Learn Spanish Grammar Intro to the Subjunctive Mood

Learn Spanish Grammar Intro to the Subjunctive Mood Sign up successful So, whats next once  you can communicate the basics comfortably and confidently? Advanced students who want to take their knowledge beyond basic communication can now begin learning about the Spanish subjunctive, usually taught in the third, fourth, or fifth  year in schools or universities. To speak Spanish well, knowing when to use the Spanish  subjunctive is indispensable. Why the Subjunctive is Important to Learn It’s ubiquitous in the language. Using it makes you sound like you really know how to speak Spanish competently. It enables you to tune into and express beautiful subtleties of the language that aren’t so clear or simply don’t exist in English. It allows you to express your point or opinion with more specificity. It has been referred to as a key indicator that distinguishes a fluent speaker who merely “gets by” learning the language from  one who speaks it well. You cannot speak as proficiently as native Spanish speakers without learning it. So, What is the Spanish Subjunctive? Although its commonly referred to as the subjunctive tense in Spanish, its actually more of a mood, which acts as a category of tenses. Youll know when to use Spanish subjunctive when youre trying to imply an uncertainty about a given situation (more on this below). Conjugating the Spanish Subjunctive Conjugating the subjunctive is  similar to forming  formal commands  in Spanish. The steps are outlined below: Additional Examples To clarify and provide a reference point, let’s compare subjunctive verb conjugation to present indicative (normal) verb conjugation. Here are some key examples: hablar (to talk) vivir (to live) Here’s another example with the  slightly irregular verb llegar, meaning ‘to arrive.’ Here the a  turns into  ue,  instead of just e. (See my previous post on Spanish stem-changing verbs to clarify this.) llegar (to arrive) When to Use  the Present Subjunctive Llegar  will be the example used throughout the following 10 key contexts for using the  present subjunctive. Context #1:  When the subordinate clause has elements that express doubt or negation Es difícil que lleguen a tiempo. (It’s hard for them to arrive on time.) No creo que lleguen a tiempo. (I don’t think they’ll arrive on time.) Dudo que lleguen a tiempo. (I doubt they’ll arrive on time.) Context #2:  When the subordinate clause has elements that express desire, fear, judgment, or other emotions/feelings Ojalá/espero que lleguen a tiempo. (I hope they arrive on time.) Temo que lleguen a tiempo. (I’m scared they will arrive on time.) Es triste que lleguen a tiempo. (It’s sad they arrive on time.) Estoy feliz de que lleguen a tiempo. (I’m happy they arrive on time.) ¡Qué bueno que lleguen a tiempo! (It’s good they arrive on time!) Quisiera que llegaran a tiempo. (I would like them to arrive on time.) Es raro/extraño que lleguen a tiempo. (It’s odd they arrive on time.) Context #3:  When the subordinate clause has elements that express possibility Es probable que lleguen a tiempo. (It’s probable they arrive on time.) Es posible que lleguen a tiempo. (It’s possible they arrive on time.) Quizá lleguen a tiempo. (Maybe they arrive on time.) Puede que lleguen a tiempo. (It could be that they arrive on time) Note:  Many competent Spanish-speakers don’t employ the subjunctive in these contexts to consciously or unconsciously communicate less doubt in the possibility. Context #4:  When the subordinate clause has elements that express need Es necesario que lleguen a tiempo. (It’s necessary they arrive on time.) Necesito que lleguen a tiempo. (I need them to arrive on time.) Es preciso que lleguen a tiempo. (It’s essential they arrive on time.) Context #5:  When the subordinate clause has elements that express an expected pattern Es normal que lleguen a tiempo. (It’s normal that they arrive on time.) Es lógico que lleguen a tiempo. (It’s logical that they arrive on time.) Es frecuente que lleguen a tiempo. (It’s frequent they arrive on time.) Es razonable que lleguen a tiempo. (It’s reasonable they arrive on time.) Context #6:  When the subordinate clause has elements that express specificity Quiero una novia que sea guapa. (I want a girlfriend who  is pretty.) Context #7:  When the subordinate clause refers to a past event before it occurred [past subjunctive] Ya supe eso antes de que viniera Juan. (I knew that before Juan arrived.) Context #8:  When the subordinate clause introduces depends on the main clause Eso depende de qué hora lleguen. (That depends on what time they arrive.) Context #9:  When the subordinate clause directly causes or affects the main clause El clima hace que no lleguen a tiempo. (The weather makes them not arrive on time.) El clima permite que lleguen a tiempo. (The weather allows them to arrive on time.) Context #10: In some cases, when the subordinate clause introduces a fact El hecho de que lleguen a tiempo significa que  son  punctual. (The fact that they arrive on time means they are punctual.) It’s important to note that there are other important contexts where the subjunctive mood is employed that I didn’t mention here. Also, the subjunctive follows a whole new set of rules in the past tense (i.e. the past subjunctive). My goal here was to highlight the most common contexts for using the present subjunctive. A Spanish tutor  can really help you master this tricky yet indispensable aspect of the language. If you’ve learned the Spanish subjunctive, you clearly know your Spanish! Post Author:  Jason N. Jason N. tutors in English and Spanish in Fairfax, CA.  He majored in Spanish at UC Davis, lived in Mexico for 3 years where he completed a Masters degree in Counseling, and studied Spanish Literature and Psychology at the University of Costa Rica. Learn more about Jason here!   Photo by  Bill Dickinson 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

