Earning Your Masters Degree In English Learning For Intermediate Students

Earning Your Master's Degree In English Learning For Intermediate StudentsThe English learning for intermediate level students who are interested in languages, has many rewarding aspects that can be taken advantage of. Each student must take a look at the best way to learn this language so they can reach the level of their dreams.There are many tools available online or even in books, to help students with the regular basis of daily conversation. These courses have been designed to give students everything they need to know about the daily activities of people from the United States and Canada, and the cultures they come from.Many books that were used in the past still exist and can be found in libraries. In many cases, these books have not been updated since the language was initially taught in public schools. This can lead to the students not knowing the basic words that were taught at a young age.This can lead to a struggle when it comes to speaking and understanding different kin ds of English. So, before starting a course, parents should ensure that their children have a background in all the basic terms and proper spelling to prepare them for any course.There are also many teachers who create websites that use illustrations to help students understand different aspects of the language and its everyday uses. There are many resources available to help English learners. Online resources can also be used to ensure that the language is taught correctly and well.However, this kind of learning has to be done very carefully in order to be successful. The basic method of the English learning for intermediate students is that they start from simple vocabulary words and create conversational sentences using these words.Parents and students should ensure that they do not waste money on the wrong or expensive English learning for intermediate courses and use the time to work on other aspects of this language and make sure that they achieve their goals. After all, no ma tter how much time is invested, success cannot be reached without effort.

