Using Math at Home to Learn

Using Math at Home to LearnIn the wake of the popular appeal of online tutoring, there is an increased interest in integrating math into the curriculum in secondary schools. While some schools use tutoring programs as a means of supplementing math instruction, others use math tutoring to help students learn by doing and making connections between concepts in the classroom. Some parents would like to see more students take math at home, but they are wary of the practice because they worry that math instruction will be diminished if there is less of a need for personalized attention.The use of math tutoring has increased in recent years. This trend has begun even before the popularity of the online math tutoring industry. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, the average age at which first-time high schoolers take math has risen steadily, from 27 in 1992 to 35 in 1998. As well, when compared to two decades ago, the average college student takes fewer math courses.M ath, especially algebra, is the most difficult subject to teach students and the subject that carries the highest degree of emotional impact on students. Math classes, whether in the classroom or an online math tutoring program, can instill in students a feeling of pride and achievement that a lot of students could not achieve if it weren't for math.Many teachers, especially those who are still getting familiar with the principles of mathematics, have trouble introducing math concepts to their students. While some students may be predisposed to mathematics, others may need additional instruction. In addition, many students who do not appear to be inclined toward math may need a different kind of math instruction.For some students, math is not just a matter of memorizing facts; it's more about understanding the theories behind the information. When you give them work that they can put their hands on and experiment with, they are more likely to learn the material. When they don't have that ability, they are unlikely to learn.The Internet provides the perfect venue for learning, especially for students who would otherwise have difficulty learning math in a traditional setting. The challenge of finding an appropriate website for learning math online is one that has been made much easier by companies such as TutorPlus. In addition, tutors who offer math tutoring for a fee to make the job of finding an appropriate site much easier.Students who use math at home have a greater capacity to grasp concepts in a shorter period of time than students who take math in the classroom. It is these students who tend to benefit the most from math tutoring. Math should not be seen as something that is out of reach. Rather, it should be seen as a requirement for success.Although math is not the most popular subject in most classrooms, it is an essential aspect of education. With the continuing growth of the Internet, along with the growing numbers of people who use it, there is an increasing demand for programs that can effectively integrate math into a student's life. Using math online or in person can help students learn math in a very natural and interactive way.

Foreign Policy in Election 2012 A Reflection After the RNC

Foreign Policy in Election 2012 A Reflection After the RNC Republican presidential candidate, Mitty Romney. Photograph by Cletch at Flickr Many politicians at this year’s Republican National Convention criticized President Obama’s foreign policy, calling for a stronger American position.   Former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice stated, “Dictators in Iran and Syria butcher their people and threaten regional security.   Russia and China prevent a response, and everyone asks, where does America stand?” The foreign policy debate is becoming more relevant as we enter the last two months before Election Day.   Over the past four years, the world has seen massive turmoil.   European countries are in the midst of economic meltdowns; the Iranian government is further developing a nuclear program; and the Middle East was shaken by the revolutions of the Arab Spring. Compared to the Bush Administration, the Obama Administration has received favorable foreign policy marks both at home and in countries like England, France, and Japan (although his rating has slipped since he took office, and Muslim countries remain critical about his foreign policy).   His reluctance to dive into foreign entanglements and his willingness to participate in the United Nations has been better received by the international community. However, the Obama Administration has also faced criticism, and it hasn’t just come from the Republican Party. Obama has been criticized for the increased use of unmanned drones in countries like Yemen and Pakistan.   The legality of targeted drone strikes in other countries has been a source of debate, and many analysts believe that the unmanned drone strikes are a violation of other countries’ sovereignty. Obama’s handling of the Arab Spring has also been heavily critiqued.   The Obama Administration’s reluctance to get involved in conflicts abroad has led to a fairly irrelevant position in the Middle East.   As the 18-month long bloodshed continues in Syria, rebel groups have turned to countries like Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Qatar for assistance.   Despite the magnitude of the revolutions sweeping the region, the United States has played a minor role and has been cautious to provide support. Yet, aside from calling for a stronger American position, the Republicans seem unable to provide a uniform foreign policy front.   Few politicians were able to provide a specific foreign policy platform, and many didn’t even touch the subject.     As our national election approaches, the lack of detail is a little daunting.   Mitt Romney will have to provide a clearer picture of his foreign policy that isn’t just a discussion about America’s military prowess. Over the next two months, I hope the American people will pay close attention to the proposed foreign policy ideas of the two candidates.   I want to see the candidates address questions about Iran, the Arab Spring (and U.S. relations with the new governments), Chinese-U.S. relations, and the European debt crisis. In our heavily globalized world, how we choose to participate abroad is important for economy building and domestic security; and, I believe a strong foreign policy is just as important as a strong domestic policy.   After listening to the speeches made at the Republican National Convention, I want both candidates to detail their foreign policy ideas for the American people. I want both candidates to answer the question, “Where does America stand?” What do you think?

