Imagery

Imagery Imagery The authors use imagery frequently to add intensity to their descriptive writings. Human senses play a very important role in the readers comprehension of books. A skillful use of imagery appeals to all senses. Imagery as a literary device, with the help of descriptive phrases and words, generates images, mentally. Imagery in literature is the art of invoking powerful images by using various literary devices, metaphors and similes, allusions, and personifications. These images appeals to all human senses. Definition of imagery Imagery is a device used in literature that allows writers to use expressive language, which unable the readers to get a better idea of the world or the topic of discussion. Symbolism, as a literary device, plays an important part in the use of imagery. Imagery touches and stimulates all five human senses, sight, smell, sound, taste and touch. Besides this it also touches on the mobility of a human body, called kinesthetic imagery or describes strong emotions such as anxiety or starvation known as subjective or organic imagery. Examples: Touch: Rough texture of prison uniform chafed her skin and left bruises all over her body. Smell: The aroma of frying onions wafted from the kitchen and he remembered his mother toiling away in the kitchen over a hot stove. Taste: The sweet and sour taste of the tangerine remained in his mouth for a long time. Sound: Someone was singing a haunting and lilting song in the street below his window. Sight: The relentless and furious onslaught of waves on the sea wall evoked fear of disaster. Types Seven kinds of imagery form part and parcel of an authors literary tool and allows him to weave enchanting images. These are, kinesthetic (movement), thermal, visual and auditory, olfactory, gustatory and tactile (touch). A detailed description of each is necessary to understand the magical effect of symbolism on the minds of the audience. Visual: Visual imagery is connected with the sight; the writer uses the device to create a powerful visual image of a scene or event. Example: The deep blue hues of twilight were reflected in the still water; the slight glint of moonlight peeked through the clouds just enough to make out the silhouette of a passing ship Imagery of Sound: The imagery of sound uses words that connect with the auditory sense to create an image of varied sounds such as noise, musical notes, etc. Auditory imagery also uses words that are real such as buzz or bang a loud noise. The technical term for using real sounds is called onomatopoeia, it is normally used in prose, but sometimes poets also use onomatopoeia to create powerful imagery. Example: He could hear the constant knocking of branch on the glass of a window. Mary could hear the tinkling sound of water as it trickles down the slope of a mountain. Imagery of smell (olfactory): Smell is a very strong sensory experience and has an obvious effect on the human beings, e.g. Sweet aroma of a flower or odious smell of human sweat or unwashed clothes. Example: I woke up with the smell of freshly baked bread wafting from the kitchen. I smelled the pungent odor of human sweat from his sweat soaked tee shirt. Imagery of taste (gustatory): Imagery of taste conveys an idea of a distinctive palate and flavor of food. Example: I tasted the tangy flavor or juicy plums. The ham was crunchy and perfectly cooked. Imagery of touch (tactile): relates to touching sense and qualities like hardness, softness or hot and cold. Example: The hot tea scalded his tongue. The touch of rough bark against her naked back was not very pleasant. Imagery of Movement (Kinesthetic): This type of imagery describes the motion or movement of the body. Example: The wet sand clung to Harry as he howled in fear and tried to claw back to the shore The movement of her body as she danced on the stage was like swaying of a flower in a gentle breeze Imagery that is connected with the personal experience: This is also called subjective or organic imagery and is connected with the personal feeling, emotions and experience. This type of imagery includes, feelings of hunger, thirst, tiredness, illness, or pain Example: He was completely drained of energy, his knees buckling from carrying his own weight and eyes drooping from exhaustion.