Battle of the Food Delivery Apps Which is Best

Battle of the Food Delivery Apps Which is Best via Pexels Delivery.com Delivery.com is a versatile app that offers food, groceries, alcohol, and even dry cleaning services. Pros: With so many different services to choose from, Delivery.com is a great app to use if you have multiple errands to run. So, if you don’t want to waste time purchasing groceries from one place and alcohol from another, Delivery.com offers a super convenient solution. Unlike some other apps, Delivery.com does not charge a service fee! Delivery.com offers quite a variety of food options, with 39 different kinds of cuisine to choose from at popular restaurants. You can earn Delivery Points for every order you place, which means you can redeem your points for credit on any orders you place in the future. What’s more, Delivery.com offers exclusive promotions and discounts that you should definitely take advantage of. Cons: While the app itself does not charge a service fee, some restaurants that you order from may have a delivery fee and set an order minimum. DoorDash DoorDash is another widely known and used food delivery app that you may want to give a try. Pros: You get free delivery for your first order! Who doesn’t love that? You can access DoorDash from more than 1,200 cities in Canada and the U.S., and it offers options from over 110,000 restaurant menus! With such a variety of places from which to order and choose, you’re sure to enjoy perusing this app for food options. This app has a unique and helpful feature called “DoorDash Delight,” which is essentially a rating system that recommends the best restaurants in your area by accounting for such things as restaurant popularity, customer satisfaction, food quality, and delivery time. This is a great feature to take advantage of so that you can easily pick and choose from local restaurants. On the flip side, if you’re looking for a job, DoorDash just might be a good fit for you. “Dashers” drive around to different restaurants and deliver orders to customers, plus it’s a very flexible job because they get to determine their own working hours. Cons: Ordering on DoorDash may sometimes include additional delivery fees, including a service fee and extra pricing during busy delivery times. So if you’re looking to save on money, just be wary of any additional fees you may have to pay. Eat 24 Available in more than 1,500 different cities in the U.S., Eat 24 is a food delivery app owned by Grubhub. Pros: Eat 24 provides an array of options. There are 50 different kinds of cuisine to choose from, plus you get to pick among different types of eateries: fast food, casual, and sit-down restaurants. Eat 24 also offers exclusive promotions that will help you save on the price of your meal. What’s more, there are no delivery fees. Another really cool feature of Eat 24 is that you get to read other customers’ reviews and ratings of different restaurants. This can be super helpful if you’re the kind of person who wants to see what other people think about a certain establishment, which can help guide your own decision-making process. Cons: Restaurants that you order from may possibly charge a delivery fee and set an order minimum. As it’s owned by Grubhub, Eat 24 may seem a little too similar to its parent company. So if you’re already a Grubhub user, you may not find much incentive to use Eat 24. via Pexels Eat Purely For those of you who want to order in but still crave something delicious and healthy, Eat Purely is a great choice. Based in Chicago, this food delivery service boasts “healthy, delicious, chef-made meals delivered in about 20 minutes,” according to its website. Pros: If you prize fresh and healthy food, Eat Purely is the app for you. You can choose from a daily rotating menu of locally-sourced food, all of which is prepared by artisan chefs using fresh, seasonal ingredients on par with restaurant meals. What’s more, Eat Purely offers a variety of meal choices because it uses a daily rotating menu. That means you most likely won’t get bored of what this service has to offer. Delivery is flexible, as you can order on demand or schedule your meal to arrive up to a week in advance. Plus, as mentioned above, meals can be delivered within 20 minutes which makes this app a reliable and speedy service. Cons: As Eat Purely is based in Chicago, it is not as readily accessible to different cities throughout the U.S. as other apps are. While there’s no delivery fee, Eat Purely does automatically tack on a $3 tip. Infographic by Kailey Walters Grubhub Even if you don’t know much about food delivery apps or have never used one before, you’ve probably at least heard of Grubhub. This is certainly a great app you can use the next time you want to fulfill your cravings. Pros: Grubhub is available in more than 900 cities, so you’re likely to have access to this app wherever you are in the U.S. Grubhub offers quite an array of food options, with more than 50 different types of cuisine for customers to choose from. With so many kinds of cuisine available to you, you’ll never get bored! Instead, explore to your heart’s (or your stomach’s) desire. And with that being said It’s easy to explore nearby restaurants. All you have to do is type in your delivery address and the app will pull up a handy list of all the restaurants in your area. Searching for what you want in the app is also pretty convenient. You can choose to search either by food item or by cuisine, which is helpful for providing different search methods. Another super helpful and convenient feature of the Grubhub app is that you can save previous delivery locations, which ultimately speeds up the order and delivery process. What’s more, your last payment method is also saved in the app, which helps to speed up the process as well and won’t leave you scrambling for your credit or debit card every time you place an order. Grubhub allows you to easily track your order so that you’ll know exactly where it is and when it’s arriving at your front door. Cons: While Grubhub itself doesn’t have delivery fees, some of the restaurants you order from may charge a set delivery fee. So if you’re trying to cut back on delivery fee expenses, keep an eye out for select restaurants that charge. Postmates Another versatile app, Postmates delivers not just food but also groceries and alcohol. As a result, this can be a great app to use if you’re looking to order more than just food. Plus, you can use Postmates in more than 90 U.S. cities. Pros: If you happen to be craving a certain kind of food at 2 a.m., Postmates has got your back with its 24/7 delivery service. As long as the place you’re ordering from is still open at the time, Postmates will deliver to you. That’s convenience right there! You have the flexibility of deciding whether you want the order delivered right to your front door (for a fee) or if you want to just order for pickup. Postmates offers a helpful Unlimited plan, which charges $10 a month, or $84 a year, in exchange for free delivery on all orders above $20. This feature can be especially useful if you make purchases over $20 on a somewhat regular basis. However, if you don’t usually order over $20, this program may not be entirely worth it for you. Cons: Postmates charges a delivery fee that ranges from $4-$10, as well as an additional service fee during busier times. Seamless While the Seamless app is available in more than 600 U.S. cities, it is most often used by restaurants in New York City. So, if you live in New York City or spend a lot of time there, getting this app on your phone is sure to be a helpful decision. Pros: There are no added delivery fees! This is certainly a plus if you’re looking to cut down on the price of your food deliveries and to be honest, who isn’t? It’s super easy and convenient to use. You can complete your order with just a few simple clicks, thanks to an easy search, convenient payment options like Venmo, and order tracking that keeps you up to date on the status of your delivery. Convenience of use is, after all, super important to customers so take advantage of Seamless to get that seamless ordering experience! Seamless offers a number of exclusive discounts and promos that you’ll be sure to want to take advantage of. Seamless provides options from thousands of restaurants, meaning that you’ll have plenty of venues and menus to choose from. Cons: Although Seamless does offer options from many restaurants, it provides only 25 different types of cuisine significantly less compared to other apps such as Grubhub. While there is no delivery fee, this app does often have a minimum that you need to order. So if you were just looking to get something small, you may need to order more to meet that minimum requirement (which could potentially be a bad idea, since you don’t want to waste food). Or simply go with another delivery app for the time being. via Pexels UberEats Different from the Uber car service app, UberEats allows you to access food from many different restaurants and grocery stores near you. Pros: If you’re already familiar with the Uber app, using UberEats should be a breeze because the app is designed very similarly. Being familiar with its user-friendly interface is definitely a plus if you want to have an easy, smooth experience with the app. You’ll certainly have plenty of options to choose from, as UberEats offers more than 70 different types of cuisine. More options means you won’t be running out of food to choose from anytime soon! The customer service is often reliable, as the UberEats drivers are usually kind and efficient. Plus, they’re very good at keeping customers up to date when tracking orders. Payment is fairly convenient, as you can choose to pay with either your Uber account or with a credit card. Cons: UberEats charges a $5 delivery fee, which could potentially seem like a lot when it’s tacked on to the price of your meal. This price might even increase if the UberEats delivery drivers are extra busy, so just make sure to account for that. With all of these different food delivery apps to choose from, you won’t be running out of meal options anytime soon. Take advantage of these great services and discounts to get the most out of your food delivery experience!

