What You Can Do With a Degree in Marine Biology

What You Can Do With a Degree in Marine BiologyThe ocean has been described as the ultimate experiment for biological sciences, and the word marine biology itself is derived from this work. Marine biologists study the oceans, lakes, ponds, rivers, streams, and wetlands of the planet, conducting research, collecting specimens, and observing their behavior. Because of the great diversity of life forms, marine biologists conduct their experiments in the field. They study the fish, birds, mammals, reptiles, amphibians, insects, arthropods, worms, and other creatures that inhabit the marine environment.Humans have visited the oceans for many centuries, exploring the coasts and beaches along the way. The first beachcomber ventured into the water with a single fishing line, and the ocean has become one of the most popular places to visit on Earth. Oceans are rich in life, home to a plethora of creatures ranging from whales to dolphins, sharks to whales, and squid to a variety of fish specie s. Creatures that humans have only read about in books are actually real to the world around us. Take a deep breath and check out some of the extraordinary creatures that dwell in the world's oceans.We all know the legendary story of the gigantic Manta Ray: a bright blue and green, flamboyant creature of the sea that resembles a huge penguin, and is able to bring disaster to ships if caught in the wrong place at the wrong time. On one such voyage, a Spanish captain captured a Manta Ray in Argentina, and the fish surprised the crew by hanging onto its propeller! It took six men to hold the creature down with a hammer, but eventually they were successful.Another great marine creature is the Killer Whale, a grey whale that can grow to nearly five tons, and has an extremely strong back and neck, and the ability to swim over three hundred miles per day. In addition to using its size and strength, it also has an uncanny sense of smell that allows it to track down marine mammals that it ea ts. The killer whale is especially known for eating killer whales and some other whales, and human beings are also of interest to these massive beasts.The world's largest sea turtle is the leatherback turtle, and they can grow up to ten feet long and weigh almost a ton. The number of sea turtles that live in the oceans have been decreasing as the atmosphere becomes more polluted, and many species have become threatened. Marine biologists study these incredible animals as part of the ongoing efforts to protect these fragile species.Even though it may sound complicated, marine biology can be very rewarding. It can even be fulfilling, because you help preserve the wonders of the world's oceans. More than any other species, marine biologists are responsible for protecting the world's marine ecosystems and maintaining their biodiversity.There are many different jobs within the marine biology field, and many of them require specialized knowledge and skills. Sea surface biologists, biologi sts, and oceanographers are examples of marine biologists, while biologists who study fishes, coral reefs, and fish are also included. Some people specialize in just one area, while others may work with many different types of marine scientists.