Does Learning Spanish Take Long

Does Learning Spanish Take Long You Can Learn Spanish Quickly, But How Long Will it Take? ChaptersHow Long Does it Take to Learn Fluent Spanish?To Become Fluent in Spanish, Your Attitude and Motivation are Extremely ImportantWhat are you Goals?Do you Speak Any Other Languages?How to Learn Spanish Fast: ImmersionLearning Spanish might be one of the best decisions you ever make. Your ability to speak Spanish won't just allow you to communicate with an estimated 440 million native speakers worldwide, it will also make you a lot more employable in the eyes of a wide range of different companies and organisations.It is widely accepted that  language skills are great for business. In a globalised world where businesses rely on all four corners of the globe to function, language learning is becoming more and more essential.The Spanish language that is spoken in 20 different independent countries. Subsequently, its appeal it enormous in a professional context. Your pronunciation doesn't even need to be perfect to gain a competitive advantage; even just knowing a few key Spanish w ords so that you have a conversational level will set you apart from the crowd.The benefits of taking Spanish lessons in order to develop your Spanish vocabulary are not really in any doubt. However, a key question that crops up time and time again is 'how long does it take to learn Spanish?'.It's all well and good deciding to learn the language of Cervantes, but you naturally want to know how much time it is going to take.There are a lot of things that you need to know to become fluent in Spanish quickly, but when it comes to how long it will take, there is no quick answer. It will depend on a multitude of different factors. In this article we will run through some of them to give you an idea of the task that lies ahead.The widespread use of Spanish, including countries such as Spain, Argentina, Colombia, Peru, and Mexico, means that you aren't short of places where you can go to for an immersive experience.Learning Spanish could be your gateway to Spain.The best way to study Spani sh is by immersing yourself in the language. By doing so, you will be surrounding yourself with the sounds and sights of Spanish, you will learn how to speak Spanish like a local native speaker, as well as picking up a whole bunch of useful phrases and expressions that you won't learn in your Spanish class at home.Every experience will be like a Spanish lesson for you; going to the supermarket, meeting friends for a coffee, or even travelling around the city or country where you choose to go. You will quickly pick up the Spanish verbs that are actually used in reality, and if you are worried about only having basic Spanish, this will soon develop into an intermediate level due to all of the exposure to the language that you will be getting.There is no doubt that learning a language efficiently requires some time living in a country where it is spoken. This is also the quickest way to learn a language, and therefore you won't need to worry about how long it takes to learn Spanish as you will be constantly developing, progressing, and improving.But you should still take Spanish lessons before you relocate, if only to be able to converse on a basic level...

