3 Ways Teachers Can Encourage Passion for Learning This Semester

3 Ways Teachers Can Encourage Passion for Learning This Semester This post is part of a month-long series to help you start 2018 on the right foot. Throughout January, visit the Varsity Tutors blog for advice, tips, and tricks on how to reignite your passion for learning this winter. Amid homework, tests, and grades, encouraging student passion for learning can be one of a teachers trickiest tasks. Often, it seems like you have to choose between meeting academic goals in a dry, boring way, and developing fun activities that are only marginally educational. However, you can have it both ways. Teachers can encourage a passion for learning in a variety of ways, such as incorporating real-life elements into study and encouraging students personal interests. Encourage passion for learning by assigning creative assessments Traditional assessment methods include exams, long and short essays, science lab reports, and the like. These assessments are relatively simple to grade, but they often leave limited room for students to explore their interests. This semester, consider experimenting with different types of assessments that could spark your students passions. For example, in addition to a book report, you could have your students select one of the following assessments: Create a comic inspired by the source text. Write a brief play that explores one characters motivations. You might tap into your schools resources and your students tech-savvy skills by having them respond in the form of blog posts, video logs (also known as vlogs), or other kinds of social media. Depending on the flexibility of your administration, you might be able to replace more traditional assignments or simply include a variety of assessments that will speak to students different learning styles and interests. [RELATED: 3 Emerging EdTech Tools That Can Spark an Interest in Learning] Encourage passion for learning by incorporating real-life elements A common student complaint is that what they learn in school doesnt apply to them, or that theyll never have to use the information. While its important that students engage with material that they dont necessarily find interestingas well as understand that no topic will be interesting to every studenta great strategy to spark interest in learning is to incorporate real-life elements into your classroom. This can manifest in a range of ways, such as having students simply make connections between the material and their own lives. Other ideas include developing projects around relationships students can make with pen pals or organizations in their community. A unit could culminate with a field trip, or a field trip could spark a unit that further delves into the things students saw on the trip. Bring in speakers from that specific field of study, and dont forget to give your own testimony of how you experience class material in the real world. [RELATED: Resources New Teachers Can Use Next Semester] Encourage passion for learning by supporting students personal interests Wherever you can, encourage students personal interests so that they can individualize their learning and, hopefully, want to seek out a more in-depth understanding of a topic or topics. While a breadth of knowledge is great, knowing something in-depth helps you understand specific material to a greater extent. For example, if a child loves comics, encourage them to read more comics. From reading them, theyll learn more about dialogue, visual space, and genre more than they would from reading a wide range of books that they dont necessarily enjoy. If youre able to, focus your curriculum on inquiry-based learning, in which students complete projects in pursuit of a question theyre wondering about. Encourage questions, which open up possibilities into learning, rather than answers, which can sometimes preclude nuances and a depth of understanding. Another great resource for ideas that can encourage student passion is the other teachers at your school. What have they tried before that you could also put your personal touch on? You might be able to collaborate with another teacher or a group of teachers to create projects that cross subjects and speak to more students. [RELATED: 4 Ways Personalized Learning Positively Impacts Students] 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.