Grades The Holiday Season Slump - TutorNerds

Grades The Holiday Season Slump - TutorNerds Grades and The Holidays: Beat the Slump Now that everyone is back from Thanksgiving break, many high school students find it difficult to get back into the academic groove (READ: Thanksgiving Study Catch-Up Time). Most students have been working hard since the end of August and are ready for a long-term break. However, its still important to stay focused between now and December 20, when the next break starts a private Irvine academic tutor can help you stay motivated. Senioritis shouldnt set in until April or May 2015. In fact, its better not to let senioritis set in at all. December is way too early to let go of academic responsibilities but it’s a good time to reevaluate what is reasonable and what is not. Successful students should ask themselves the following questions this time of year. 1. Can I handle my academic load as it is now? If you are feeling entirely exhausted and unable to keep up the pace in December, now is the time to reevaluate educational commitments. Some things are flexible while others are not. If you are planning to take the SAT or ACT in the spring but think that you might not be able to handle it, consider taking it in February instead (READ: A Timeline Study Guide for the SAT). However, if you have signed up for an AP class, you are now committed to taking the exam in May. Can you handle everything on your plate? What can you cut off the list? For example, if you are doing volunteer work for high school credit you may be able to put that off until the summer so that you can focus on your current academic commitments. 2. Are my extracurricular activities reasonable? Many students have signed up for extracurricular activities. This is a great thing to do, of course, but not at the expense of grades in core subjects. Students who are signed up for sports, arts and music, or community service activities should consider whether they are doing too much or perhaps not enough. Many students have overextended their schedule while other students may find that they are far behind in activities that would be impressive on a college application. December is a great time to think about subtracting or adding extracurricular activities (READ: End of the Grading Period Crunch Time). 3. Is my schedule consistent? Now is a good time to take a look at consistency in education. Many students put things off until the last minute during the month of December simply due to fatigue. Unfortunately, this can backfire. You may save 5 minutes now only to spend 15 minutes later and end up in a panic. If you are starting to feel as though you do not have the same amount of consistency that you had in August, speak with your tutor about a new schedule that might be reasonable and ask him or her to help you stay organized. 4. Do my grades meet my expectations? If you know that youre an A student in most of your subjects, but you have been sliding by with a B recently, youre probably suffering from a holiday season slump. Its important to talk with your family about the amount of time that you will need to study between now and January 1st. Many adults have one or two weeks off from work and dont need to look at their email or listen to their voicemails until they go back in January. However, most college prep students will have some work to do over the winter holiday break. Sometimes its difficult for relatives to remember what is expected of a high school student during this time of year (READ: Ask a Nerd! Grades and AP Class). Let your parents know ahead of time about the amount of hours you may need to spend studying, preparing assignments, or studying for a standardized test during the last two weeks of December. The holidays should be a fun time. You should enjoy family, friends, travel, gifts, and plenty of sweet treats. However, dont let all of these distractions take you away from your college prep tasks. Make a plan now and stick to it for the remainder of the month to give you the best chance of success for the rest of the academic year. Youre about halfway done with the school year, so enjoy yourself but keep your eye on the prize. All blog entries, with the exception of guest bloggers, are written by Tutor Nerds. Are you an education professional? If so, email us at pr@tutornerds.com for guest blogging and collaborations. We want to make this the best free education resource in SoCal, so feel free to suggest what you would like to see us post about.