A Study in Caffeine How Not to Prep for Finals Week

A Study in Caffeine How Not to Prep for Finals Week Photo from Flickr.com. Uploaded by Jemimus Caffeine itself occurs naturally in varous plants and beans and is found not only in drinks, but in various food products such as chocolate, yes ladies, I did say chocolate. For people who suffer from migraines, caffeine can boost the affects of pain killers by increasing blood flow in the brain, and studies have proven that consistent caffeine intake could potentially reduce the risk of diabetes, Parkinson’s, and Alzheimer’s. These positive results are generally only proven to be a result of nearly four times the daily recommended amount of caffeine intake, and there are still many negative effects. High doses of caffeine can cause anxiety, dizziness, headaches, and the jitters. Caffeine also has a very long half-life of six hours, meaning it takes a very long time to leave your system completely. Due to this, people often try to sleep with a large amount of caffeine still circulating their blood which causes their brain to not relax as it should and prevents true REM sleep. The next morning the sleep-deprived individual will feel fatigued and go for another caffeinated drink. One common occurrence with caffeine is the withdrawal effects when one tries to cut back their intake. Withdrawals can last a few days and include headaches, fatigue, irritability and even slight depression. Also, people who frequently consume caffeine gather an increased tolerance for the drug and will need more and more to produce the same effect. Scientifically speaking, caffeine causes the brain to believe it is under attack which stimulates energy and focus. Caffeine attaches to receptors in the brain that usually induce sleep, and it basically freaks them out because its not the substance they usually receive, namely adenosine. This freak out causes the brain to believe there’s something attacking and it produces adrenaline. This raises blood pressure, stimulates the heart, produces rapid shallow breathing, and deprives the brain of oxygen needed to keep the person calm and rational. This is why tired people who have consumed too much caffeine tend to be irritable and over-emotional The FDA recommends about 200mg-300mg per day which is about three 8oz cups of coffee. Unfortunately the sizes of coffee drinks at coffee shops, such as Starbucks, tend to be much larger and contain a greater dosage of caffeine. This leads to unintentional caffeine “overdoses”. Photo from Flickr.com by ~Twon~ Even worse than coffee are the incredibly abundant 5-Hour Energy shots. These suspicious tiny bottles of supposed increased  energy for five hours have potentially dangerous effects. Each bottle contains 2000% of the daily recommended intake of B6 vitamins, and therefore only two bottles are recommended per day. Many people ignore that warning, however, and take multiple which has lead to serious side effects. One toxicologist, Chris Rosenbaum, has said that people have suffered from seizures, restlessness, and uncontrollable vomiting. Be careful of drinking coffee past 4PM so as to ensure a good night’s sleep. Often, sluggishness can result from dehydration or long periods of inactivity so drinking more water and taking a long walk can help as much, or more than, drinking some coffee. Be very wary of 5-Hour Energy drinks, and other energy drinks for that matter â€" they can get around FDA restrictions by calling themselves a “dietary supplement”. Coffee also does not sober you up â€" caffeine combined with alcohol actually causes more accidents among college kids. Basically, when cramming for finals, you just need to be aware of these studies. I am not advocating the eradication of coffe, by any means â€" in fact, I’m drinking my second cup of coffee while writing this. Rather, I’m calling for moderation â€" just be careful to take care of yourself, because you’ll always be more productive if you’re feeling healthier.