Studying an Art Degree

Studying an Art Degree The Best Education for Becoming an Artist ChaptersArt Schools in the UKRoyal College of ArtUniversity of the Arts LondonThe Glasgow School of ArtUniversity of OxfordUniversity College London (UCL)University of BrightonThe University of EdinburghNewcastle UniversityThe University of SheffieldUniversity for the Creative Arts“An artist must be a reactionary. He has to stand out against the tenor of the age and not go flopping along.” - Andre MauroisThere are plenty of places all over the UK where you can get formal art training.What better way for students to start their career in art than through education?In this article, we're going to have a look at the best places to study art once you've finished studying art at school.Communication and graphic designCreative computingCuration and cultureFashion businessFashion communicationFashion designFashion making and pattern cuttingFashion styling and make upFine artIllustrationJournalism, PR, media and publishingLanguagesPerformance and design for theatre and screenPhotographyT extiles and materialsThat's a pretty good selection, right?Find out more about other art qualifications.The Glasgow School of ArtThe Glasgow School of Art was founded back in 1845 and focused on design in the manufacturing industries. Over time, the school evolved and shifted its focus towards fine art and architecture towards the late 19th century and now embraces digital technologies.In terms of undergraduate degrees, courses include 3D modelling, interior design, architecture, printing and printmaking, product design, communication design, product design engineering, sculpture and environmental art, fashion design, silversmithing and jewellery, fine art photography, games and virtual reality, textile design, and interaction design!They also offer a broad choice of graduate degrees and doctorates for those continuing their studies after their undergraduate degree!University of OxfordOxford's reputation probably precedes it as it's difficult to talk about universities in the UK wit hout mentioning it or Cambridge. However, it's bitter rival doesn't actually feature in the top 20 universities in the UK for art and design. Oxford, along with Cambridge, however, is a member of the Russell Group, universities that focus on research and have a reputation for great academic achievement. Unsurprisingly, a number of the universities in this article are also members of the Russell Group.Oxford is widely considered one of the best universities in the world and it's the same for art. (Source: MichaelDBeckwith)University of ManchesterUniversity of NottinghamQueen Mary, University of LondonQueen's University BelfastUniversity of SouthamptonUniversity of WarwickUniversity of YorkThese universities have a reputation for academic excellence and having attended one will always look good on your CV.Your art education doesn't stop once your classes are over, either. You can learn more about art with private tutorials from one of the many talented tutors on Superprof!There are th ree main types of tutorials available: face-to-face tutorials, online tutorials, and group tutorials, and each comes with its pros and cons in terms of learning and cost-effectiveness.Face-to-face tutorials are taught with one student and one tutor and they tend to be the most cost-effective type since every minute in the lesson is spent focusing on you as the student.Online tutorials are similar to the face-to-face tutorials but take place either on a call or via webcam. Online tutorials are usually cheaper than face-to-face tutorials since the tutor doesn't have as many expenses to worry about.Finally, group tutorials are classes with one teacher or tutor and multiple students. These tend to be the cheapest per student per hour since the cost of the tutor's time is shared amongst all the students in attendance. The bigger the class, the cheaper it'll tend to be per student.

How Online Algebra Tutors Are Geniuses Par Excellence

How Online Algebra Tutors Are Geniuses Par Excellence Attain extensive learning and brilliant outcome As known that Algebra is one of the most calculative parts of Mathematics field. There is a need to hunt for highest quality learning experts in the form of online algebra tutors. Tutors provide excellent tutoring service to companies. Specifically in the field of Mathematics, online tutoring is highly suggested for assisting students. Specially for students of school or college to attain extensive learning and brilliant outcome. Indeed, the greatest benefit of such tutors is their 24 hour accessibility and can access their services as required. Also, they can provide individual training that allows the students to get all the attention and focus needed. This will help the students in fine-tuning their algebra skills for the better learning. Education assistance with complete instructions Before taking membership from an algebra tuition providing company, there is a need to be assured that they provide education assistance with complete instructions as per the algebraic concepts. The most supportive math tutoring websites provide learning of pre-algebra, algebra I, algebra II, linear algebra, and radical algebra on the secondary school level. Along with this, Algebra homework help, college level algebra sessions as well as training in SAT and GRE exams is also offered by such websites. Outstanding modern algebra education services established online currently deliver licensed tutors. They also give the up-to-date practice tests, SAT training, audio as well as video lessons, and effortlessly available chat or email backing for questions. The best part of having them is like giving a boost to the knowledge bank. Concepts in algebra often recount to the understanding of the former one Numerous algebra tutoring websites also have the competence of recording tutoring sessions, so that the students can replay them as needed. Trial tutoring sessions are obtainable at no obligation and online algebra tutors are obtainable 24 hours per day as well as 7 days each week. Tough math like algebra necessitates for high amount of focus on the part of the student. Additionally, concepts in algebra often recount to the understanding of the former one, so if a student does not maintain the form in the starting level, the knowledge gap can become troublesome. Well, the online algebra tutors are expert professionals, who offer assistance in various under-mentioned subjects: The Rational Numbers The Integers Real Numbers and Radicals Quadratic Functions and Complex Numbers Relations and Functions Logarithmic Functions Sequences and Series Exponential Functions Logarithmic Functions In spite of excellent in mathematics, various students find it problematic to learn algebra. Along with learning the ideas and principles in algebra, a student also requires to take note of the methods to solve equations. Though, each student has numerous options to augment his learning and skills in algebra. Along with understanding algebra from several online sources, the student can also contemplate hiring Algebra assignment help. The algebra teacher will assist a student in imparting knowledge about the thoughts in algebra, and finishing homework assignments, and enabling final exam preparations.