How to Sing Baritone

How to Sing Baritone Vocal exercises for Singing in the Baritone Range. ChaptersSo What is Baritone, Anyway?The Different Mid-Range Male TessiturasHow Can You Tell If You’re a Baritone or Not?Training as a BaritoneFamous Baritones throughout the History of Music“Opera is when a tenor and soprano want to make love, but are prevented from doing so by a baritone.” - George Bernard ShawAre you a man who loves to sing? Then this is the article for you! If you’re done with singing in the shower, why don’t you consider taking the plunge and becoming an opera singer?While opera might seem a bit outdated to our younger readers, it remains timeless: while it’s nothing like rap or indie music, it makes use of incredible voices the likes of which are unheard of in a number of other musical genres.Most male singers will have the tessitura  (a naturally-occurring vocal range) of a baritone. Baritones are often thought of as a sign of virility and elegance and have voices with punch.With all this in mind, let’s have a look at exactly what it is and how yo u can turn singing baritone from a hobby to a profession by using vocal techniques to master your voice! 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 tutorsSo What is Baritone, Anyway?Musicologists generally define six fundamental vocal categories: three for men and three for women.From the lowest the to highest, men are either bass, baritone, or tenors. There’s also a vocal range for men even higher known as the countertenor.  The baritone i s ever-present in Western music since it’s the most common voice range for men. It's on the middle of the scale, after all.However, a real baritone masters the middle notes while also having an impressive power and volume.The word, which came into popular parlance during the Age of Enlightenment, might seem some quite odd. However, that’s because it comes from the Greek ßa??t???? (baritonos) which means “heavy tone”.Performance is hugely important for both singers and dancers. (Source: pixabay.com)Contemporary operas don’t tend to make baritones the stars of the show even though they do their fair share of the work and would be sorely missed if they weren't in it at all.Most men belong to the baritone range, including some tenors (especially heroic tenors and spinto tenors). Baritones tend to be quite young and have spent a large amount of time working on hitting higher notes in their chest voice.The range of a typical baritone is between A2 (the second A below middle C) to A4 (the A above middle C). Of course, this is a general range and there are, just like with tenors, different permutations and requirements for baritones depending the pieces being performed.  While French operas tended to avoid using baritones too much, Italian operas were the baritone’s bread and butter.Additionally, Bach and Handel used this voice range in order to balance out the falsettos which were typically found in religious and chamber music.Find singing lessons London.The Different Mid-Range Male TessiturasAs we said earlier, while operas have tended to favour tenors since 19th century, the baritones were never completely forgotten.  The power of their voice is often used for emotional effect.While musicologists will argue on the specifics, there are generally five main types of baritone. From the highest to the lowest, they include:The baritenor, which is also considered the lowest range of tenors.The Baryton-Martin (also known as the light baritone) generally sings in a range from C3 to the B above middle C (C3 to B4) and is often found in French pieces. In fact, the role is named after Jean-Blaise Martin who popularised the role.The lyric baritone has a tessitura between the A below C3 and the G above middle C (A2 to G4). Traditionally, this type of baritone will play comic roles.The dramatic baritone has a darker timbre with a range between the G half an octave below low C to the G above middle C (G2 to G4) and are often employed in the works of Giuseppe Verdi.The bass-baritone, much like the baritenor, can be classified with another vocal range. Their range generally is considered to be between F below low C to the F? above middle C (F2 to F?4).Though singers can perform on their own, they're often accompanied by musicians. (Source:  www.splitshire.com)Sometimes, it doesn’t hurt to specialise within the baritone range if you’re looking for certain roles.  However, we should mention that certain composers like to distort the traditional role of the baritone either towards a higher or lower range.  This is a lot of work for those who want to take on the starring roles.To read about singing at a lower pitch, click here. 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 tutorsHow Can You Tell If You’re a Baritone or Not?The human voice is something that we’re born with. Music lovers will know that nobody is capable of having a complete vocal range.  Everyone has a physiological li mit to their voice, both a lower limit and an upper limit.Baritone singers have mid-level range between bass and tenor singers. (Source: pixabay.com)Before you start considering your vocal range, you should make sure you can sing in tune. This often involves taking singing lessons and ensuring that every note you make is perfect when you sing.  