Quick Reminder, Especially For You Younger Undergrads: Discipline Is A Skill, Not A Character Trait.

Hey kittens! We all know your vocabulary is super important and it should constantly grow along with you! But sometimes finding the right motivation or the right resources to start learning new words can be a bit difficult at times, which is why I made this handy dandy masterpost over how to expand your vocabulary! 

Easy Ways to Expand Your Vocabulary:

Learn Your Roots: The English language is composed of a ton of Latin and Greek elements! By learning what certain Latin and Greek roots mean, you can decipher English words that you don’t know!

Read Some Books: Yes, it’s that simple! The more you read, the more words you’ll be exposed to! You can use your context clues (or use the Latin and Greek roots method mentioned above) to figure out the meanings of words you don’t know, or you can even just look them up right then and there using a dictionary! 

Keep a Journal: Keep a word journal and fill it with new words you learm or come across! You can even divide them up by parts of speech or alphabetically! By keeping a journal, you can go back and study them so you won’t forget all the new ones you’ve learned!

Word a Day: Set a goal of learning a word a day (or more if you’re feeling really motivated and this is realistic for you), and try to stick to it! You can even write each word in your word journal mentioned above!

Foods to Improve Memory:

Walnuts

Blackberries

Blueberries

Cherries

Broccoli

Cabbage

Dark Leafy Greens

Chia Seeds

Avocadoes

Coconut Oil

Omega-3 Fatty Acids (Fish, Seaweed, Algae, etc.)

Websites:

Vocabulary.com - This site offers numerous helpful tools for expanding your vocabulary. “The Challenge” is a game where you answer different types of comprehension questions, and if you get them correct your score increases! You can also search or input words that you would like to add to your “Start Learning List”, and “The Challenge” will make sure to incorporate them into the game. There are many other neat features, but I won’t spoil them all! 

Dictionary.com - This site is not only a dictionary, but it also contains features such as “Word of the Day”, articles about word facts, articles displayed in slideshow format, games, and just a variety of fun facts and trivia pertaining to all things words.

Lingro - Just type in a website address on the Lingro website and it instantly turns the website into a clickable dictionary that translates text in 12 languages and displays the word’s definition(s)!

Confusing Words - This site contains a collection of 3210 words that are found to be confusing! The words are grouped according to the way they are most often confused or misused.

Just the Word - This site is actually really cool for helping with not only your vocabulary but your diction when writing as well! It’s basically like a thesaurus, but it can also give you better alternatives for not just words, but phrases too! 

Lexipedia - Okay now this site is for those of you who love mind maps! It basically creates a color-coded mind map based off of any word you search. It will branch them based on parts of speech, synonyms, fuzzynyms, and antonyms! 

Wordnik - This online dictionary gives definitions from multiple sources so that you can see as many different takes on its meaning as possible. It also has the essential word of the day feature along with some trivia!

Vocab Grabber - Basically you paste a block of text and it generates lists of words based on their importance in the text and shows you how they are used in context. Select any word and it will show you its Visual Thesaurus map along with definitions and examples!

Snappy Words - Another interactive site for those of you who love mind maps and visuals! It creates a color-coded/arrow-coded map that helps you find the meaning of words and also see what words are associated with your particular target word.

WordThink - This site is actually pretty neat! It centers around a “Word of the Day” concept, but instead of exposing you to obscure, rarely used words, it provides you with words that you can, and most likely will, use in everyday conversations.

Shahi - Shahi is a site geared toward visual learners! It is a visual dictionary that provides the meanings of the word and also numerous images of that word from various search engines.

YourDictionary - This is another dictionary site, however, this one only provides simple definitions without all the extra mumbo jumbo. It also contains a thesaurus, the word used in quotes, and the ability to create your own word list to study.

Wordle - Wordle is just a fun little site that creates customizable word clouds for you based on the frequency they appear in your pasted text!

Games:

Free Rice 2.0 - This is one of my all time favorite games just because it’s such a wonderful idea. You answer vocabulary questions and for every correct answer they will donate 10 grains of rice! It might not seem like much, but the more you play, the more it adds up!