Learn the Guitar in Austin, Texas!

Learn the Guitar in Austin, Texas! Where to learn and play guitar in Austin, Texas? ChaptersAustin conservatories for playing guitarMusic schools in AustinCultural and Community Centers in AustinPrivate guitar lessons in AustinTexas is home to some of our most treasured and talented guitarists and performers. Do the names Willie Nelson, Stevie Ray Vaughan and Janis Joplin mean anything to you?Of all the cities in the great southern state of Texas, Austin has a particularly special place for music makers and guitarists. While its most well-known musical styles are varieties of country and blues, it has also been celebrated for its folk, bluegrass, tejano, zydeco, new wave, punk and indie music scenes. And don't forget that the city supports the Austin Symphony Orchestra, the Austin Civic Orchestra and the Austin Opera!Most importantly, it has gained a reputation as a place where struggling musicians, of all genres, could launch their career in front of receptive audiences. Will you be next?Are you a beginner guitarist or an advanced guitar player living in Austin and looking to improve  your guitar playing?The guitar is a musical instrument that brings together many generations and musical tastes: whether you’re 6 or 66, it’s absolutely possible to learn the guitar, you just need a bit of motivation (and a certain finger dexterity!) to play your choice of rock, blues, jazz, classical, funk or folk music.Have you noticed the 10-foot guitars standing on the sides of the city's streets? In 2006, Gibson Guitar brought Guitar Town to Austin, placing 35 of these giant guitars around the city. Here's one at City Hall. Image: Visual HuntLearning the guitar  brings many benefits: physiologically, it helps you relax, improve the flexibility of your hands, wrists, shoulders, and arms, and psychologically, you’ll increase your attention span and enrich your musical appreciation.But when you live in Austin and its outskirts, where can one learn the guitar? Is it mandatory to go to a music school?  Is knowing  solfège absolutely necessary?Read on to d iscover the answers to many of these questions and much more. It won’t be long before you are strumming like lead guitarist Eddie Van Halen or playing solos like Jimmy Page!Street Bands Entertaining in Austin, Texas, 2012. Photo: Visual HuntThose who wish to become professional guitar players in Austin or play on stage with the greats; and those who are looking to start guitar lessons and  widen their knowledge of other musical instruments all while acquiring an excellent, professional musical education, should definitely consider the  conservatory for their  guitar classes.For those interested in specializing in guitar for higher education, there are a range of options available. This offers  a higher level of guitar playing with a disciplined methodology. In addition to music instruction, most conservatories also propose a dance and performance arts curriculum.It can be difficult and competitive to get accepted into these institutions, but that shouldn’t stop you from dreaming and applying yourself! In addition to the playing requirements, you should do your research in advance to know what you’ll need in order to apply (all the necessary documents and deadlines).Among the most prestigious is the University of Texas at Austin Butler School of Music (2406 Robert Dedman Dr., Stop E3100, Austin, TX 78712 / 512-471-7764), which offers a range of ensemble and performance opportunities and a world-class music education.Music schools in AustinIt’s possible to apply oneself on the guitar  from a very young age. We advise introducing the guitar to children between the ages of 4 and 6, while proper lessons in playing should take place from the age of 6 or 7.Guitar lessons can start early!Music schools come in a range of levels and qualities. For those looking to master the guitar to go on to higher education studies and professionalism, a lot of preparation and training is required.With that said, every student must take at least 4 hours of guitar lessons per week that might be divided as such:1.5 hours of solfège (or music education)Between 30 minutes and 1 hour of guitar practice (either in a private lesson or with another student)1.5 hours of orchestral practice.To apply yourself on the guitar, you should practice your instrument while acquiring a solid base in music theory and education (such as solfège). And music schools can be the perfect places for doing that, at any age.For children, adolescents and adults alike,  training is interdisciplinary  and you’ll surely find what you are looking for in your guitar instruction. You could also supplement your training with a singing lesson (singing and playing the guitar at the same time = refer to our article).Of course, some schools are excellent while others are mediocre. So before deciding, we recommend that you do a bit of research on each one to learn about their fees, the content of the curriculum, and