6 Reasons Introverts Are the Best Remote Employees - Introvert Whisperer

Introvert Whisperer / 6 Reasons Introverts Are the Best Remote Employees - Introvert Whisperer 6 Reasons Introverts Are the Best Remote Employees Kayla Matthews March 28, 2018 Adaptability, Career Development, Self-Promotion No responses Go to top Remote work has rapidly grown in popularity in the last few years. Not only is it more of an option for people now than ever before, but it’s also become a preference for many, especially introverts. Working remotely does not appeal to everyone. While many people feel the need to be around others and feel too isolated if alone for too long, introverts thrive on time spent alone â€" which is why they make excellent remote employees. Those with introverted personalities have a harder time in an environment with an open-plan office, where lots of excess noise and constant interruptions can be extremely distracting. The fact of the matter is, not all employees have the same work styles, so it’s great that more and more companies are accepting this and allowing employees the option to work at home if they require a quieter environment. Read on for six reasons introverts are the best remote employees. They Need Their Space Introverts like their space â€" period. Especially when they’re working, trying to focus and get things done, space is imperative. A 2012 Harvard University study concluded introverts have more gray matter in their prefrontal cortex than extroverts, and this excess gray matter is linked to a more abstract thought and decision-making process. When introverts have their own space, they are better able to weigh their options before making decisions. They Thrive in Quiet Environments Just because people are introverted doesnt mean they cannot handle social interactions. Most introverts actually get along well with others. However, social interactions tend to be draining for them, compared to extroverts, who thrive on others’ energy. Since social interaction is such a huge part of an office setting, introverts naturally thrive in a quiet environment. They Prefer One Task at a Time Since introverts like to focus on one task at a time, interruptions can really throw off their flow. Once their attention to something gets derailed, it can take quite some time for them to get back on track, especially if they constantly get distracted throughout the day. Introverts want to focus deeply on tasks â€" one at a time â€" so they can take their time on decisions and solving problems. They Want to Follow a Schedule Since introverts are usually self-motivated and focused, they tend to want to follow a schedule, not just play things by ear. They’re also more motivated by proving themselves to themselves â€" not other people. Sticking to a schedule and a routine is more important for an introvert than several social interactions during the day to please co-workers. Cloud hosting providers make following a schedule easier for those who work at home because they give employees the access they need to all their files and programs like Outlook â€" where calendars are a necessity. This also makes it easy to share documents and data across several locations. All it takes is Internet access, and you’re good to go. They Work Better Alone Introverts don’t want to have sporadic conversations all day long with their co-workers. They would rather use their energy toward their work and getting things done. This is why introverts work better when alone, without the chaos of an office around them. They also don’t rely on others to get their work done, so working alone only makes more sense because they don’t need or expect help from co-workers. They’re usually their own leaders. Remote employees should still attend face-to-face meetings during the week so they don’t feel isolated from the company culture, have the opportunity to network and overall have in-person time with some of their co-workers and their boss. They Don’t Prefer Work in Groups Unlike extroverts, introverts prefer to think about things first before throwing ideas out there. So in a meeting, an introvert is more likely to process information before jumping on new ideas because of their internal focus. They’re also more likely to ask more targeted questions and pick up on things others may not notice. When introverts have time and space alone to process information, they are likely to be more productive than if co-workers approach them immediately to come up with solutions. In fact, Susan Cain, author of Quiet: The Power of Introverts, believes teams who collaborate remotely produce the most influential work. There is no right way to be. Both introverts and extroverts thrive in different environments depending on their preferences. Since introverts need space, work better alone and prefer a quiet environment, they’re the best remote employees because they can get all that and more by working at home in an environment they can control. Since introverts take more time to recharge after becoming drained from small talk and lots of meetings, it’s best if they have an opportunity to avoid this wasted time and use it to focus on their work instead. If it makes them more productive and produces better results, companies have nothing to lose by offering this option to their employees. Go to top Do you know what your next career step is?  Many people don’t. I want to help you accelerate your career by connecting you with your Free Instant Access to my eBook on how to construct your Career SMART Goals â€" that will help you put together your actions and keep you accountable. Get your copy now and start your action plan today!  Brought to you by Dorothy Tannahill-Moran â€" dedicated to unleashing your professional potential. Introvert Whisperer

AP Calculus

AP Calculus Calculus is a branch of Mathematics which deals with the methods of Derivation and Integration. These two methods are the sub-branches of Calculus and are used to solve functions based on them. AP Calculus is the Advanced Placement Examination in Calculus which is given in order to test a high school student in Calculus questions. Example 1: Find the derivative of the given function, f(x) = x5 + 2x3 Power rule of the Derivatives - d f(xn)/dx = n*xn-1 Given function: x5 + 2x3 Applying the above formula for every term of the function, we get Derivative of the given function - d f(x)/dx= d (x5)/dx +2*d(x3)/dx df(x)/dx = 5 *x5-1 + 2 * 3 * x3-1 d f(x)/dx = 5x4 + 6x2 Hence the derivative of the function f(x) =x5 + 2x3 is 5x4 + 6x2 Example 2: Calculate the definite integral value of the function, f(x) = 4x3 - 3x2 and x ranging from 0 to 2. xn dx= x(n+1)/ (n+1) Apply the above formula for the given function, we get (fx) dx = 4 *x3+1/(3 + 1) 3 *x2+1/(2 + 1) f(x)dx = x4 x3 First substitute x = 0 and x= 2 in the above answer. When x= 0, f(x) dx= 04 03 = 0 When x=2, f(x)dx= 24 23 = 8 Now subtract 8 - 0 = 8 Hence the definite integral of the given f(x) is 8.