Tutoring Jobs in Matawan and Sandspring, NJ

Tutoring Jobs in Matawan and Sandspring, NJTuting jobs in Matawan and Sandspring, NJ have made the lives of many students easier and more enjoyable. These career opportunities are offering various options to enhance the educational experience of students so that they can become successful college and career ready.There are several tutoring jobs in Matawan and Sandspring, NJ but not all of them are suitable for students. Here are some of the more promising tutoring jobs available in these two locations. Take your pick:Tuting jobs in these cities include tutor, language instructor, and professor positions. The student has to select one or the other to fit their personality and needs.If you are interested in teaching a single subject instruction in a foreign language, you may consider the English as a Second Language (ESL) certification course. You must complete a six-month course at an accredited school and pass a written exam. All the colleges in Matawan and Sandspring, NJ offer these programs.The studies in this program will teach you all the basics of a language, including pronunciation, grammar, reading, writing, and communication. It is very helpful to know a foreign language if you plan to go abroad for your future career. In fact, it is also required by some employers.A second option is to earn your certificate in a language as a Second Language (L2). This will help you in your career as a language teacher, since you will be able to handle foreign students, who need English as a Second Language.Tuteers who wish to study English as a Second Language are also eligible for Tuteering Jobs in Matawan and Sandspring, NJ. Youhave to take a class in English as a Second Language and pass a test to be eligible for applying for these jobs. This is one of the best places for learning to speak English with a native speaker, since the country offers a great living for those who wish to stay here and make a career.

Different Jobs As An Organic Beaker Tutor

Different Jobs As An Organic Beaker TutorIf you are thinking about the idea of a career as an organic beaker tutor, it is a great option. As a chemist, you will have a wide variety of jobs that can take you all over the world.These are the many different types of positions that are available to you. Many people work as an associate member in a laboratory, while others work full time as a technician. It all depends on what you would like to do. Many people who have degrees in chemistry want to continue their education by gaining more education in the field of chemistry.As you go through these different careers you will learn more about chemistry. This is because you will be exposed to the various aspects of chemistry, all while helping scientists to advance their knowledge.For example, one of the things that you can do as an organic beaker tutor is to help to design and create a new solvent that can be used to treat different types of medical problems. A therapist may want to apply th is type of compound to the areas of their body that are damaged due to stress or drugs, for example.Therapists are always looking for new ways to help people recover from the harmful effects of various drugs. Unfortunately, many therapists are not trained in chemistry. Organic beaker tutors have many different skills that help them be successful in their job.The most common of these are that they have an affinity for certain types of chemicals. The chemicals that they work with often have some sort of interaction between the two.This helps them to study chemical interactions which will allow them to make the difference in any type of chemical reaction. As you work as an organic beaker tutor, you will have a great career which allows you to work with different chemicals and procedures, as well as helping people to understand the problems that they are facing.

Tips for Introverts on Dealing With Discrimination at Work During and After a Pregnancy - Introvert Whisperer