Use Summer Vacation to Boost Your Childs Academic Skills!

Use Summer Vacation to Boost Your Child's Academic Skills! Building Mathematical Skills For Academic Success As a parent it is difficult to watch your child struggle with math homework. The nightly routine of completing the assigned homework may lead to frustration, confusion, and feeling overwhelmed. Math shouldn't be the dreaded evening chore. Instead it should be an opportunity for your child to apply previous knowledge to current understanding while completing the assigned homework tasks.It is important to understand the core knowledge strands that comprise a student's mathematical learning. Whether your child is in second grade or a sophomore in high school these concepts are vital to mathematical understanding: Counting and Cardinality - Counting, cardinal numbers, comparing numbers, and understanding quantities Operations and Algebraic Thinking - Addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, use of multiple operations, relation of operations to one another, factors, multiples, numerical expressions, patterns, and relationships Number Operations in Base Ten - Place value, sequencing, place value in arithmetic, place value in fractions and decimals, and applying and understanding relational place value skills Fractions - Equivalence, ordering, building fractions, and arithmetic with fractions Measurement and Data - Understanding measurable attributes, classifying, measuring length, telling time, representing and interpreting data, estimating, counting money, applying geometric measurement principles, using probability to evaluate outcomes, and converting measurements Geometry - Identifying, analyzing, comparing, classifying, creating, and composing shapes with specific attributes, graphing points on a coordinate plane, understandingcongruence and similarity, and using geometrical understanding to solve real life problems Proportional Relationships - Ratios, analyzing proportional relationships, andapplying rate reasoning Expressions and Equations - Algebraicexpressions, reasoning with equations and inequalities, quantitativerelationships, variables, radicals, integer exponents, and linear equations Functions - Defining, evaluating, and comparing functions andmodeling quantity relationships Statistics and Probability - Statistical variability, distributions, randomsampling, comparative references, probability models, and bivariate data These skills are distributed among grade levels to provide a careful progression of skill attainment. Students are expected to master basic and prerequisite skills before moving on to more difficult concepts. These basic skills are then applied to current understanding to create ongoing learning and mastery. Tutors at Huntington Learning Centers use their deep understanding of mathematics and knowledge of how students acquire math skills to create customized tutoring sessions. Regardless of a student's current understanding or skill mastery, the professionals at Huntington Learning Centers can create a program that is ideal for cultivating basic academic skills.There are several effective strategies that parents and students can utilize to improve academic skills, including: Knowing the standards Each state and school district has different mathematicalstandards for each grade level. Understanding what your child is expected to master, and which specific skills are assessed, is crucial to cultivating strong academic skills. Taking the time to read and understand the standards documents will give you insight into essential academic skills and how these skills build upon one another. Working the problems Math is learned by working the problems. Students must spend time in ongoing practice to master basic concepts, understand formulas, and connect mathskills to prior learning. If your child is struggling with a specificskill you can generate multiple opportunities for ongoing practice. Thisrepetition will build solid foundational skills over time. Applying basic concepts True mathematical understanding occurs when a studentis able to apply basic concepts to larger problem solving tasks. Manytasks require students to apply a variety of skills across mathematicalstrands. Consider a problem requiring a student to calculate elapsed time. This problem is far more complex than just reading the time on an analogclock. A student must be able to tell time to the minute, subtract, add,regroup, apply basic problem solving strategies, and participate inmathematical communication. Asking for help Ifyour child iscontinuing to struggle with the assigned math homeworkit may be time to ask for help. The professional tutors with Huntington Learning Centers are experts at understanding why a student is struggling in math. Assessment data is used to create a customized learning plan thatincorporates both a student's strengths and weaknesses. Personalized tutoringsessions are carefully crafted to meet the specific needs of each student.