5 online resources for Chemistry tutors

5 online resources for Chemistry tutors Many pupils struggle with the Sciences, but help is at hand. Here is our pick of the best online resources for Chemistry. 1. Creative Chemistry does what it says on the tin: it presents chemistry in a fun way. Lots of worksheets and revision guides make this an essential resource for tutors of GCSE and A-level Chemistry. http://www.creative-chemistry.org.uk/ 2. The Royal Society of Chemistry has some educational resources helpfully categorised by age group. They're primarily aimed at teachers but are useful for pupils and private tutors too. http://www.rsc.org/education/teachers/learnnet/education-level.htm 3. This site is a must-visit as it has been recommended by the Government. It's aimed at GCSE Chemistry students with a section for GCSE Physics as well. http://www.gcsescience.com/index.html 4. Quarry Ed is an A-level specific learning resource with some good downloads for A-level Chemistry students and their private tutors. http://www.quarryed.co.uk/studentresourcechemistry.html 5. Last but not least, we have a number of resources on the First Tutors website that are designed to help Chemistry students with their work and exam revision. Check out our Resources section for guidebooks and practise papers. https://www.firsttutors.com/uk/learning-resources.php We'd also like to wish very Good Luck to all pupils who are sitting GCSE and A-level Chemistry exams this week.

6 Great Free Apps For PC Laptops

6 Great Free Apps For PC Laptops Photo Credit: CNET/Sarah Tew 1. Google Chrome While PC laptops may be installed with Internet Explorer right from the start, youre definitely going to want to update your internet browser, stat. As I mentioned in my article about free apps for Macs, Google Chrome is the better option, and you can download it on whatever brand of laptop you have (since its not just for Macs). It’s free, clean, and lets you add third-party extensions to your browser, too. Bonus: you can change fonts, block certain names and sites from showing up on your internet, and easily search Google with this browser. I use Chrome on my Apple laptop but have also downloaded it for family members with PC laptops since Internet Explorer is just a slower, more outdated mode of surfing the web. [Sidenote: also available for non-Mac laptops are the free OpenOffice and VLC Media Player apps I recommended for Mac owners]. 2. Microsoft Security Essentials or Avira These are both free apps that will help keep you protected against viruses and bugs your computer may catch. Microsoft Security Essentials updates itself and is a Microsoft product, which means it should be pretty reliable. Meanwhile, Avira is a free app that helps provide your PC with a layer of defenses that will protect your laptop automatically from threats, eliminate damaging viruses and spyware, block adware, and warn you when youre visiting a website that could be harmful to your laptop. You cant really go wrong with installing either one on your PC, just as long as you ensure your laptop is protected. 3. Ccleaner What used to be known as crap cleaner, this free utility scans your laptop and finds crap to recycle. Crap can consist of temporary or unneeded files, and other unimportant stuff on your PC that slows it down and takes up space, as Ccleaners goal is to make your laptop run faster. The app is easy to use and will ultimately help your PC operate more smoothly and efficiently, plus its free, so theres really no reason not to download it. Photo Credit: Wikipedia 4. Windows Live Mail This is a great email tool for Windows users and definitely a better alternative than using Outlook or just Windows Mail. Windows Live Mail lets you work with multiple email accounts and allows you offline access to Hotmail, Gmail, and other web-based providers. Plus, this free app lets you organize your mail into conversations and integrates with a built-in calendar. 5.  BattCursor or BatteryBar One of the annoying things about laptops is your constant need to be aware of or your inclination to check how much battery your PC has left. Checking the laptops battery icon ends up wasting time and a bit of energy, which is where these two free apps come in. BattCursor  lets you see your laptops remaining battery life on your mouse cursor and can also display the information on your desktop. If you dont want your mouse clicker to display your battery life, BatteryBar may be a good alternative as it shows in your task bar how much battery power youve already used and how much you have left. You can also set the app to show the battery life remaining as either a percentage or as time. 6.  Dropbox or Google Drive These are both file-storing apps you can download or use for free and access from any device with Wi-Fi, no matter what kind of laptop you have. Dropbox gives you 2.5 gigabytes of free storage space, and you can upgrade your account for a fee or earn 25 megabytes of extra storage for free by completing some tasks through the app. You can access Google Drive through your Gmail account or download it to your desktop to make backing up all your files easier. From pictures to documents to music files, either of these apps can help ensure you don’t lose all of your stuff if anything happens to your laptop since it’s safely backed up online. Other free apps for PC laptops to check out include: OneNotes for Windows, Adobe Reader, and Adobe Flash Player. So if youve got a non-Mac laptop, never fear! Because theres plenty of good, free apps out there for you to download too and help make your PC better.