Introvert Whisperer / Tips for Introverts on Dealing With Discrimination at Work During and After a Pregnancy - Introvert Whisperer Tips for Introverts on Dealing With Discrimination at Work During and After a Pregnancy Workplace discrimination is an unfortunate reality for some people. Each reason for discrimination is wrong, and one of those reasons is pregnancy. While some employers are helpful and accomodating during an employee’s pregnancy, others may view this time as a hindrance to an employee’s performance. There are many ways that a person may feel discriminated against as a result of their pregnancy, but it can be especially difficult for introverts to deal with given the personal nature of pregnancy. In order to deal with issues resulting from pregnancy discrimination, it’s helpful to know your rights and to make your happiness and health a priority. If you are experiencing discrimination, know that there are steps you can take to protect your rights. How You Might Experience Discrimination Related to Pregnancy There are many ways you may experience discrimination during or after pregnancy. This can hinder a person’s place in their company, their employee rights, and their overall happiness. Some examples include: Being denied an area to breastfeed: Despite the many health benefits of breastfeeding, many still discriminate against women who breastfeed their children. Employees have been fired for asking for breaks to feed or pump, denied breaks when leaking milk, or not given a private space to pump. Being punished for time off needed for appointments: Both during pregnancy and after, mothers will need time off to attend mandatory doctor’s appointments. Some employers may punish those who take more time off than the average employee to get to their appointments. Being overlooked for raises and promotions because of maternity leave: Maternity leave is an important time for mothers and their babies, but some employers see this time off as a hindrance and look over capable employees for raises and promotions due to their need for maternity leave. Being discriminated against due to weight: Weight can be a difficult aspect during and after pregnancy. Unfortunately, some employers also discriminate on the basis of BMI, which can lead to fewer opportunities for advancement. Why This Can Be Hard for Introverted Employees Workplace discrimination is hard on any kind of person, and the same is true for introverted employees. Not only does it require you to have difficult conversations, it takes a very intimate and private experience and makes it more public. For introverted employees who often prefer to keep to themselves, this can be especially difficult to maneuver. It’s helpful to have open and honest discussions with your manager, but discussing conflict can be hard, especially for introverted employees. For that reason, don’t be afraid to involve HR to help facilitate these awkward and tense discussions. Knowing Your Rights Knowing your rights is the first step in handling discrimination attached to your pregnancy. An employer can’t fire a person based on many things including their race, religion, disability, or their pregnancy, among others. They also can’t deny your employment, deny a promotion, cut your pay, or change your benefits based on your pregnancy. If your job is difficult to do because of your pregnancy, your employer needs to accomodate you. You cannot be harassed, you should have all the same rights given to an employee with a temporary disability, and you cannot be punished for filing a complaint about pregnancy discrimination. You should also be given breaks to pump or breastfeed as well as a reasonable location to do it. Each state will also have its own laws about pregnancy discrimination, so make sure you do your research in your state. You’ll also have additional laws under the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) that may apply, which is enforced by the Department of Labor. What to Do if You Encounter Discrimination All of these rights are outlined in the Pregnancy Discrimination Act, and if your employer violates any of them, you can file a claim with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) â€" or the Departmenet of Labor if it’s an FMLA issue. Remember to file within 180 days from the day the discrimination happened. It’s also important to keep a log of any discriminatory behavior, and to review your employee handbook to understand your employer’s policies. You can also speak with your HR department to attempt to rectify the situation without filing a complaint, or speaking to an EEOC counselor. If you decide to file a complaint, your employer will be notified and the EEOC can either: Settle, or refer you and your employer to a mediator. File a lawsuit if mediation doesn’t get anywhere. Dismiss the case and send you a letter that notifies you that you can sue them yourself. Prioritizing Your Health and Happiness You should really be prioritizing your health and happiness during your pregnancy, and if that means not telling your employer about your pregnancy, you have that right. If you’re taking the 12 weeks of maternity leave that you’re entitled to per the FMLA, you should notify your employer at least 30 days before you take it. Otherwise, you don’t have to tell them if you can get away with it. In the meantime, focus on ways to stay healthy in your pregnancy. This includes getting good sleep, getting plenty of exercise, drinking water, and allowing yourself to relax. Though it can be hard to focus on reducing stress when your employer is making your pregnancy difficult, remember your wellness is the priority. It can be difficult to maneuver through workplace discrimination because of the sensitive and accusatory nature of it, but it’s important to trust your feelings on how you’re being treated. You have rights, and you’re allowed to bring up the concerns you have that are related to how you’re being treated during this time. Just because you’re pregnant, or postpartum, doesn’t mean you aren’t just as capable, hardworking, or as deserving as other employees, and you deserve to be treated that way. Image Source: Pexels By: Frankie Wallace Frankie Wallace  is a blogger from Boise, Idaho and a recent graduate from the University of Montana. Wallace contributes to a variety of different blogs online and focuses on writing about career advice. Go to top Power-Influence-Office Politics: it comes down to your Strategic Relationships and understanding of how you build each one of these elements. I want to help you accelerate your career by connecting you with your Free Instant Access to my video that outlines all of this and meaningful actions you can take today!   Start watching now by clicking here! Brought to you by Dorothy Tannahill-Moran â€" dedicated to unleashing your professional potential. Introvert Whisperer

