consolation was meeting her chess hero, Gary Kasparov.I performed badly, but next time will be better, says Mutesi.Signs are good that it will. She was undefeated at the year-end tournament in Kampala, beating most of her Olympiad team-mates, and taking the first prize of £130. Some of it she used to buy hair extensions and some to pay off her school fees. The rest she offered to Katende. He refused it, but helped her to buy four mattresses and a quadruple bunk bed. Now, for the first time, Mutesi and her family dont have to share two flimsy mattresses on her floor.Phiona has become something in the country, from nothing, her mother, Harriet, says.Katende smiles and says: In chess, it does not matter where you come from. Only where you put the pieces.Did you find this article interesting? Feel free to share it on Facebook and Twitter.

When Should You Start Studying for an English Job Interview

When Should You Start Studying for an English Job Interview Job Interview Preparation in EnglishOften I teach first classes to new students who are preparing for a job interview. I give them our English diagnostic test, we talk about what areas they need to improve in, and then I ask them, When is your interview?Next week.You would be surprised at how often I get that answer, or students with less time, even just days. I understand why. People are busy, and theyre nervous about studying English, so they wait until the last minute, then freak out, find LOI English, and hope we can perform a miracle for them.I usually advise these students that, if the interview is important to them, they should take as many live classes as they can afford, and when theyre not taking classes, they should be immersing themselves in English in every way possible, with podcasts, movies, books, whatever they can find.My hope is that they can improve a little in this time, and become more comfortable speaking, so theyre not as nervous for the interview. I think this can help, but its obviously not the ideal situation.So, when should you start preparing for a job interview in English?Now! If you think theres a  possibility of having a job interview in English in your future, even if its not for years, you can save yourself a lot of stress and improve your chances of getting the job by starting right now.At the very minimum, Id recommend finding a few English language podcasts to listen to and tv shows to start watching, and taking at least 1 class per week with a live teacher. Why should you take a live class? Well, would you learn how to swim without getting into water? No! If you want to learn a language, you need to actually use it to communicate.Nothing can prepare you to have a conversation in English for a job interview or anything else better than actually having conversations in English. And the sooner you start, the better. Want to start today? Click here to learn more about our classes.