While it isn’t always obvious to keep a tuning fork on hand, these are the kind of things you have to work on if you dream of becoming a famous singer.Keep in mind that there’s no age limit when it comes to being famous, Susan Boyle was in her late 40s when she had her life-changing audition.Either an acoustic or digital piano can be used to keep you in tune. (Source: pixabay.com)Let’s be frank, an opera singer doesn’t get to choose their voice. A singer's voice is innate, nurtured through their early life before drastically changing during adolescence, and can only be extended by a handful of semitones.This means that it's very rare for a baritone to become a countertenor and a tenor to become a bass.  In short, the baritone masters the mid-range first and foremost and can later extend their range to specialise. Your voice might be mixed, too.You can test this by plugging a microphone into your computer and downloading a tuner for free online, and you can see which notes you’re capable of producing comfortably.Training as a BaritoneA good singer by definition needs to be well rounded.  A well-rounded knowledge of music theory is essential for anyone wanting to work on their voice without too much difficulty.In addition to working on your voice, you should also look into learning to play instruments like the clarinet, cello, oboe, saxophone, double bass, trumpet, trombone, French horn, concert flute, electric guitar, accordion, harmonica, or any other wind instrument that you find in an orchestra.After that, you’re ready to work on your voice and look towards becoming a soloist.No matter the genre of music, singers need to be able to sing. (Source: pixabay.com)It’s a good idea to practise playing several instruments of different types in order to broaden your understanding of music.You should do all this with a metronome (an essential tool for any musician) to make sure that not only are you in key, but that you’re also in time. A broad knowledge of music can be applied to a variety of different styles and can always act as a back up to your plans of becoming a singer since it’s always a good idea to have a Plan B when it comes to the arts.Additionally, you should look into working with a good vocal coach with either qualifications from a respectable music school or with years of experience. After all, practice makes perfect!It should be noted that all of this will come at a cost. If you’re exceptional, however, there is the opportunity to attend respectable music schools through scholarships.  For everyone else, you should look into private voice lessons in order to improve yo ur voice.Famous Baritones throughout the History of MusicSo many roles are supported by amazing baritones.  There are a number of places where performances featuring baritones take place and so many pieces that make use of this vocal range.With L’Orfeo by Monteverdi, Dido and Aeneas by Henry Purcell, Pelléas et Mélisande by Claude Debussy, L'enfant et les sortilèges by Ravel, The Marriage of Figaro or Così fan tutte by Mozart (not forgetting The Magic Flute and Don Giovanni), Don Pasquale by Gaetano Donizetti, Faust by Charles Gounod, La bohème by Giacomo Puccini, Carmen by Bizet, Wagner’s Der Ring des Nibelungen and Rossini’s The Barber of Seville, you’re spoilt for choice when looking for operas with baritones in them.This doesn’t mean you can’t explore other pieces from composers like Offenbach, Britten, Schubert, Rachmaninov, Massenet, Brahms, Gluck, Haydn, Beethoven, Bellini, Rameau, Saint-Saëns, Berlioz, and Vivaldi.You’ll also start to notice that so many rock singers (both living and deceased) are baritone singers. While their voices are all different, this is quite common amongst baritones. Some of the specialised baritones can singer higher or lower than their voice type would suggest.Some of the best baritone singers include contemporary legends like Elvis Presley, Jim Morrison, and Jimi Hendrix.And if you want to learn to sing up high, read our blog on using your head voice!Find singing lessons near mesinging lessons LondonSinging lessons ManchesterSinging lessons online

Online Probabilities Tutors

Online Probabilities Tutors Probability plays a very pivotal role in mathematics. Probability is defined as the chances for an event to occur. For a given situation or conditions there is always a chances for an event to likely or unlikely occur. The probability of a event is mostly between 0 to 1. The chances or probability for all the possible events to occur for a given condition add up to a 1. Therefore probability of an event is calculated by: P (Event) = Number of outcomes favorable for the event/Total number of outcomes. Example 1: A coin is tossed what is the probability of getting a heads? Solution: On tossing a coin there are total of two possibilities either heads may show up or tails may show up. Therefore total number of possible outcomes = 2. The number of outcomes favorable of getting heads = 1. P (Heads) = Number of outcomes favorable for heads/Total number of outcomes. Therefore probability of getting heads P (H) = 1/2. Example 2: A dice is thrown what is the probability of getting the number 6? Solution: On throwing a dice the total number of possibilities are 6 either of the following numbers may show up i.e. {1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6}. Therefore total number of possible outcomes on throwing a dice = 6. The number of outcomes favorable of getting the number 6 = 1. P (6) = Number of outcomes favorable for number 6/Total number of outcomes. = 1/6. Therefore probability of getting number 6 is P (6) = 1/6.