Using Past Papers for A Level Physics Revision

Using Past Papers for A Level Physics Revision Power of the Past Paper ChaptersLook at the Mark SchemeDon’t Forget the Chief Examiner's ReportGet to Know the Exam Paper Inside OutStudy With FriendsTest ConditionsFinding Past PapersPast papers are an essential revision tool. They are the best way to find the areas that you need to improve on. Finding the gaps in your knowledge in preparation for your exams will leave you feeling confident. Past Papers are a way of testing yourself and ensuring that your revision is paying off.They are the closest thing you'll get to a practice run of the exam itself and will help you get to grips with exam technique.Do every past paper you can find, as many times as you can. Getting used to the past papers will help you to understand the way your subject is structured. There is so much you can get from past papers to really set you up for success.Here’s our tips on getting the most out of A Level physics past papers.Even if you know your topic inside out, it doesn't mean you will get the marks if you don't know what the marker is looking for. Exam papers are more than just what you know, how you write that down counts too!Be succinct in your answers, don't waffle on with descriptive words. The examiner is looking for key points that efficiently and correctly answer the question. Think explanation not description.Self-marking your past papers against the mark scheme will also help you spot areas where you have gaps in your knowledge and so can help focus your revision efforts.Check here for a physics maths tutor here.Find A level physics past papers online. (Photo credit: David Feltkamp via VisualHuntDon’t Forget the Chief Examiner's ReportThink of the chief examiner's report like a cheat-sheet on what not to do on an exam. The report compiles comments from all examiners in one year and details the most common mistakes students make and what they did wrong.These are really useful as they let you know what examiners are looking for. By reading through them, you can learn what not to do, and wha t mistakes you need to avoid.While you won’t know exactly what will come up on your exam it is good practice to get into the exam mindset, thinking of how the questions will be marked so you can effectively demonstrate your knowledge on the paper.Use your papers as motivation; if you didn't get a great score on one, don't panic. Use this as motivation to go and revise and learn about the topics you struggled with in the paper. If you got a good score then don't hesitate to write your score on the front of the paper in bold pen. Keep it somewhere where you'll see it daily. It will serve as a great confidence booster if you're ever feeling overwhelmed by all of your revision.Finding Past PapersYou can find past papers and chief examiner reports on the website of your exam board.There you'll find past papers from previous years and there will also usually be papers from summer exams and resit periods so there will be plenty to practice with.Good luck and happy practising!How to revis e for your physics exam.