Both, Either or Neither Learn them in 3 Minutes (video + quiz)

Both, Either or Neither Learn them in 3 Minutes (video + quiz) I recently taught  a student that confused these three words. I didnt realize how confusing they  can be until I started explaining the mistake he made. It is confusing! They are all used in a similar way but can greatly change the significance of the sentence. Take this example:Are you Japanese or Korean?Neither, Im Thai.Actually I could be either. I was adopted and dont know my biological family.Both. My father is Korean and my mother is Japanese.Do you see how each of these changes the meaning of the sentence! Well, I have a video explaining the rules and there is a quiz to test yourself afterword. I hope this can clarify for you some of the confusion!Ready for the quiz? Click here!

Intelligence and Proper Education

Intelligence and Proper Education Intelligence and proper education will give you independence of spirit. Charlotte Bront Charlotte Bront is a famous English writer. Her novels have become classics of English literature. Charlotte Bronte was born in Thornton, Yorkshire, England, in the family of an Irish Anglican priest Patrick Brontë.  She was  the eldest of the four Brontë sisters, Emily, Maria, Elizabeth and Charlotte.  At school  the Bronte sisters published a collection of poems under the pseudonyms of Currer, Ellis and Acton Bell.  In 1846, Charlotte, Emily, and Anne published a collection of poetry.  Although the publication failed, the sisters decided to continue writing and began work on their first novels,  Jane Eyre.  After this success she began  to move in more exalted social circles in London, becoming friends with  Harriet Martineau  and  Elizabeth Gaskell.

HD QINGDAO WANDA SCHOOL

HD QINGDAO WANDA SCHOOL HD QINGDAO WANDA SCHOOL The first phase of the opening of HD Qingdao will take place in August 2018 with the launch of the Primary section of the School. HD Qingdao is located on Xingguang Island, in the West Coast area of the City; the School is part of the new Wanda Oriental Movie Metropolis, a US$7billion project, creating a new economic centre for the region and the worlds largest entertainment infrastructure development. HD Qingdao is an important addition to the region, offering an outstanding international education that blends the best of British and Chinese curricula on a beautiful campus. The architectural design of the School is based on the British boarding style, with red brick as its predominant feature. The campus occupies a substantial site and will eventually accommodate up to 2000 students. The curriculum at HD Qingdao will offer a broad range of opportunities designed to develop intellectual growth, physical and emotional health, artistic endeavours, creativity and service to others. As with other HD Schools, HD Qingdao is committed to fostering genuinely bilingual and bicultural students, enabling them to gain competency in Mandarin and English, as well as preparing them culturally for life in an increasingly interconnected world. In addition to supporting students to become bilingual, the low pupil to teacher ratio will enable HD Qingdao to deliver a highly personalised approach to learning. In keeping with our partner school, Hurtwood House, HD Qingdaos ethos, values and curriculum will help foster a strong, supportive school community. Hurtwood House has the strongest reputation for film, theatre and modern performing arts of any school in the UK, and therefore the proximity of HD Qingdao to the Movie Metropolis provides additional opportunities for the School and its students.