5 Reasons Why Live Music Matters

5 Reasons Why Live Music Matters Megan L. When you think about listening to music, do earbuds and mp3s immediately come to mind? Do you mostly listen to music on the radio while traveling from one place to another? If you cant remember the last time you saw a live performance, this list is for you! Read on to find out the five most important reasons why live music matters and then make plans to see a concert soon! 1. See the Sweat Music doesnt come out of a machine, a cloud, or a search engine. People make music, and it takes a lot of energy, dedication, and commitment. If you rarely see live music, it is easy to forget how much work goes into that killer beat, sweet riff, or catchy melody. Go to a show and get close enough to see the passion, energy, and yes, sweat, that goes into making music. You will definitely walk away with a deeper appreciation for what musicians do. 2. Learn How Ever wonder how a band gets a particular sound? Do you want to learn how to be a better performer yourself? One of the best ways to learn is by watching other artists to see what they do. You might discover a cool guitar move, a way of engaging a crowd, or a combination of instruments or effects that you never thought of. 3. Share Experiences Spending time with friends or family enjoying live music is a great way to bond. Shared musical experiences will become memories that can last a lifetime. You will always remember the time your best friend took you to see your favorite band or the new artist who surprised you with their talent or their message. It also feels amazing to be completely absorbed in the music and then glance around the room to see youre surrounded by so many others who feel the same way! When you go to a concert, you are sharing your love. 4. Unplug Although it is becoming more and more common for audiences to watch performances through their smartphone cameras, attending a live music event is actually a great opportunity to unplug from your devices and enjoy the present moment. There is so much to see, hear, and feel at a performance, so dont spend your time glued to a screen. You might find that the time you spend enjoying music in the moment with your cellphone switched off refreshes your mind and gives you a new perspective on life. 5. Support Artists It has always been hard to make a living as an artist, and it is particularly difficult now that so much music is available for free online. Many musicians now make more money performing than they do from their recordings, so if there is an artist whose work moves you one of the best ways to show your support is to attend their next concert. Especially for independent artists playing in smaller venues, a supportive audience is one of the most wonderful things a musician can see. Whats your favorite concert of all time? Tell us what made it so special in the comments! -Megan L. TakeLessons Staff Member and Blogger Photo by Pragmagraphr 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 are AP Through-Course Assessments

What are AP Through-Course Assessments Students enrolled in AP courses face an end-of-course assessment, testing students cumulative knowledge in a specific AP subject area. AP scores, however, are not only dependent on how well you do on your final AP exam. In some cases, they also consist of through-course assessments. If you are enrolled in an AP course, its important to understand all of the elements that will make up your AP score. So what are AP through-course assessments? Keep reading to learn more, including two examples from AP Seminar. The basics of AP through-course assessments Through-course assessments are tasks that students complete during the year (as opposed to an end-of-year exam) and that factor into your final AP score. Aside from using these assessments to calculate your final score in the course, instructors use them to determine whether you and your classmates are adequately meeting learning targets so you will be well prepared to take the AP exam at the end of the year. [RELATED: What Is the AP Capstone Program?] AP through-course assessment example #1: team projects in AP Seminar In AP Seminar, one through-course taskthe team projectmakes up 20 percent of a students final grade. Teams of three to five students select a research question and incorporate relevant concepts into two assignments: Individual research report Students use this opportunity to delve deeper into a particular aspect of their research question. They then use their findings to compose their individual research report, which is 1,200 words in length. The report should explain how the selected topic relates to the overall research question, as well as analyze, evaluate, and properly cite all sources. Team multimedia presentation and defense Teams compile all of the research gathered by their members in their individual reports and develop one or more proposed solutions to the research question. Teams analyze each students individual