to see if you can meet one or two of the guitar teachers.So visit the school s in person, speak with their directors, and don’t hesitate to ask for guitar instructors’ references!Plus, it’s often possible to sit in on a  guitar course  to get a better idea of what it’s like. Remember that everyone has specific specific learning wants and needs (ex: learning the guitar for left-handed players).The performers' view at the Moody Theatre, Austin Texas. Photo: Visual HuntTo find the music school suited to your needs and budget, at the right location and teaching quality, here’s a small taste of establishments that are accessible to everyone:Greater Austin Music Academy (1402 W. North Loop Blvd., Austin, TX 78756 / 512-337-2224)  : brings you world class guitar and other lessons and music education in a warm atmosphere. They welcome students of all ages and levels.Austin Guitar School (8820 Burnet Rd. #501, Austin, TX 78757 / 512-442-2880) specializes in private music instruction, group classes, songwriting and performance, and ensemble classes for all a ges, levels and styles, including classical guitar, acoustic guitar, electric guitar, electric bass guitar, dobro, mandolin, banjo, uke and more.Still more options to learn how to play guitar include the Lone Star School of Music (several locations / 512-712-5187) and the Austin School of Music (2428 W Ben White Blvd., Austin, TX 78704 / 512-476-7666)!Cultural and Community Centers in AustinIt’s very possible that you’ll find a community or cultural center that corresponds to your needs for guitar practice, whether you’re an absolute beginner or a more seasoned musician.Cultural centers and associations are perfect for those who want to play the guitar quickly and who perhaps want to avoid that difficult solfège training!Here are two that we think you should check out!:Armstrong Community Music School (404 Camp Craft Rd., Austin, TX 78746 / 512-474-2331): offers exciting opportunities to learn the joys of music for students of all ages and skill levels, from early childhood t o adult. From private and group lessons to a range of performance driven and other types of classes, there will surely be something to captivate you here! One thing to check out is the guitar ensemble for ages 16 and up.For more experienced guitarists, the Austin Music Foundation is a nonprofit whose mission is to strengthen and connect the local music community with innovative programs that empower music professionals and music businesses.Private guitar lessons in AustinGuitar instructors are passionate professionals who work according to a training method with the aim of providing the highest quality courses. But you must be careful when choosing your music teacher, as really anyone can profess to be an accredited teaching musician, regardless of training or background.So we strongly recommend that you meet your prospective instructor’s other students, discover his or her learning method, ask whether he or she specializes in acoustic guitar or electric guitar, and listen to him or her play in order to form your own opinion. Don’t hesitate to lead a little inquiry to discover if your instructor has won any awards or given concerts, and learn about his or her music career.We recommend that a private instructor has a conservatory education as well as teacher training and performance experience: the ability to teach guitar does not “teach” itself, it requires a lot of effort and numerous personal qualities. Remember that all of these factors will determine the various price of your private lessons.Next, you’ll need to meet your potential guitar instructor:  training on an instrument like the guitar is also a question of feeling and chemistry between instructor and student. In fact, we recommend that you meet several guitar instructors to compare their methods and vision of teaching.The city of Austin is teeming with talented individuals who offer guitar and solfège instruction, who will teach you how to improve, learn to play a chord or arpeggio, deve lop a certain technique and discover another music style (blues, rock, classic, flamenco, reggae, funk, pop, country, etc.) Why not go to your local music shop or consult the ads in your library or community center to get some contact details?Or better still, find yourself a Superprof!Congress, Ave, Austin, Texas. Image: Visual HuntRemember that key to any music education â€" guitar included â€" is what you do outside of the classroom. Practicing is the only way you’ll improve your guitar playing. Furthermore, make sure to listen to as much music as you can to become acquainted with the trends and talents in contemporary and historic music.And Austinites have a range of options to choose from. The greatest concentration of music venues in Austin are located around 6th Street, the Warehouse District, Downtown, Central East Austin, South Congress, the Red River District, the University of Texas, South Lamar, and South Austin.The White Horse (500 Comal