How Do Online Courses Work

How Do Online Courses Work Image via Pixabay Online courses are increasingly becoming a beneficial way for students of all ages and backgrounds to earn college credit for work or an entire college degree. An online program allows you to balance work, family, and other time commitments and obligations. Online classes offer a good deal of flexibility and are highly adjustable to fit one’s needs. They often attract parents who are looking to return to school to provide for their families better and professionals who need to advance in their career. It is also ideal for those who travel a lot, are returning from the military, or who want to simply add to their resume. Students unfamiliar with distance education may find themselves asking, “Well, how do online courses really work?” The truth is, online courses work much the same way as traditional courses. It is the same (in some cases, a higher) level of course requirements and high expectations. And why shouldn’t it be? Students who take courses online do not want to feel as if their education is inferior to those who take the traditional route. And down through the years, educators, lawmakers, and policy setters have worked hard to make that the case. When I started college at 16, I was accepted into an online program. Admittedly, it was not my first, second, or third choice. I wanted the traditional college experience, not only for the education but for all of the lifelong connections one makes with faculty members and professors and, of course, the friendships one could develop with peers. College life is 50 percent you and 50 percent you against your competition. This makes for an interesting learning and growing experience. It’s one you’re not likely to get at home or even in high school. While online learning was not the route I wanted to take, I did graduate with a full degree and learned from the same textbooks and teachers that my on-campus peers were learning from. With regard to the education alone, I do not feel like I missed anything or that there are huge gaps that are impeding my current progress (although there are a few minor ones). Like anything else in life, taking online classes has its benefits and its downsides. Some noted benefits of online learning are: •You can learn at your own pace for the most part. All online courses have time limits. •You can study, read, watch video lectures, and take notes all from the comfort of your living room, library, or coffee shop. In other words, you don’t have to be tied to a classroom. •Online courses are considerably lower in cost. You can avoid commuting. •There are a wide variety of courses to choose from from one class to an entire degree program. •You can keep your current job, avoiding the costs of relocating and the headache of finding new work. •Some say that online courses offer them greater ability to focus and concentrate. Some noted downsides to online learning include: •Little or no face-to-face interaction with professors or peers. The lack of social connection can make for a lonely experience. •One must be highly self-disciplined, self-motivated, and self-directed. A big problem in online courses is the  time management and organization needed to stay on top of your coursework. •Online courses generally require more work (writing, reading, test-taking, etc). This is because you have to prove you’ve mastered the material. You don’t have the benefit of weekly class presentations, class trips, lab work, or other hands-on experiences. •Some online programs lack accreditation and quality and are a complete rip-off for students. •You may miss out on the lifelong friendships and mentoring relationships with professors and faculty as well as peer friendships. •When it is time to go to graduate school, you may find it difficult to obtain letters of recommendation. •When beginning a job search, you may find limited support or direction from your school. So, with that said, here is a general overview of how online classes work: STARTING OUT Students are typically required to have an up-to-date computer, a reliable internet connection, appropriate flash for viewing videos, and software requirements noted by the school. A good rule of thumb is to ask ahead of time what is expected in terms of computers and software and then purchase what is needed, work with it for at least a week, and then you’ll be ready to go when class starts. LOGGING ON Typically, your school will send you a “first day of class” email with instructions on how to log on to the system as well as your own username and password. Colleges use CMS (course management software) such as Blackboard or Moodle to dispense coursework. It is a good idea to log in to the CMS and get used to it before beginning the class. If you need help, be sure to contact your professor or your school’s help desk. COURSEWORK Similar to a traditional classroom setting, your class assignments will consist of reading, writing, listening, and test-taking. Get to the coursework section of the CMS program and review what is required for the entire course. Depending on the course load, you will probably need to set up a schedule of what and how much you will do each day of the week so you will not get behind. As in any class, you should be taking notes that can be used for your tests. COMPLETION All online course assignments come with deadlines. (If you find yourself in a program that has no deadlines attached to assignments, you are most likely in a fraud-riddled program.) But if you see dates and deadlines, it is in your best interest to submit your work on time or ahead of time. One reason for this is if you get behind, it can be overwhelmingly difficult to catch up. Another reason is that professors have the tendency to be less lenient on online students. Remember, they have never met you face-to-face and thus do not have a good sense of your character, work ethic, and ability. In a classroom, you have the added benefit of seeing each other each day or throughout the week. If the professor knows you’re not a chronic procrastinator and a relatively good student, he is more likely to let you down easy on an anomaly. One late online assignment can cost you a good deal of points which affect your overall grade. DISCUSSION Most online classes require you to engage in virtual discussions with the rest of the class. This is in the form of a forum in which the professor posts a question, each student answers the question, and then each student responds to other students’ answers. It varies based upon class and professor preference. However, if you find yourself in a discussion assignment, make sure you participate. You can always learn something or gain a new perspective from others, even if they are not the teacher. So, if you’ve always wondered how online classes work, here you are. Online learning may not be for everyone. The best thing to do is find out what works for you and then follow that path.