research to draw conclusions about possible solutions, conduct any further research needed to properly establish a solution, and craft an argument to support their findings. [RELATED: 4 Myths About AP Prep] AP through-course assessment example #2: individual projects in AP Seminar The individual portion of AP Seminars through-course assessments accounts for 35 percent of a students final grade. When developing your individual project, you will include the following tasks: Individual written argument The College Board presents students with a selection of relevant issues and prompts students to choose one to investigate further. Once a topic is identified, students must develop a research question, conduct extensive research and analysis, and sculpt a well-defined argument. This written argument must be 2,000 words in length and utilize a minimum of one source provided by the College Board. Individual multimedia presentation This portion of the individual project must be six to eight minutes in length and explain their research question conclusion. Students present evidence to support their argument and should illustrate how their findings relate to the overall context of the topic. Students present this project to their peers and instructor. Oral defense Once students have completed their multimedia presentation, their instructor will ask two questions that students must answer in order to defend their stance on the issue. Students may also face follow-up questions in order to further defend their answers. Questions regarding research reflection may relate to evidence students chose not to use, strategies chosen to gather research, and how the research question changed over time. Questions relating to extending argumentation will prompt students to discuss the real world effect their findings may have, how certain they are about their drawn conclusion, and any additional questions they found themselves addressing during research. Teachers may ask questions from the provided College Board list or utilize their own that relate to the students specific topic. [RELATED: The Ultimate Study Plan for AP Courses] How do AP through-course assessments apply to you? When taking certain AP courses, its important to remember that its not just the final exam that you must prepare for. You must also be ready to complete through-course assessments and other assignments during the year that test a variety of skills. The purpose of these tasks is to set you up for ultimate success in your AP class and college. While AP seminar courses offer through-course assessments, not all courses do. Its important to note that through-course assessments vary by AP course. Be sure to research your particular course in order to see if it incorporates through-course assessments and what those may entail. 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.

English Consonant Pronunciation Exam - with Audio

English Consonant Pronunciation Exam - with Audio How is your English pronunciation? Read the sentences below aloud and answer the questions. Then listen to the audio and decide if you sound the same as the recording. If you dont sound the same, make a note it.  All the sounds  you had difficulties with can be practiced in our intensive pronunciation courses.1. Do you approve of the prices of these apples. They are perhaps a bit steep.Q: Do you say the p in prices, perhaps, and approve with a puff of air?2.  Bobby Brown catches lobster and crab and cooks them on his boat down in the cabin.Q: Is your b in Brown rounded and your b in lobster flattened?3.  Elephants laugh and make friends easily. Offer your friendship to an elephant and shell never forget.Q: Are your upper teeth pressed against your lower lip when you say [f]?4.  Dr. Van saved the gravely ill patient who had a severe case of the flu virus.Q: Are your upper teeth pressed against your lower lip when you say [v]? And do vibrate your vocal cords?5.  Tom is a common America n name. So are Mary, Samantha, and Emily.Q: Do you hold your lips together when you say m in Tom and name?6. The twins quietly did their homework and made drawings of the wheat fields to the west.Q: Do your round your lips when you say w? And, is your w silent in the word drawings?7.  Beth is an athlete and marathon runner. To stay healthy and happy she eats three meals a day and thinks positive thoughts.Q: Do you place the tip of your tongue between your teeth when you say th?8.  My mother and father loathe northern weather. They prefer southern climates.Q: Do your vocal cords vibrate when you say th in these words?9.  When Betty returns in a fortnight, we will read the story A Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickens.Q: Are your t sounds in Betty, returns, fortnight, and story all different?10.  The actor planted fifteen rows of vegetables in his rooftop garden.Q: Do you say the t in fifteen and rooftop with a puff of air?11. The actor planted fifteen rows of vegetables in his roofto p garden.Q: Do you say the t in fifteen and rooftop with a puff of air?12.  