St.) draws tattooed rockabillie s and hipsters in rocker jeans, and features some of the best new country talent every night of the week, as well as Conjunto shows that draw Tejano crowds. If you are after jazz, the Elephant Room (315 Congress Ave.) beckons audiences into its cozy basement space. Some of Austin’s venues have been key locations in the history of country music, including Hole in the Wall (Stevie Ray Vaughan, Shawn Colvin, Nanci Griffith and Lucinda Williams have all performed there) and the Continental Club (1313A S Congress Ave.), which has boasted some of the finest country and swing bands in the city.So get out your new guitar, metronome and capo…! You’ll be playing lead guitar or solos like Stevie Ray in no time.Don't mess with Austin guitarists! Image: Visual Hunt

Tutorfair Volunteers at Paddington Academy

Tutorfair Volunteers at Paddington Academy For the past 12 months Tutorfair volunteers have been hard at work in the English and Science departments at Paddington Academy.  It's great to see how appreciative pupils are of the tutor support they received! Read on to discover some of the things they said... “It was fun and educational” â€" Albion Babiqi “I feel like I have really benefited from this lesson,   specifically because Ilona (volunteer, pictured right) is very good. She helped us  understand the process of protein synthesis explicitly. This is because she was very enthusiastic and understanding.”- Zeynab “I found my tutor for English really helpful as she focused on things that can boost our grades like punctuation, poetic devices.......it was extremely helpful!” â€" Dafina “I have really enjoyed these lessons because it has helped me improve with my English and because of the help I have been given I feel more confident in my writing work. I am very thankful for [the tutors] who  have helped me .” Hayat “I think this intervention is really good” â€" Jubail What a difference the volunteers have made at Paddington Academy! It's lovely to hear such warm feedback from the students themselves. Knowing they're having such a positive impact is the perfect  motivation to keep our tutors volunteering. Let's keep up the good work!

Harvard College Admissions Essays Say What - Private Tutoring

Harvard College Admissions Essays Say What BobbiM Feb 28, 2013 Looking for some college admissions essay tips? Believe it or not, but the college admission essay is more important than you think. Consider this: applicants to the best schools likely also have the best grades, the best SAT scores, or the best ACT scores. So, with such a high achieving population, they all tend to look like each other. That is if all the college admissions committee looked at were quantitative aspects of your application. The truth is this: the qualitative aspects of your college application carries way more weight than you realize. Enter the College Admissions Essay, but wait! If you already know you need some one-on-one help with your college applications, search for a private tutor near you: Find the Best Private Tutors At Reasonable Rates - Get Real Results Fast! Choose Your Subject - Add Your Zip Code - Find Top Rated Tutors Today InPerson or Online Online InPerson College Admissions Essay Tips: What Are They Looking For? Great question. Remember what I just said about the applicant pool all looking like each other? Well, that knowledge should drive what you need to highlight about you. Here are some guidelines: Highlight experiences that demonstrate inner strength or upright character Describe experiences that set you apart as unique from the rest of the applicant population remember, the college or university is interested about how you will add value. So, show how you will make your 4 years at the school special and why the university will be better off for having admitted you. Youll think Im crazy, but here we go: if youre a female or a minority play the game. Yup, I cant believe I just said that. But, you can do so in a way that is not martyr-like or as if you were the victim somehow. You can show how you overcame adversity that was somewhat related to your special class. People love reading that stuff. Lets test my advice on the Harvard College Admission Essay Questions, which are below: Please write an essay of 250 â€" 500 words on a topic of your choice or on one of the options listed below, and attach it to your application before submission. Please indicate your topic by checking the appropriate box. This personal essay helps us become acquainted with you as a person and student, apart from courses, grades, test scores, and other objective data. It will also demonstrate your ability to organize your thoughts and express yourself. NOTE: Your Common Application essay should be the same for all colleges. Do not customize it in any way for individual colleges. Colleges that want customized essay responses will ask for them on a supplement form. Evaluate a signi?cant experience, achievement, risk you have taken, or ethical