Avoiding Senioritis

Avoiding Senioritis After three and a half years of hard work, its easy for teens to lose motivation as they near the end of high school. Once teens achieve their desired SAT/ACT scores, apply to colleges and decide which one to attend, its understandable that they might assume that the hard work is behind them. Reality check: the final semester of high school really is important. So, parents if your high school seniors seem to be losing steam, here are a few things to share that should help them get back on track: Explain that college admissions officers do pay attention to final semester grades. What teens might not realize is that if their grades decline significantly after theyve accepted admission to a college, theyre at risk of getting their admittance revoked entirely. In fact, many colleges even state in their admissions letters that admission is contingent on students continued successful performance until high school graduation. Expect that colleges will review the final high school transcripts of all admitted students. Talk about their goals. Many students hit ruts along the academic journey. It can be helpful for such students to take a step back and think about what theyve been working toward. Theres nothing wrong with releasing some of the pressure once students have selected a college and are making plans for their future careers. However, a reminder of whats in front of them can be the boost students need in the home stretch of high school. Most Advanced Placement (AP) exams are in May. Teens taking AP classes with the intention of sitting for the corresponding AP exams must keep up with class work if they want to perform well. The AP exams are given in the first two weeks of May. The AP program has two important benefits. First, students earn college credit by scoring high enough on AP exams. And second, AP classes actually help prepare students for college because of their similarity to college classes as far as structure and rigor. Think about college class placement. Some colleges and universities require students to take one or more placement exams in subjects like math, reading, writing and foreign languages before they finalize their freshman year schedule. These tests measure what students have learned in high school, making it all the more important for teens to get as much out of their remaining classes as possible. Slacking off and getting placed in unchallenging classes (or even remedial classes) would be a disappointing way for a student to begin collegeand long term, a waste of money. Bad habits now could translate into a rough start at college. Doing the bare minimum (or not even that) could be a tough habit for students to break. Teachers are working diligently to prepare their second-semester seniors to succeed in college. Teens should take full advantage and soak up all of the knowledge and study skills they possibly can. Senior year is an emotion-filled time for many teens. The culmination of so much hard work, anxiety and contemplation about the college decision can easily lead to senioritis. Remind your teens why they should stay focused and finish their high school careers strong. When they get to college and begin the next chapter of their lives and feel motivated and well prepared, they will be grateful that they did.

English Vocabulary for Socialising ?? - Learn English with Harry

English Vocabulary for Socialising ?? - Learn English with Harry In this post you will learn socialising English vocabulary words and phrasal verbs. Socialising with Friends Vocabulary | Image What better way is there to enjoy a coffee or cup of tea than with a friend who drops in on you to spend an hour or so in your company? Catching up with the gossip and chilling out on a Saturday or Sunday morning may just be the tonic you need to get over the week day blues of office politics!Alternatively a scheduled meeting with friends in a city centre coffee shop or even in the gym gives you the chance to find out about the comings and goings of your mutual acquaintances and mates. Learning about old school or university colleagues who you have not come across for a few years is better than traipsing around a shopping mall packed with shoppers. You might even find the time to chat up a new “friend”.In this short extract, which has been written informally, I have used many common everyday phrasal verbs a feature of modern day English. Socialising with Friends Vocabulary - English for Socialising CLOSE KNITa few friends who are special friends who know you and each other well. We can also refer to a tight circle of friends.ex. They were a close-knit group of friends who truly enjoyed meeting and welcoming new people.TO UNWIND FROMto relax and get rid of any stressex. It was the perfect  trip to unwind from the hectic routine.TO DROP IN ONsomeone who visits you or who you visit without making an arrangement or appointment.ex. I was passing his house so dropped in on him to see how he was.TO CATCH UP WITHto find out all the gossip and information. What has been happening since you last spoke or met each otherex. It was good to meet up and catch up on old times and find out the latest news.CHILLING OUTrelaxing in a friendly atmosphere away from the stresses and strains of everyday life.ex. I had a lovely massage in the spa and enjoyed chilling out on the beach each day.TO FIND OUT ABOUTto get the information you were looking for or needed.ex. I spoke to Mary’s father to find o ut about the arrangements for the wedding.TO ASK SOMEONE OVERto invite someone to your houseex. It did seem rather short notice to  ask friends over for  dinner.TO COME ACROSSthis can be used both positively or negatively.I came across his name in an old diary. I had not thought about him for years. OrI haven’t come across him since I moved to another town.This means I have not met him since I moved to another town.TO TRAIPSE AROUND to wander / walk with out any real purpose trying to find something you want or need.ex. I traipsed around every shop in the high street looking for that book but could not find it anywhere.TO CHAT UPto talk casually to someone in a slightly flirtatious way with the hope you might get a date.ex. He chatted up the new secretary last week and is taking her to the cinema this weekend.