Trevor tried to initiate a conversation about 19th century literature.Q: Does your t sound like ch in Trevor, tried, century, and literature?*This is an advanced lesson.13.  Dr. Davis is a dedicated pediatrician from Broward County. His predictions are always true. Q: Is your d in pediatrician a quicker sound than your d in Davis and predictions?14. Andrews dream has been to receive an education in fine art and drawing.Q: Do your ds sound like js?*This is an advanced lesson.15. The United States started with thirteen small states. Today, there are fifty states spread from east to west.Q: Are all of your ss voiceless? (Voiceless means made without vibrating your vocal cords)16.  Is it possible to measure qualities such as pleasure and compassion? Q: Do you pronounce the ss in measure, qualities, and compassion differently?17. Magicians specialize in deceiving their audience. Exceptional ones succeed at it.Q: Do your cs in magicians and specialize sound like sh?18. Dozens of guests gazed at the dazzling performers as they played Brazilian jazz pieces.Q: Do your vibrate your vocal cords when you say z?19. The executive from Oxford plays the xylophone.Q: Do you pronounce each x differently?20.  Charlie Chaplin wore a mustache in his film The Champion.Q: Does your ch in mustache sound like sh?21.  Sharon took a short trip to Washington. She found shells along the shore there.Q: Is your sh a quiet, steady sound?22.  George is going to major in engineering. Hes starting college in June.Q: Do your gs and js sound the same?23.  Now, youre learning to pronounce the consonants. Practice them again and again.Q: Do you touch your gum ridge behind your upper teeth when you say n?24. Caterpillars crawl and later turn into graceful butterflies.Q: Do your round your lips a little and curl your tongue when you say r?25.  Larry is good-looking and loves to laugh. Hes likeable and pleasant to be with.Q: D oes your tongue tip press against your gum ridge or the back of your teeth when you say l?26.  Year after year, millions of people visit the Grand Canyon. Young and old enjoy the brilliant views.Q: Do your raise your tongue to an [i] position for the y and i sounds?27.  Kathy is working at the bank until six oclock. Then, shes making turkey stew for the kids.Q: Do you say the k in Kathy and kids with a puff of air?28. Victor cant come to the card party. He is scuba diving in Tuscany, Italy. Q: Do you say the c in cant, come, and card with a puff of air?29.  The queen is on a quest to find orchids to give to the monarch at Christmas time.Q: Do you say the q or ch in queen, quest, and Christmas with a puff of air?30. The goose laid bigger golden eggs. Soon the farmer got very greedy.Q: Do your vocal cords vibrate when you say g?31.  The strong young men are bringing their running times up. The strongest man is running faster and longer.Q: Do you say a hard g in strongest and longer bu t not in strong or bringing?32.  This fall, we will see beautiful red and golden hues.*Q: Do you not touch your tongue tip to your gum ridge when you say l in will, beautiful, and golden?*This is an advanced lesson.33. The guests saw how happy and healthy the heir to the throne was.Q: Do you gently let out a puff of air when you say h in how, happy and healthy?34.  These stories werent written in Latin and later forgotten.*Q: Do you pronounce the ts in boldface in your throat?*This is an advanced lesson.

Radiation Oncology Glossary

Radiation Oncology Glossary Oncologists are doctors who diagnose cancer, but the people who administer the radiation are radio-oncology technicians. If you are interested in helping people and love math and physics, this is the field for you. If you patients speak only English, youll need to know some vocabulary from this field of study. Radiation Oncology Word Cloud Glossary adenomaa benign tumor formed from glandular structures in epithelial tissue. alopeciaHair loss. antibioticA medicine such as penicillin that inhibits or destroys microorganisms. antiemeticA medicine to prevent or relieve nausea or vomiting. anuriaAnuria means non-passage of urine, sometimes caused by radiation. benign tumorA tumor that is not cancerous. biopsyAn examination of tissue removed from a living body to discover the presence, cause, or extent of a disease. bone marrowa soft fatty substance in the cavities of bones, in which blood cells are produced (often taken as typifying strength and vitality) brachytherapyThe treatment of cancer, especially prostate cancer, by the insertion of radioactive implants directly into the tissue. bruiseAn injury appearing as an area of discoloured skin on the body, caused by a blow or impact rupturing underlying blood vessels. burnInjury to tissues caused by the contact with heat, flame, chemicals, electricity, or radiation. cancerAny type of malignant growth or tumour, caused by abnormal and uncontrolled cell division. carcinogenesisThe formation of a cancer, whereby normal