dilemma you have faced and its impact on you. Discuss some issue of personal, local, national, or international concern and its importance to you. Indicate a person who has had a signi?cant in?uence on you, and describe that in?uence. Describe a character in ?ction, a historical ?gure, or a creative work (as in art, music, science, etc.) that has had an in?uence on you, and explain that in?uence. A range of academic interests, personal perspectives, and life experiences adds much to the educational mix. Given your personal background, describe an experience that illustrates what you would bring to the diversity in a college community or an encounter that demonstrated the importance of diversity to you. Topic of your choice. Okay, lets analyze this, but know one thing for sure: DO NOT choose topic of choice. Why? Its kind of weird. You see, the committee wants to see uniqueness, but they also need something to compare you to. So, your response will be compared to others responses to the same question. Without having a base of comparison (like if you choose the topic of your choice), they wont know what to do with you. Moving on. Lets look at each question and evaluate an approach: For this question, they are looking for a glimpse into how you think and the worldview by which you see the world. If youve taken significant risk, what was it and what drove your thinking and what drove you make that decision? You dig? How do you think about issues this is what they are looking for. Do you consider aspects of issues or are you selfish in your approach. What values do you hold? Whats important to you and why? As far as that goes, the rest of the questions, I dont believe are germane. By that I mean focus on the first 3 questions. Remember my advice about having something to compare to? Thats why.

How the Foreign Service Institute (FSI) Can Teach You to Chat Like a Diplomat

How the Foreign Service Institute (FSI) Can Teach You to Chat Like a Diplomat How the Foreign Service Institute (FSI) Can Teach You to Chat Like a Diplomat Ever wonder how diplomats get their language groove on?Citizens sent abroad to represent the United States need to navigate important diplomatic affairs with cultural awareness, and often they need to survive among a population that  doesnt speak English.Thats why one vital part of the diplomatic program is the language program.The U.S. Department of State has a facility for diplomats known as the Foreign Service Institute  (FSI). There are four schools and one center. One of the schools is the School of Language Studies  located in Arlington, Virginia.The FSI has a long history of teaching diplomats how to speak and survive in foreign countries.  How else would they do that if not by specialized programs?Diplomats attend the training facility to learn through instruction, but theres also a lot of  self-study that takes place during their courses. To complete this additional self-study in their own time, they use language modules  designed for solo learning. Were going to focus most intensely on these self-study materials, but first lets look at the program at large. How the Foreign Service Institute (FSI) Can Teach You to Chat Like a DiplomatWhats it like to study in an actual FSI environment?The actual environment is a cool and diverseâ€"but quite intenseâ€"place where students undergo rigorous language training. The FSI offerings are incredibly expansive. For example, the Arlington, Virginia school offers over 80 languages to Foreign Service Officers.Every day, the  diplomat-students at this institute study  for a minimum of five classroom hours, are assigned homework and must work independently as well to supplement these lessons. Sounds grueling, but the process works!How can non-diplomats benefit from the FSI?The good news is, non-diplomats can utilize FSI courseworkâ€"without getting a job with the U.S. Foreign Service.The countrys primary training for diplomats works just as well for civilians.Of course, civilians cant  access the same classroom setti ngs or intensive training, but the solo learning materials can be accessed and used online on an individual basis.All this information is free for the  taking.Among hardcore language learners, the FSI material gets high marks. In fact, many consider these the best free language courses available anywhere.The courses in the public domain can be accessed by anyone with  a desire to master a language. Some material may be vintage but the majority is still on point and useful. A handful of idioms or cultural references have grown old but grammar and vocabulary remain the same.The Arlington school offers 80+ languages. There isnt such a wide range of choices online, but even this less extensive digital selection is still amazing.Dozens of languages, most with multiple, in-depth courses, are available.Its a veritable language learners paradise! The Simple Action Plan for Learning Languages with FSIFirst,  browse the courses and investigate whats available in your target language.1. Star t with the first course.Its almost an extra windfall that most languages have more than one course available! Some have as many as a dozen. But of course, the best place to begin is at the beginning, even if you already know a bit of the language.There are a couple of ways to access the courses.Yojik shows the courses and provides a link to learn more about FSI.Live Lingua  hosts the courses to keep the material from becoming lost. There are 49 languages available through the site. Many have more than one course in the target language.Your progress will be determined by your desire to learn rather than limited by the materials at hand. Whats not to love about a setup like that?  