Knoword - This game is a ton of fun! Basically, it gives you a definition and the first letter of the word, and you have to guess it before the time runs out!

VocabSushi - Sort of like Free Rice, except the questions are all comprehension based, and you can find out your rank amongst others and vocabulary level!

The Problem Site - Just a ton of free word games! 

Wordplays - Even more word games!

Apps: 

Vocabulary.com - Basically the site conveniently in the form of a mobile app! 

Dictionary.com - Basically the site conveniently in the form of a mobile app!

Word to Word - A fun word association game!

Cultiwords - A fun game to help with long-term memory storage of new vocabulary!

SAT Vocab - A series of games centered on increasing SAT, PSAT, and GRE vocabulary!

GRE Vocabulary Flashcards - For those who learn better through flashcards!

Vocab Genius - Another great app for those who love flashcards!

Word a Day - Perfect for those visual and auditory learners! 

Books:

Verbal Advantage: 10 Steps to a Powerful Vocabulary

Merriam-Webster’s Vocabulary Builder

30 Days to a More Powerful Vocabulary

1100 Words You Need to Know

How to Build a Better Vocabulary

Word Power Made Easy: The Complete Handbook for Building a Superior Vocabulary

Sources: // ♥ // ♥ // ♥ // ♥ //

Feel free to message me if you have any questions or concerns! Hope you found this useful! xoxo

-Star 

I’m stronger because I had to be. I’m smarter because of my mistakes. I’m happier because I’ve overcome the sadness I have known and I’m wiser because I’ve learned from my life.

Unknown (via onlinecounsellingcollege)

Must-watch Documentaries.

kushnstarbucks:

POLITICS AND HISTORY

“Why We Fight” (BBC, 2005)

“Fahrenheit 9/11” (Michael Moore, 2004)

“War on Democracy” (John Pilger, 2007)

“Hijacking Catastrophe” (Sut Jhally, 2004)

“Breaking the Silence” (John Pilger, 2003)

“Fog of War” (Robert McNamara, 2003)

HEALTH, FOOD, AND NATURE

“Food Inc.” (Robert Kenner, 2008)

“Super Size Me” (Morgan Spurlock, 2004)

“Planet Earth” (Discovery Channel, 2006)

MEDIA AND COMMUNICATIONS

“Reel Bad Arabs: How Hollywood Vilifies a People” (Jack Shaheen, 2006)

“Control Room” (Magnolia Pictures, 2004)

“Hearts and Minds” (Peter Davis, 1974)

“Manufacturing Consent: Noam Chomsky and the Media” (Herman, 1992)

“Weapons of Mass Deception” (Danny Schechter, 2004)

“The War You Don’t See” (John Pilger, 2010)

SOCIETY AND CULTURE

“The Century of the Self” (BBC, 2004)

“Shouting Fire: Stories from the Edge of Free Speech” (HBO, 2009)

“Debate: Political Islam – Is it a threat to the West?” (Doha Debates, 2009)

“Bowling for Columbine” (Michael Moore, 2002)

“Hamza Tzortzis: Liberalism & Islam” (LSESU, 2011)

“Jesus Camp” (A&E Indiefilms, 2006)

“A Time for Burning” (William C. Jersey, 1966)

“Malcolm X: Make it Plain” (AE, 1994)

PALESTINE

“Peace, Propaganda & the Promised Land” (Sut Jhally, 2004)

“The Israel Lobby” (Stephen Walt, John Mearsheimer)

“Defamation” (Norman Finkelstein, 2009)

“Palestine Is Still the Issue” (John Pilger, 2003)

“Occupation 101” (Abdallah Omeish, 2006)

HUMAN RIGHTS

“The Road to Guantanamo” (Michael Winterbottom, 2006)

“Taxi to the Dark Side” (Moazzam Begg, 2007)

“Fallujah, The Hidden Massacre” (Italy, 2005)

“Generation Kill” (Journeyman Pictures, 2004)

“The War Tapes” (Deborah Scranton, 2006)

ECONOMICS AND GLOBALIZATION

“Commanding Height: Battle for the World Economy” (PBS, 2002)