Chemistry in Context 8th Edition Review

Chemistry in Context 8th Edition ReviewThe introduction of a new edition of Chemistry in Context is not surprising. As the title suggests, it is a new edition of the chemistry textbook that has been updated and revised to be more modern.This updated edition of Chemistry in Context has been specifically designed to make learning chemistry easier and more interesting. It offers more than 200 pages of content, covering all aspects of chemistry including course contents, labs, textbooks, research material, as well as other supplemental materials like tutorials, as well as modules and activities that students can access whenever they want. In addition, the text contains some additional material that will help students learn how to use different computational tools to solve problems, the components of organic chemistry, acid hydrolysis, synthesis and reactions. It also has an extended lab section with a wide range of activities that will help students learn about aspergillus.It's very impo rtant for a student to be able to understand concepts of chemical reaction and molecules when they have to study them in the laboratory. In fact, if you do your homework well enough, you should be able to discover what will happen when you combine two different substances. The addition of the long list of supplemental materials is intended to make this more possible.The new edition of Chemistry in Context has received positive reviews from the publishers. 'This textbook is so comprehensive and well-organized that students hardly notice the addition of various supplementary resources. It makes learning chemistry faster and more enjoyable.'It's easy to see why the publishers felt comfortable recommending this book as a 'standout product' for the study of chemistry. If you are looking for a chemistry textbook for your own personal use, this may be the one to help you learn chemistry fast and efficiently.However, it's not that easy to get hold of it. If you want to study with a well-des igned chemistry textbook that will help you learn faster and more effectively, this may not be your best bet.You need to choose the right textbook for your own learning style. If you want something more fast-paced and fun, this may not be the one for you. If you prefer learning with texts that are both interesting and well-structured, you will be well-served by this book.

Skills Learning English - Learn Useful Skills From Online Courses

Skills Learning English - Learn Useful Skills From Online CoursesSkill learning English has its share of benefits. There are no excuses not to learn English. Online education in this field has evolved and it has become an ideal mode of learning for students from all over the world. When you are looking forward to working in the UK, there is no better place to start.A huge number of students from UK have succeeded in the course. You do not need to be a computer literate in order to do well in this kind of course. It is not a specialised course but anyone can learn to speak and write English easily with the help of online education. Most of the time, schools encourage students to study and choose a career in their local area.It is not hard to understand why students opt for English courses in the UK. This is a great option and gives you a better chance of securing a decent job after you have studied. There are numerous colleges that offer English courses. So, what are the steps towards getting one?The first step towards securing maximum advantage from your education is to register for an accredited university or college. Always choose a reputable and reputed college that can help you get the best degree. Choose a college that can be easy to access with Internet access. Choose a college that offers quality and more choice and as much flexibility as possible.There is a wide variety of courses available from these institutions. Choose from an Indian language course, business language courses, media studies courses and so on. You need to see the efficiency of a university that can give you the best possible help. These universities must be able to provide you with perfect programs and maximum support so that you can succeed in the program you select.Check out the internet for further details about your selected institution and good computer facility. Remember that a good course will not only provide you with excellent skills but also equip you with the tools you need to succeed in life. Some universities also offer degrees in other fields such as business, marketing and finance, web and multimedia and so on. Check for any other requirement of your selected university and put a special emphasis on it.Remember that as soon as you are enrolled in a program, it is time to start learning! Take care of the program details thoroughly and keep up to date with all developments in the field.