What is it Like to Attend The Pennsylvania State University

What is it Like to Attend The Pennsylvania State University The tutors behind Varsity Tutors are not just here to teach theyre sharing their college experiences as well. Alexandra is a Philadelphia tutor specializing in Environmental Science tutoring, Essay Editing tutoring, and all levels of Spanish tutoring. She is a 2013 graduate of The Pennsylvania State University and holds a Bachelors degree in Environmental Resource Management. Check out her review of her school: 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? Alexandra: Penn State is located in central PA, which is a very rural area. The nearest major city is three hours away. However, the campus itself and the surrounding town of State College are bustling with people, most of whom are in some way connected to the school. Freshmen are not allowed to bring cars. Sophomores and upperclassmen may bring cars, but parking can be expensive and having a car is typically unnecessary. The CATA buses will get you anywhere on campus and are free for campus and downtown service. There are also CATA buses that charge a small fee and will get you to Wal-Mart, Trader Joes, farther off-campus residences, etc. VT: How available are the professors, academic advisers, and teaching assistants? Alexandra: Professor and TA availability depends largely on the class size. Freshman and sophomore Intro classes and Gen Eds may have 300-400 students in them. These classes are given in lecture halls, and students typically dont actually meet the professor. Questions are usually encouraged, but asking a question in a class that big can be intimidating. Classes of this size typically involve a smaller, weekly meeting (either a recitation or a lab) in which students can ask TAs questions and approach the material in a more personal setting. 300- and 400-level classes are usually smaller than the Intro-level classes. Juniors and seniors may have some classes with as few as 10 or 20 students. In these classes, students can get to know the professor, and the professor will usually make an effort to get to know them back. Academic advisors are generally very accessible, but in a school as big as Penn State, this depends on individual cases. VT: How would you describe the dorm life rooms, dining options, location, socialization opportunities with other students? Alexandra: East Halls are the freshman dorms, in which all residents are freshmen. Socializing here is typically pretty easy since everyone is in the same boat and trying to make friends. However, not all freshmen are placed in East Halls. South Halls and Pollock Halls are also an option for freshmen. It is generally more difficult to socialize in these halls, since a lot of their residents are upperclassmen and sorority sisters who already have their group of friends. However, the room conditions and dining in these halls are a little bit better than in East. West Halls are the nicest dorms and have the best dining options. Typically, only sophomores and upperclassmen are placed in West Halls. Eastview Terrace also has very nice dorms and each dorm has its own bathroom. However, Eastview Terrace is extremely quiet and not a lot of fun. Its good for the study-oriented student who just wants a nice place to sleep at night. Freshmen are required to live in the dorms. After the first year, many Penn State students switch to apartments or houses downtown. Living downtown is great for students who want to be close to their classes, but have a more independent lifestyle. 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? Alexandra: Penn State is most famous for its business school. Smeal College of Business is an extremely reputable college with high acceptance standards. It is the #1 pick for business recruiters in the U.S. I studied Environmental Resource Management, which is under the College of Agricultural Sciences. The College of Agricultural Sciences is Penn States first college, and one of its strongest. I loved my major and my college overall. The university does a great job of supporting Ag Sci students. It is a small college, which gives students the opportunity to feel part of a close-knit community even though the university itself is huge. By junior year, ERM students know each other and can expect to see the same faces in most of their classes. 