“The Corporation” (Noam Chomsky, 2003)

“Walmart: The High Cost of Low Prices” (Brave New Films, 2005)

“Money as Debt” (Paul Grignon, 2006)

“Darwin’s Nightmare” (Hubert Sauper, 2004)

“End of Suburbia” (Gregory Greene, 2004)

“Life + Debt” (Stephanie Black, 2001)

“Smartest Guys in the Room” (Alex Gibney, 2005)

MISCELLANEOUS

“Inside Islam: What a billion Muslim really think” (Dalia Mogahed, 2009)

“Islam: Empire of Faith” (PBS, 2000)

“Inside Mecca” (National Geographic, 2003)

“Jonestown: The Life and Death of Peoples Temple” (PBS, 2006)

“Death of the Freedom Fighter” (Al Jazeera, 2009)

“The Trouble With Atheism” (Dimitri Collingridge, 2006)

“Expelled: No Intelligence Allowed” (Premise, 2008)

“To Catch a Predator” (Dateline, NBC)

“An Islamic History of Europe” (Omaar Rageh, BBC)

“Free Fahad” (Siraj Wahaj, 2008)

“Entrapment or Foling Terror?” (Amy Goodman, 2010)

So, I decided to make this post for you guys and I hope you find these tips as helpful as I did :) 

1. Never compare yourself to others, but really, NEVER do it.

From my personal experience, I can tell you there’s nothing more destructive than comparing yourself to another person. Every single one of us unique and has their own amazing skills. Maybe one of your friends aces Physics class but you rule when it comes to Chemistry class or a foreign language. Also never let anyone make you feel like you’re not awesome because you are. As Eleanor Roosevelt would say “No one can make feel inferior without your consent.” So don’t let them and wWhat you do, do it for you.

2. See what you’re missing and do it.

If you pay attention and make fantastic notes, but still you don’t reach your desired goal and you know you can do better, check what is missing. Maybe is studying for the exam. Maybe is handing in the homework. Maybe it can be related to a poor sleep or nutrition. You gotta identify what is wrong and do something to change it.

3. Sit up front.

Again, I have experienced this and when I sit in the back I completely lose my focus and immediately start to talk with my friends and doodling on the back of my notebook. Look for the seats right in the front, you’ll be able to pay more attention to what the teacher/lecturer is saying and you’ll be more likely to get done your work fast.

4. Time management.

As a big procrastinator, I can tell you that not having a schedule or not planning your tasks can be really harmful to your grades. I know sometimes Season 4 of Sherlock sound more fun than Spanish reading but you need to prioritize. Make a list, from the most important task to the least, that way if you do not complete everything, you will have ready the most essential duties. Be strong and work hard, then relax.

5. Eat well and sleep well.

As I wrote in one of the past points, sleep and food can be a really influent factor in your school performance. If you only eat junk food and sleep four hours, you’ll be more likely to fall asleep in class or even to suffer a lack of focus and energy because of not nurturing your body properly. I know sometimes homework takes more time that we expected to get done but if it’s not school work or something really important, you should try not to stay awake (even more if your reason to lose hours of precious sleep is to be scrolling down Instagram or Tumblr, which can be done next day). Eat your veggies and get 8-hour sweet dreams.

6. Stay hydrated.

Drink at least 2 liters of water per day. It increases energy and relieves fatigue, promotes weight loss, flushes out toxins and will get you closer to the perfect skin we all want.

7. Pray

Personally, this has been really important to me, especially when it comes to a big exam or a contest. Praying always gives me peace and makes me feel more confident. I invite you to try it, you’ll see the difference. Also, studies have demonstrated that prayer helps you to have more self-control and makes you less vulnerable to the negative physical health effects associated with stress.

8. Pretend that you’ll have to teach the material you are learning, that way you’ll pay more attention and be more likely to memorize it fast.

Always do your best and remember that good thing take time.