Should I Go To University of California, Irvine

Should I Go To University of California, Irvine The tutors behind Varsity Tutors are not just here to teach theyre sharing their college experiences as well. Son is a Los Angeles tutor specializing in Algebra tutoring, Geometry tutoring, Anatomy tutoring, and more. He graduated from the University of California, Irvine in 2010 with a Bachelors degree in Biological Science. Check out his review of his alma mater: 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? Son: I attended UC Irvine and since my house was 14 miles away, I opted to commute to school during those four years. Traffic wasnt so bad as long as classes were scheduled between 10am and 3pm. Therefore, this was something to consider if you commute. Light traffic would result in a 20-minute commute whereas it could potentially take 50 minutes during rush hour. VT: How available are the professors, academic advisers, and teaching assistants? Son: UC Irvine offers a peer tutoring service for its students in subjects that range from social sciences and English to math and biology. Academic advisors were always available for a scheduled meeting to discuss any concerns the student may have had. Most of my professors had weekly scheduled office hours where the student could come to ask for clarification on any concept presented in lecture. VT: How would you describe the dorm life rooms, dining options, location, socialization opportunities with other students? Son: Since I was commuter, I cant comment on the dorm life and on-campus living situations. However, social events are always open to student commuters. There are a hundreds of clubs and organizations to join and Im sure you can find one in your particular interest. 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? Son: I was a Biology major which helped me build a solid science foundation. This knowledge has tremendously helped me in preparing for the rigorous academic demand of graduate school. The education that Ive received has assisted me in gaining admission to optometry school where I am a current graduate student at UC Berkeley School of Optometry. 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? Son: I did not partake in joining a fraternity. However, due to the vast number of clubs and student organizations on campus, Im 100% positive that any student can find a club that caters to his or her interest. Many clubs meet up once a week and its a great way to meet new people and establish long-term friendships. VT: How helpful is the Career Centerand other student support services?Do many reputable companies recruit on campus? Son: The guidance counselor and Career Center played a huge role in helping me with my graduate school application. Theyve helped me refine my personal statement and resume, as well as assisted me in finding internships in the surrounding area. If you ever feel lost, their doors are always open if you have any questions or concerns. VT: How are the various study areas such aslibraries, the student union, and dorm lounges? Are they over-crowded, easily available, spacious? Son: Most libraries on campus are open to all students (aside from the few that are specifically reserved for graduate students). Some of the libraries are open 24 hours a day during finals week, so feel free to grab a blanket and coffee if you plan on studying on campus overnight. 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? Son: UC Irvine is located in a very urban setting that is surrounded by many shopping centers and pubs/restaurants for students to relax and socialize during their downtime. The Irvine Spectrum and South Coast Plaza are two great shopping centers that are great for hangouts with friends. Both are located within a 30-minute drive from campus. VT: How big or small is the student body? Were you generally pleased or displeased with the typical class sizes? Son: Being a Biology major, many of classes were in lecture halls that accommodated 400+ students. However, that isnt always the case if you are in other majors, such as English, where the typical class size ranges from 20-40 students. Students are free to run for student body positions in their respective majors. VT: Describe one memorable experience with a professor and/or class. Perhaps one you loved the most or one youregretthe most. Son: One class that I particularly loved was a neuroscience course that dealt with the anatomy and physiology of the brain and eyes. Being that I was applying for optometry, this course really caught my interest since it gave me a glimpse of what I would be studying in optometry school. The professor was very welcoming and was always there for me during office hours if I had any questions in lecture, or if I wanted to expand on any concepts presented in the lecture. I established a great relationship with that professor which helped me in receiving a letter of recommendation for my application to optometry school. Im currently in my last year in optometry school and five months away from receiving my doctorate degree. Even though Ive been away from UC Irvine for graduate school, I still keep in touch with that professor throughout the years and Im still learning from my professor since she does extensive ocular research. Check out Sons tutoring profile. The views expressed in this article do not necessarily represent the views of Varsity Tutors.