A Student Review of University of Michigan

A Student Review of University of Michigan The tutors behind Varsity Tutors are not just here to teach theyre sharing their college experiences as well. Jonathan is a Detroit tutor specializing in ACT prep tutoring, College Essay tutoring, Writing tutoring, and many other areas. He is a 2012 graduate of University of Michigan with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Creative Writing. Check out his review of his time at University of Michigan: VT: Describe the campus setting and transportation options.How urban or safe is the campus?Are there buses or do you need a car/bike? Jonathan: The University of Michigan campus is very safe, set in what I would call a middle-class town. The town is definitely not as big as Detroit, Chicago, or even Grand Rapids, so you do not need a car of your own. Parking is also very hard to come by, so if you want to keep a car, expect to put some time and money into parking. There are public buses that are free to University of Michigan students if you want to leave campus, but you will find most of what you need within walking distance. I, and many other students, kept a bike on campus to get around more quickly, but it was not a necessary mode of transportation. VT:How available are the professors, academic advisers, and teaching assistants? Jonathan: Overall, I found professors, advisers, and teaching assistants to be very available. Obviously, this varies from professor to professor, but all professors keep office hours, and the university sponsors quite a few programs to help students who are falling behind academically. Most students actually underutilize the resources the university providesthey think they are too cool for them or that they can do it on their own. While this can sometimes be true, why not watch one less hour of television a week and get to know a professor or use an academic adviser to help you plan your next semester? VT: How would you describe the dorm life rooms, dining options, location, socialization opportunities with other students? Jonathan: The dorms are pretty nice. The university has been renovating about one dorm each year, so most now have a new dining hall, lots of new computers and security technology, and up-to-date furniture. Dorms are a great way to meet other students, whether that is just who you meet in the hall or someone in a student group who also lives in your dorm. Most of the dorms are within a five-minute walk of the academic buildings, depending on where you are taking your classes. Bursley Hall, the Baits Houses, and Northwood are exceptions, as the university has had to put more and more students on North Campus (a 10-minute bus ride from Central Campus) as enrollment has increased. VT: Which majors/programs are best represented and supported?What did you study and why? Did the university do a good job supporting your particular area of study? Jonathan: The programs with the largest budgets are probably Engineering, Law, and Business, as well as the medical fields. However, I would say that the university supports all of its programs well. I was part of the Residential College, which is a liberal arts college contained within the larger university. We did not have the free lunches and lavish buildings that other programs had, but our professors and advisers were very invested in our success. Also, the building that houses the Residential College (East Quad) was renovated in 2012, and it is now a very nice dorm. VT: How easy or difficult was it for you to meet people and make friends as a freshman? Does Greek life play a significant role in the campus social life? Jonathan: I think meeting people at the University of Michigan is pretty easy. Greek life is big on campus, but there are so many student groups that are easy to access that I never joined Greek life. I felt like I met a lot of people that I am still friends with. If Greek life is not your thing, do not worry. The only thing that would hold people back from meeting others is if they shut themselves in their rooms all day. Keep your door open, check out some groups that sound interesting, and you will have a fine social life. VT: How helpful is the Career Centerand other student support services?Do many reputable companies recruit on campus? Jonathan: The Career Center is helpful if you seek out their help. They do not put themselves out there much, so if you want help, go and get it. However, there are a lot of job fairs with a lot of big companies on campus. My wife got two internships at Whirlpool, and Ford hired her straight out of college. She did it all through these job fairs. VT: How are the various study areas such aslibraries, the student union, and dorm lounges? Are they over-crowded, easily available, spacious? Jonathan: Some spaces are definitely crowded, but I found my favorite secluded places and went there. There are a lot of nice, quiet places to study (Hatcher Graduate Library, the Law Library, Pierpont Commons), so if the loud, crowded spaces (Shapiro Undergraduate Library, the dorm lounges, Michigan Union) are not your scene, you can find somewhere you like. The campus is huge, so if you do not like your current study place, just keep searching. VT: Describe the surrounding town. What kinds of outside establishments / things to do are there that make it fun, boring, or somewhere in between?To what extent do students go to the downtown area of the city versus staying near campus? Jonathan: The University of Michigan is highly integrated with downtown Ann Arbor. There are lots of great places to eat in any price range, and there are lots of bands and plays that come to town. I also love Ann Arbor's public library system, which is huge. Students sometimes do not venture far from Central Campus, especially in their first year or so, but there is a lot to downtown Ann Arbor, and your explorations will be rewarded. VT: How big or small is the student body? Were you generally pleased or displeased with the typical class sizes? Jonathan: The student body is pretty big, but once you get past the introductory courses, most classes will only have 20-30 students. This was my experience in my English, Writing, and History classes, so some departments may have bigger class sizes (like Engineering and Business). However, there will always be a professor or graduate student instructor available. I liked the class sizes, and I never felt ignored or abandoned. VT: Describe one memorable experience with a professor and/or class. Perhaps one you loved the most or one youregretthe most. Jonathan:In my senior year, I took a photojournalism course where we went out into the community and found stories to tell. It was challenging, because I was afraid at times to approach someone about a story, but it was very rewarding in the end. My photography grew, as did my confidence. I believe the course is still being taught by David Turnley through the Residential College. David was a photographer with the Detroit Free Press for a long time, so he brought plenty of expertise and anecdotes to class. Check out Jonathans tutoring profile. The views expressed in this article do not necessarily represent the views of Varsity Tutors.