I SERIOUSLY NEEDED THIS. THIS IS SITE IS ADDICTING.

french resources masterpost

i don’t even know where to begin with french…i love learning languages so much, i really wish my parents had started me when i was younger. i started taking french in seventh grade but i really hope to spend a semester abroad in france & visit senegal when im older. however, french can get super crazy with accents and hard pronunciation and fancy vocab, which can get really confusing, so here’s a masterpost w all of the french resources i’ve gathered :) 

where to start

duolingo aka the most amazing free language learning program ever

rosetta stone- i’ve heard really great things about this program, but it is not free 

bonjour- this website is rlly helpful & even if you’re already in a french class like me, you can find lots of resources for when you’re confused :) plus it’s free!!

babbel- they have programs for beginners + advanced 

grammar + spell check

bonpatron-  grammer + spell check

languagetool- grammar + spell check

reverso- grammer + spellcheck

how to change the spellcheck language on word

dictionaries

collins

word reference (this is my personal favorite, i highly recommend it + it is so much better than google translate & much more reliable!!) 

larousse

linternaute

linguee (this one is probably my second favorite)

you can get word reference (free!!) on the app store, as well as linguee (which i think is free as well??)                               

phonology

french vs english phonology

french pronunciation for beginners

pronunciation chart

guide to french pronunciation

exercises you could try

+ more practice

the ultimate guide to french pronunciation w videos!!

10 pronunciations you won’t learn in school

ok so i just found out the other day that if you’re on flashcards on quizlet & you press the little speaker icon it will say the word for you!! this has been super helpful on my auditory quizzes + generally getting a feel for the pronunciation of words. but i wouldn’t say it’s too reliable so definitely check out these other resources (link to quizlet) 

grammar

passe compose help (past tense)

passe compose w/ avoir

passe compose w/ etre

passe compose practice (+ more)

imparfait vs passe compose 

a helpful post explaining imparfait vs passe compose

intro to accents

type french accents w/o a french keyboard (just copy/paste into your document)

how to put accents on letters

noun gender

7 tips on learning french grammar

grammar practice

conjugation practice

how to conjugate 

french grammar masterpost

music

these are a few of my favorites:

stromae- hip hop//electronic but i still like his music

maitre gims- rapper but he sings quite a bit in his songs 

joyce jonathan- omg her songs are so cute please go listen

christophe mae-can we just talk about his song “tombe sous le charme” i love it + he sort of reminds me of jack johnson 

vianney!!- guys “je te deteste” is my favorite song on my french playlist right now. the sophomore that sits next to me in our french class recommended him to me & i can’t stop listening 

christine & the queens

also check out these links for more music:

universal music france

this post with french music recommendations

my post on music//podcasts for learning languages (lots of people have been recommending artists which has made this post so much better so please message me if you have any other recommendations or questions!!)

8tracks- french music

other stuff to listen to//watch

french youtubers

10 podcasts for french learners

the ten best tv shows to watch for french learners

ok don’t throw anything at me but watching peppa pig in french is actually a good method (i don’t remember who suggested this to me but thank you so much @ whoever it was) 

easy to understand french movies

news + culture

savoirs

euronews

1jour1actu

l’humanite

multilingual books

some blogs (not on tumblr) in french + about french culture (frenchcrazy, i learn french, oui, c’est ca, french together, fluentfrenchnow)

my tips

definitely keep a vocab notebook where you can either paste vocab lists or write them in on your own

listen to french music. find your own favorite artists. and tell me, so i can put them in here. but seriously, go do it & get those phrases + pronunciations stuck in your head!!

making quizlets for vocab will benefit you more than just using someone else’s

find friends in your class to help (if you’re in highschool, upperclassmen are a blessing pls go ask them questions if you’re lost in class), the senior that sits next to me is really good at conjugating, and i’m pretty good at remembering vocab so we make a great team

find/join a study group!! the freshman girls in my french class made a group chat & we all send links to quizlets/other resources & help each other with homework 24/7

ask questions/do speaking exercises during class. trust me, you will benefit from it. plus, having your teacher correct you on your pronunciation during class is much less embarrassing than getting an F on that speaking test 

french help on tumblr

this french idiom masterpost

more french resources

french grammer masterpost

if you’re still looking for help, definitely check out the tag #langblr

or ask me a question here

or send me a message

or ask any studyblr studying french :))

my posts

essay masterpost

studying when ill masterpost

music resources for language learners

studying a foreign language

i hope this helped!! :) 

Hey guys! I’ve compiled a list of resources that are helpful when studying science in general, & also when studying specific branches of science. I hope you find it useful!