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? Alexandra: The size of the school can be overwhelming at first and make socializing seem difficult. The best advice I can give is to join two or three clubs that really interest you. Also, be friendly to the people in your classes and in your dorm. A lot of the friends you keep for the long run will be people from your hall or in your major. Greek life is prominent and plays an active role in campus activities and in the nightlife, but is by no means necessary to having a social life. The majority of the student body is not involved in Greek life. VT: How helpful is the Career Centerand other student support services?Do many reputable companies recruit on campus? Alexandra: The Career Center is very helpful. Students can attend resume and interview workshops and schedule one-on-one consultations with career advisors. The university hosts a massive three-day career fair every semester with some of the top company recruits in the country present. In addition, individual colleges and departments often hold smaller career fairs for their students. VT: How are the various study areas such aslibraries, the student union, and dorm lounges? Are they over-crowded, easily available, spacious? Alexandra: The library is huge and beautiful. It can be crowded during finals season, but its usually easy to get a seat. There are also smaller libraries and many study lounges throughout campus, so even when the main library is crowded, finding a place to study is always manageable. The HUB is the student union. It is usually noisy and crowded, but its a good place to meet up with people or to grab a bite. Food at the HUB is expensive. The dorm lounges are clean and generally comfortable. Every dorm complex has a building with dining halls, study lounges, and other amenities for students. 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? Alexandra: State College was one of my favorite things about Penn State. Its a small town with a lot of history that revolves almost entirely around the university. On football weekends, its booming with visiting alumni and fans dressed in blue and white. The bar scene is great. Nightlife for the under-21 crowd is a lot of fun, too. Theres a diverse array of eating options, from cheap Chinese food to a Cajun lounge to Indian buffets to the kind of historical taverns you bring mom and dad to when they visit. Theres also lots of shopping options, cafes, etc. Students typically spend a lot of time downtown, and many of them choose to live downtown. I lived in apartments downtown my sophomore, junior, and senior years. I spent most of the daytime on campus for classes and meetings, then would come back and eat and spend the rest of my day downtown. VT: How big or small is the student body? Were you generally pleased or displeased with the typical class sizes? Alexandra: There are over 45,000 students on the University Park campus (including graduate and law students). The size of the student body is not for everyone; students can become overwhelmed if they dont make an effort to find a niche and make the school their own. I was pleased with typical class sizes. Intro and Gen Ed classes are typically in large lecture halls. These are a fun part of the college experience, in my opinion. Your professors typically will not know your name in these classes and will not notice if you show up or do your work. Keeping up with lectures and doing well is entirely your responsibility. Higher-level classes tend to get smaller, and provide an opportunity to get to know some faculty members. Some of my favorite classes were 300- and 400-level classes with 10 or 20 students in them. VT: Describe one memorable experience with a professor and/or class. Perhaps one you loved the most or one youregretthe most. Alexandra: I think my most memorable academic experiences at Penn State were the field trips. My major involved a lot of field trips including soil sampling trips to the forest, trips to observe mountain geology, tours of waste treatment plants, and hikes through wetlands and nature reserves. Many of my classes had a new field trip every week. These were my favorite moments, times in which we could get away from town, spend time in nature, and learn in a hands-on manner. Check out Alexandras tutoring profile. The views expressed in this article do not necessarily represent the views of Varsity Tutors.