Then download the next level,  and then the next, doing the work in steps until all levels of proficiency are achieved.Materials vary from language to language so take into consideration how deeply you want to pursue the language. If youre only looking for a basic or intermediate functionality, almost every language provides materials to accomplish that mission.2. Download all the course materials.You can access the courses on a come-and-go basis, but you can also download the e-books and audio files to keep them on hand. That way, youll have all the coursework right at your fingertips whenever you want to use it.  Downloading makes for a no-excuse, travel-friendly language experience. Wherever you are, your lessons are too. Win-win!Each course has an outline included in the files that sync with the audio files. Its independent study, but very self-explanatory.There are courses that have little extras, so look for those. My favorite? Some courses include flashcards which I find particularly helpful. Use the resource!3.  Check your pronunciation with every lesson.It might be painful to hear yourself speak when youre first learning a language but thats a hurdle worth clearing. Record responses to the language drills and compare them with audio files.Diplomats record themselves when study ing at the Institute. Its been proven a valuable exercise so dont skip this part.4. Supplement your FSI course.If youre like most of us, your schedule is crazy busy. A job, family, school, travel or any number of responsibilities keep spare time to a minimum.Often, the lack of time leads to lackadaisical language learning habits. But there are so many ways to incorporate language learning into even the busiest schedule.Learn from experts such as Russian translator Olga Dmitrochenkova  who advises that you should use every opportunity to get exposed to the new language. She suggests inviting the language into everyday life by labeling objects in your home, reading books in the target language and even holding conversations with imaginary friends in the new language.To get started with some of these practice ideas, you can spend an hour writing vocabulary words on Post-Its and sticking them all over your house. And you can outsource your label-making for the most important words by us ing a Vocabulary Stickers set, which gives you well over 100 words to put on items you use and see every day around your home and office.The point isâ€"dont use just the FSI coursesâ€"do as the diplomats do and  add language exercises  whenever you can to enrich the coursework.With So Many Languages to Choose From, Which Will You Learn First?Included in the more than 40 languages the FSI has made available to the public are some uncommon ones.Fula  is spoken in the Senegal River Valley. Im not sure theres a huge demand for it, but I did listen to some of the tapes and its interesting to hear.Hausa is spoken in a handful of African nations, so if you plan to travel to one of those countries, theres a  good  way to learn to speak like a local!Spoken in the Philippines,  Tagalog is represented well in the FSI courses. If youve ever had a heart for the language, theres more than enough material available to get you beyond the basics.Some of the more common foreign languages have many co urses on the FSI language list. There are book lessons, audio material and flashcards to take some learners through basic, intermediate and advanced levels.FrenchThere are eight  French courses available! These courses will give you hundreds of pages of text and hundreds of audio files to work with over a long period of time.SpanishSpanish  language learners hit the jackpot with the FSI courses. There are eight courses for this language as well, including a few specialized for use in particular parts of the world, such as Puerto Rico.GermanIf youre interested in learning to speak German, youre in luck. There are five courses, including one FAST course designed to let learners hit the ground running!ChineseChinese  is a specialty at the FSI. There are so many courses to choose from, theres bound to be one to suit any learner. Youll have the opportunity to freely explore all 16 Chinese courses, including modules that deal with very specific linguistic and cultural