General:

Crash Course [Youtube]

Khan Academy [videos, practice worksheets, etc]

Bozeman Science [Youtube]

Veritasium [Youtube]

Kurzgesagt – In a Nutshell  [Youtube]

Memrise [practice, app & web]

Thought Co. [articles]

iTunes U [app]

Sparknotes [notes on specific topics]

Wikiversity [articles]

Brightstorm [videos]

Cliffsnotes [study guides]

CK-12 [free online textbook]

Brilliant [problem-solving]

Alison [online courses]

Coursera [online courses]

Cosmo Learning [resources]

Biology

Amoeba Sisters [Youtube]

The Biology Corner

Learning Centre [animations]

Schmoop [study guides]

Beverly Biology [Youtube]

Chemistry

Periodic Videos [Youtube]

Tyler DeWitt [Youtube]

Chem Collective

Learn Chemistry

Chemistry Study Skills

Physics

Physics Central

Step-by-Step Science [Youtube]

Physics.org [revision & exam help]

Physics Galaxy [Video Lectures]

Open Yale Courses

the Physics Classroom

Earth Sciences

Geology.com 

NASA

National Geographic [study resources]

Sporcle [study guide]

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“I hear and I forget. I see and I remember. I do and I understand.”          – Confucius 

the curve of forgetting

the curve of forgetting describes how we retain or get of information we absorb.

day 1: you go into a lecture knowing 0% and come out knowing 100% of what you know (regardless of whether you know it extremely well or not)

day 2: you did not do any reviewing of your notes from day 1 therefore you have lost 50%-80%

and as the days progress we forget less and less

think about midterms! notice how around midterms when you’re trying to study for something (that you haven’t been reviewing for regularly) it feels like the material is VERY difficult and almost as if you’ve never learned it before

formula to reshape the curve

within 24 hours of your lecture spend 10 minutes reviewing the material

a week later: it will only take 5 minutes to REACTIVATE the same material

ultimately, you will reshape the curve  

day 30: by this day your brain will only need 2-4 minutes to recall

information on the curve of forgetting was taken from the university of waterloo (x)

my formula to reshape the curve using the information above

before class: spend 10 minutes PREVIEWING the material. 

after class: spend 10 minutes REVIEWING the material

do this regularly. this will be your preview/review system for each class.

a week later: try to review a week later. i know that school/life can get pretty hectic, but try to make sure you are reviewing regularly.

maybe record yourself saying some important details/concepts from your notes the night before and on your daily commute to school plug in those earphones and listen to it. i am an auditory learner and i find that listening to my notes before i go to bed and right when i wake up have truly helped me retain information. studies have shown that the best time to study is right before going to bed and right when you wake up.

a month later: after a month, review what you’ve learned so far in your class. trust me this will be a very very short review. everything will look very familiar to you and it won’t look as difficult as it used to.

basically your review schedule should be the following: 

1 hour before learning the material

1 hour after learning the material (or within 24 hours of learning it b/c i know we’re all very busy people)

1 day later

1 week later

1 month later

remember everyone learns, studies, and retains information differently!! my personal belief is that your technique is what matters most. it is not about your innate ability/talent. find a technique that works for you.

more suggestions:

active learning > passive learning

when taking notes use the Cornell method. it forces you to ask questions and summarize what you’ve learned.

set frequent, short, review sessions

test yourself constantly! there are so many resources online. 

people who are under stress have difficulty remembering things so CHILL OUT

don’t rush, take your time

repetition is key

practice MAKES PERFECT

group items together

fish, vitamin b12, and green tea can help w/ memory

don’t give up. like morrissey said “these things take time.”

If I quit now, I will soon be back to where I started. And when I started I was desperately wishing to be where I am now.

(via iwillbeapolyglot)