cells are transformed into cancer cells. carcinomaMalignant new growth made up of epithelial cells tending to infiltrate surrounding tissues and to give rise to metastases. ChemotherapyThe treatment of disease by the use of chemical substances. colonoscopyA medical procedure where a long, flexible, tubular instrument is used to view the inner lining of the colon and the rectum. conformal therapyShaping the radiation beam specifically to the area of interest (using 3-D treatment planning); treating as little normal tissue as possible which causes fewer side effects. cystA thin-walled, hollow organ or cavity containing a liquid secretion. diagnosisThe identification of the nature of an illness or other problem by examination of the symptoms. diarrheaa condition in which feces are discharged from the bowels frequently and in a liquid form. DNAA chemical substance in plant and animal cells that tells the cells what to do and when to do it. doseThe total energy of ionizing radiation absorbed by unit mass of living tissue, usually measured in grays (SI unit) or rads. dosimeterAn instrument for measuring the dose of X-rays or other radiation absorbed by matter or the intensity of a source of radiation. dosimetristA person who plans and calculates the proper amount of radiation dose for each treatment. dosimetryMeasuring the dose of radiation emitted by a radioactive source. dyspneaDifficult or labored breathing. epidemiologya branch of medical science that deals with the incidence, distribution, and control of disease in a population exposureA measure of the amount of ionizing radiation at the surface of a person’s body, calculated by multiplying milliamperage by exposure time in seconds. external radiationRadiation therapy that uses a machine located outside of the body to aim high-energy rays at cancer cells gamma rayElectromagnetic radiation emitted from the nucleus of an atom by radioactive decay and having energies in a range from ten thousand (104) to ten million (107) electron volts. genitourinaryrelating to the genital and urinary organs or functions glandAn organ in the human or animal body that secretes particular chemical substances for use in the body or for discharge into the surroundings. gynecologic tumoursGynecologic cancers are malignant tumors within the female reproductive organs. healCause a wound, injury, or person to become healthy again hematologyA medical science that deals with the blood and blood-forming organs hematuriaBlood in the urine. hemoptysisCoughing up of blood or bloody sputum from the lungs or airway. hormonal therapyThe use of hormones in medical treatment. iatrogenicIllness caused inadvertently by medical treatment or diagnostic procedures. immune systemA system (including the thymus and bone marrow and lymphoid tissues) that protects the body from foreign substances and pathogenic organisms by producing the immune response immunotherapyTreatment of disease by inducing, enhancing, or suppressing an immune response. inflammationA localized physical condition in which part of the body becomes reddened, swollen, hot, and often painful. injectionA substance that is introduced into a organism, especially by means of a hypodermic syringe, as a liquid into the veins or muscles of the body. intensity modulated radiation therapyA type of three-dimensional radiation therapy that uses computer-generated images to match radiation to the size and shape of a tumor ionizing radiationAny radiation, as a stream of alpha particles or x-rays, that produces ionization as it passes through a medium. isodoseA radiation dose of equal intensity given to more than one area in a patient’s body. isotopeOne of two or more atoms with the same atomic number that contain different numbers of neutrons kinetic energyEnergy that a body possesses by virtue of being in motion laparoscopyA surgical procedure in which a fiber-optic instrument is inserted through the abdominal wall to view the organs in the abdomen or to permit a surgical procedure. lesionAny structural change in a bodily part resulting from injury or disease linear acceleratorA machine that creates high-energy radiation to treat cancers lumpectomya surgery to remove the tumor lung cancerCarcinoma of the lungs; one of the commonest forms of cancer lymph nodeEach of a number of small swellings in the lymphatic system where lymph is filtered and lymphocytes are formed. lymphedemaswelling in the legs caused by lymph accumulating in the tissues in the affected areas. magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)A form of medical imaging that measures the response of the atomic nuclei of body tissues to high-frequency radio waves when placed in a strong magnetic field, and that produces images of the internal organs. malignantCancerous. metastasisThe spread of a cancer from one part of the body to another; cells in the second tumor are like those in the original tumor neoadjuvant therapyTreatment given as a first step to shrink a tumor before the main treatment, which