Summer Bummer 6 Warm-Weather Dangers for Singers

Summer Bummer 6 Warm-Weather Dangers for Singers Suzy S. Are you paying attention to your vocal health? The summer season presents some unique challenges when it comes to caring for your voice. Learn a few summer tips for singers in this guest  post by vocal  teacher Elaina R Summer is in full-swing! The season of green grass, hot sun, pool parties, and BBQs is my favorite time of year. But as a singer, I also have to watch out for the special hazards that warmer weather brings. While winter is definitely a singer’s roughest season (zero humidity and the flu are no fun), summer holds some unexpected dangers for your vocal cords. Check out my summer tips for singers below, and have a fantastic and vocally healthy summer! 1. Dehydration Hotter weather often means sweat and more time outside, so you have to be extra careful to stay hydrated. Vocal cords are made out of the same soft, moist stuff as the inside of your cheek, and when they don’t get enough water, they become more brittle and susceptible to damage. So be sure to drink plenty of water, not just for your vocal cords, but for your whole body! 2. Allergies Unfortunately, all of the living things that make summer so gorgeous flowers, trees, grass    can also cause allergies. Allergy  symptoms can include  coughing, sneezing, congestion, and a bunch of other problems that inhibit breathing and irritate the throat. One of these issues, post-nasal drip, is particularly damaging to singers because it involves mucus dripping from the sinuses onto the vocal cords, irritating and inflaming them. Many singers (myself included) use OTC medications, nasal sprays, and neti pots to deal with these problems. 3. Amusement Parks Amusement parks can be lots of fun, but they also encourage lots of vocal abuse:  loud talking, yelling, and, of course, SCREAMING on the roller coasters and other rides. Screaming involves slamming your vocal cords together rapidly, and as you might imagine, it isn’t good for you. If you’ve ever found yourself hoarse after visiting an amusement park, you know exactly what I mean. Luckily, I have a sneaky trick that can completely eliminate vocal damage at amusement parks. When I ride roller coasters and other rides, I open my mouth    but I don’t actually make any noise. No one notices, I have just as much fun, and my voice feels great at the end of the day! 4. Smoke I love BBQs and bonfires, but smoke can cause coughing, wheezing, and mucus buildup. Avoiding this one is easy just sit downwind of bonfires, and be careful not to inhale too much smoke while BBQing. You can also volunteer to cut up the watermelon and leave the BBQ to someone else. 5. Concerts Summer brings a wave of outdoor concerts and music festivals. While these events can be a blast, they often involve singing along (usually loudly and with bad technique) as well as yelling and screaming. I bet you can guess my antidote for this one! Just like at amusement parks, I don’t actually make much noise at concerts. I mouth all the words and I look like I’m cheering along with everyone else, but I don’t actually use my voice. I have a great time AND my voice feels great the next day. 6. Air Conditioning While summer air in many climates is nice and moist, air conditioning changes all that. Air conditioning removes moisture from the air, resulting in dry, wintery conditions. This can irritate the respiratory system and cause coughing just like winter air. Air conditioning and fans can also circulate dust, aggravating allergies. To combat this, try not to crank up the air conditioning too much at home. If you spend a lot of time in a highly air-conditioned environment (like an office), you can protect yourself by staying hydrated and using cough drops or a personal humidifier if your throat feels dry. By working these tips for singers into your day, you can enjoy summer to the fullest without harming your vocal cords. Your body and your voice teacher will both thank you. Now get out there and enjoy the weather! Learn more about this topic: 7 Strange (But Effective) Ways to Keep Your Voice Healthy 4 Effective Vocal Warm-Ups to Try When Youre Sick The 2 Most Important Things Singers Always Forget to Do Photo by  Roger Blackwell Post Author:  Elaina R. Elaina R. teaches opera voice and singing in Ypsilanti, MI, as well as through online lessons. She received her Master of Music from  the University of Michigan, and she has a B.M. from the University of Southern California. Learn more about Elaina 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