topics, as theyre al l free for your learning pleasure.For example, the FSI Mandarin Chinese Car Module, along with an assortment of other interesting modules, teach learners how to manage in a Chinese-speaking environment even when dealing with unexpected emergencies. Not a bad resource to have at your fingertips!JapaneseFor Japanese learners, there are two FSI courses: a FAST course and a Headstart course, which clock in with a combined ten hours of audio learning and six e-books.How FSI Taught Me Conversational German in 28 DaysLearning, speaking or even just listening to a foreign language makes my heart beat faster. And Im curious by nature.So you know what happened next, dont you? Thats rightâ€"I had to give these FSI resources a test.German has been something Ive flirted with for about a year but theres been no actual commitment. Hey, we werent even going steady.  You could say I had no real prior German language skills.  None. As in, pretty clueless about the language.FSI  has five courses avail able. I didnt expect to become fluent within a short time span, so that seemed more than adequate for my experimental purposes.The course selection includes:HeadstartFAST CourseBasic Course: Volume 1 and 2Programmed Introduction CourseI perused the selections and chose to do all the courses, beginning with the Headstart course. I figured that Headstart and Programmed Introduction Course might be repetitive so I decided to skip the latter.Of course, learning is a personal adventure and someone else might have discounted Headstart instead. Or you might opt to try both! There isnt a right or wrong way to approach this.Anyhow, I added up the materials: Eight e-books, 129 audio files with a run-time of over 52 hours and over 1,000 pages of coursework. It was daunting to look at it this way, but I felt pretty safe knowing that I wasnt going to run out of lessons!Leading a busy life, and not being a diplomat able to devote every day to language learning, I decided that for this short-term experiment I could commit four hours daily to learning German. Two hours in the morning and two more in the evening.As I said, languages make my heart beat in double-time, so I dove right in and stuck with that study routine. The material is relevant, despite some of it being beyond the social expiration date. I skimmed past references to outmoded issues and concentrated on learning the core language.The basic course, which I took on after the Headstart program,  was assembled more than 50 years ago but the stated goals of the courseâ€"to speak accurately, fluently and easilyâ€"are still relevant and attainable.The e-books break  each lesson down so well that its nearly impossible to get lost. The material is  divided into sections, and learning builds upon what has been already absorbed.Verbs and tenses are covered so well that, by the end of the drills, I was able to conjugate with very little hardship. The material is a bit formal, but Ive got to hand it to those who wrote the co urseâ€"the repetition and the strong presentation of various tenses did make it all sink in.Getting the hang of making sounds that are incomparable to anything I use in the English language stumped me at first. Long and short vowels were honestly a bit confusing but the textbook explanation allowed me to eventually decipher the nuances. Im not totally on top of reading and properly pronouncing unfamiliar German words but Im managing to get most of them.Progress, even in small measure, works!I did have issues, but not with the courses. Squeezing the time Id committed to language learning was the main challenge, but I managed.The outcome of my 28-day test? Actually, its positive!Im not fluent in German by any means but Im certainly able to conduct basic conversation and read a bit. Im capable of discussing  everyday topics, asking for (and giving!) directions, ordering in a restaurant and dealing with grammar issues. Im reading basic level graded readers now. Comprehension is greater than Id hoped so Im feeling pretty successful.The courses do work and theyre not at all difficult to follow. Everything is presented in a logical way and its no big deal to move between the different courses.Would I recommend taking the FSI courses? Absolutely! I had a blast in my four weeks doing this.  Sure, it was work. Were there times I was discouraged? Definitely. But I pressed on and am so glad I did. I think anyone with a love for languages could benefit from  checking the FSI material out.Taking It to the Next LanguageIm already planning on my next language courtesy of the FSI courses. Why not take full advantage of a resource thats time-tested and has been shown to work with both diplomats and ordinary language learners like myself?And if I can do it, anyone can!If youre adventurous, try learning two languages  at once from these dynamite courses.Grab your passport, put your diplomatic language dancing shoes on and test out your new skills.Me? Im headed to Germany!Auf Wied ersehn!