5 Most Difficult Italian Grammar Rules Made Simple

5 Most Difficult Italian Grammar Rules Made Simple Suzy S. Are you ready for a lesson in Italian grammar?  Below, Italian teacher Liz T. breaks down the five most difficult Italian grammar rules Learning Italian can be difficult, not to mention overwhelming for new students. Many students are afraid of tackling Italian grammar, as it can be complex and confusing at first. If you take the time to learn Italian grammar, however, youre much more likely to understand what youre  actually saying, hearing, reading, and writing. Below, we break down the  five most difficult Italian grammar rules  to make it easier for you to understand. 1. Nouns and Adjectives We categorize nouns and adjectives  as either masculine and feminine. Typically, nouns  ending in -o are masculine, while nouns ending in -a are feminine. See examples below. Feminine: Donna (woman) Masculine: Uomo (man) If the noun ends in -i that means it’s masculine, but plural and  nouns ending in -e are  feminine, but plural. See examples below. Masculine: Bambini (children) Feminine: Ragazze (girls) 2. Singular vs. Plural Knowing how to create singular and plural nouns can be difficult. While there are a few  tricks to remembering the rules, its really all about memorizing the endings. See examples below. Nouns ending in  singular -o switch to plural -i Amico is changed to Amici (Friend, Friends) Nouns ending in singular -a switch to plural -e Torta is changed to Torte (Cake, Cakes) Nouns ending in singular -ca switch to -che Mucca is changed to Mucche (Cow, Cows) Nouns ending in singular -e switch to -i Professore is changed to Professori (Professor, Professors) 3. Introducing “The” Definite Articles (Singular) Singular: There are two main forms of the definite article in the singular, il (masculine) and la  (feminine)  and two alternate forms.  l’  for any noun starting with a vowel, and lo,  for any masculine noun starting with s- plus a consonant, p-s, or -z. See examples below: Masculine singular Example: Il gatto (the cat) Feminine singular  Example: La gatta (the cat) Masculine noun starting with a vowel Example: L’uomo (the man) Feminine noun starting with a vowel Example: L’amica (the friend) Masculine noun starting with a -s plus a consonant Example: Lo Zio (the uncle) Plural: Le is used to describe plural feminine “Le Ragazze” replaces La or L’. I is used to describe plural masculine “I Ragazzi” replaces il. Gli is used to describe plural masculine “Gli Zii” replaces Lo or L’. 4. Indefinite Articles “A, An” Describing Nouns Masculine nouns use “Un” before a vowel or consonant. Example: Un libro (a book) Masculine nouns use “Uno” before consonant beginning with -s, -z, -gn, -ps etc. Example: Uno specchio (a mirror) Feminine nouns use “Una” before consonant. Example: Una donna (a woman) Feminine nouns use “Un” before vowel Example: Un’attrice (a actress) 5. Italian Pronouns to Use When Describing People According to Italian grammar, there are singular pronouns and plural pronouns. Below is  a table that will help you better memorize the singular and plural pronouns: To gain a better understanding of the Italian language, it’s important to master these five grammar rules. Use flash cards, write them down, put them in a song, use visuals, anything that will help you memorize them. Here are some additional Italian grammar articles that can help supplement your studies: Italian Grammar: Mastering the Informal and Formal You 4 Quick and Easy Italian Grammar Exercises Italian Grammar Rules: How to Form Singular and Plural Nouns Photo by Phil Roeder Post Author:  Liz T. Liz T. teaches singing, acting, music and Italian lessons in Brooklyn, NY.  She is a graduate of the Berklee College of Music with a B.M. in vocal performance and has a graduate certificate in arts administration from New York University. Learn more about Liz here! 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