is usually surgery, is given. neoplasmA new and abnormal growth of tissue in some part of the body, characteristic of cancer. Non-Hodgkin lymphomaA cancer that starts in cells called lymphocytes, which are part of the body’s immune system. osteonecrosisThe destruction and death of bone tissue, such as from ischemia, infection, malignant neoplastic disease, or trauma. palliative therapyA treatment that may relieve symptoms without curing the disease prostate cancerCancer of the prostate gland; one of the most common malignancies in men in the US radiation oncologistA doctor who has specialized in using radiation to treat disease. radiation physicistA person trained to ensure that the radiation machine delivers the right amount of radiation to the treatment sites radiation therapistA person with special training who runs the equipment that delivers the radiation. radiation therapyThe treatment of cancer using X-rays or similar forms of radiation. radiosurgeryA single high dose fraction of radiation, stereotactically directed to an intracranial region. radiotherapyThe treatment of cancer, by means of alpha or beta particles emitted from an implanted or ingested radioisotope, or by means of a beam of high-energy radiation. recoveryA return to a normal state of health, mind, or strength. sarcomaAny of a group of tumors usually arising from connective tissue. scanTo examine or map the body, or one or more organs or regions of it, by gathering information with a sensing device, such as a moving detector or a sweeping beam of radiation. side effectA secondary, typically undesirable effect of a drug or medical treatment. simulatorA radiation generator that operates in the diagnostic X-ray range, used to orientate a radiation beam and for visualization and imaging of the treatment area. stem cellAn undifferentiated cell. stenosisThe abnormal narrowing of a passage in the body. sterileFree from bacteria or other living microorganisms. symptomsA physical or mental feature that is regarded as indicating a condition of disease, particularly such a feature that is apparent to the patient. tachycardiaA rapid cardiac rate, usually 160â€"190 per minute, originating from an atrial locus. tomotherapyA type of radiation therapy in which the radiation is delivered slice-by-slice. total body irradiation (TBI)External beam irradiation involving exposure of the entire body. tumourA mass of tissue formed by a new growth of cells, normally independent of the surrounding structures wheezingBreathing with a whistling or rattling sound in the chest. wombThe uterus of a woman. xerostomiaAbnormal dryness of the mouth resulting from decreased secretion of saliva. x-rayA photographic or digital image of the internal composition of a part of the body, produced by x-rays being passed through it and being absorbed to different degrees. 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Common entrance exams Maths - Test yourself!

Common entrance exams Maths - Test yourself! Entrance exams, 11 +, 13 exams...now is the time to start warming your children to practise tests for their next step into BIG school! In preparation for common entrance exams and by courtesy of Galore Park Mathematics revision guides for the ISEB board, we will be regularly posting tests for your children to practise. We invite you to post your comments with your answers! Remember that you should be familiar with all of the material in the National Curriculum. You should also now be able to do the following: Understand fully the four operations (addition, subtraction, multiplication and division) and the associated language. Use a range of mental methods of computation with the four operations when solving number problems (including mental recall of multiplication facts up to 10 x 10 and quick derivation of corresponding division facts) Check the reasonableness by your results by reference to your knowledge of the context or to the size of the numbers. Interpret calculator displays. Use efficient written methods of addition and subtraction and of short multiplication and division (including division and subtraction of decimals to two places, and ordering decimals to three places) Use all four with decimals to two places (where multiplication and division are always by a integer less than 10, and rounding to the nearest integer. Use and understand an appropriate non-calculator method for multiplying and three-digit number by any two-digit number. Test yourself! Before moving on to the next chapter, make sure you can answer the following questions: Brian has multiplied 197 x 15 and has written the answer incorrectly as 1182 (courtesy of Galore Park for the ISEB board) Suggest at least two reasons why Brian should realise straight away that his answer is incorrect. What should the answer be? Suggest what error Brian made. Calculate the square of 19 (courtesy of Galore Park for the ISEB board) Which number between 240 and 250 divides exactly by 7? (Courtesy of Galore Park for the ISEB board)