Writing Techniques English Writing Online Tutorpace

Writing Techniques English Writing Online Tutorpace Writing techniques expresses the ideas of the writer. The writer first researches topics and limits the topics. If soccer is the topic (broad topic), it can be limited to how soccer has influenced my life, which is narrow. While compiling ideas, the writer could organize the information in charts, webbing tables, diagrams etc. Introduction of Writing Topic When the writing process starts, the writer begins by introducing the topic to the reader. The introduction is an entrance that the writer provides for the reader to get into the topic. The main point of the writing is called thesis and the last part of the introduction consists of the thesis. The thesis tells the reader what stand the writer has taken regarding an issue or any topic. It is a strong statement in a complete sentence. The other paragraphs start with a topic sentence in each to focus the attention of the reader to the topic. Providing elaborating explanations and examples will help the reader understand what the writer intends to say. Paragraph breaks show the different ideas separately and transitional phrases lead the reader smoothly from one idea to the next. Just as the introduction provides a gateway for the reader, the conclusion serves as an ending to the discussion. The writer summarizes the main ideas and states his thesis. It provides the reader an opportunity to look back on what has been said until then. Writing technique also involves knowing the audience and using appropriate tone and correct usage of literary devices. The whole work should show coherence, clarity in expression and concise language.

Should I Go to University of Pittsburgh

Should I Go to University of Pittsburgh Nate is a Pittsburgh-based tutor specializing in science tutoring. He is studying psychology at the University of Pittsburgh. Interested in attending the University of Pittsburgh? Nate shares his thoughts on his college experience: Describe the campus setting and transportation options. Nate:At some universities, like the one I go to (Pitt), they give you free public transportation with your tuition, so you can explore the city for free. The campus itself is very compact, but the more city vibe is about 15 minutes away. Pitt is in a neighborhood named Oakland, and that itself is more residential, with two busy streets running through them. How available are the professors, academic advisers, and teaching assistants? Nate:Ive had a great experience with the professors, advisors, and TAs. Everyone is accessible by email and professors and TAs are required to have 3-5 office hours a week, so they always have times to meet during the week. The OMETs at the university are a teaching evaluation system, so it holds the professors accountable for being available to their students. How would you describe the dorm liferooms, dining options, location, socialization opportunities with other students? Nate:My experience at college was shaped by the residence life during my freshman year. I met about 80% of my best friends for the next four years on my floor, and my resident assistant always kept us busy and on task, while also doing fun things for us. The dining hall was exceptional. Some kids found the meals to get repetitive after eating there day after day, but personally, I was able to find different options throughout the week that always kept it appealing. Greek life and other student organizations, such as the Pitt Pathfinders, made socialization a breeze, incase one was having a hard time finding a social outlet to express themselves. Which majors/programs are best represented and supported? Nate:I am a bit biased because I am a pre-medicine student, but I think pre-med and engineering are the best represented and supported, mostly because thats how Pitt contributes most to the current science literature. Although, all of the programs are very competitive and supported. I chose pre-medicine for a variety of reasons, but I chose to do it at Pitt because of the great resources found within the UPMC healthcare system. They provided many wonderful opportunities such as committed volunteer hours, hypothesis-driven research, and a chance to shadow some of the best physicians in medicine. 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? Nate:For me, it was very easy to meet people and become close friends immediately. I had a lot of friends from high school come to my college for freshman year, but I was able to branch out and meet people from backgrounds I was never accustomed to before. Greek life does make it easier to meet people, along with the many other organizations offered at the university. I had an easy time meeting people because the social atmosphere in my freshman year was incredible. Greek life, although it is the center of college for some people, was not the main social aspect at my college. It was only about 10% of the student population, so it definitely wasnt a make-or-break decision whether you joined Greek life or not. How helpful is the Career Centerand other student support services? Nate:The career center is a great resource that I have never really utilized much, but they offer many services such as resume review, mock interviews, and internship opportunities. There is a tremendous amount of student support services, like the stress relief zone and student counseling. Many reputable companies do recruit on campus. In the nearby downtown area, there are around six Fortune 500 companies and even more Fortune 1000 companies that tend to recruit in the area. How are the various study areas such aslibraries, the student union, and dorm lounges? Nate:There are 15 libraries on campus, and the largest library on campus is by far the most popular. The libraries are typically not overcrowded, except during finals week when everyone crawls out of their houses to cram for finals. During that time, there are many other buildings on campus to be explored to find study spaces. There is definitely enough space to accommodate everyone, if that is a major concern. Describe the surrounding town. Nate:The surrounding town of Pittsburgh is incredible, and many students tend to fall in love with it in the first year of college. I would definitely take advantage of the free transportation to explore as much as you can during the four years. Each neighborhood is known for its own unique specialty. There are also movie theatres and shopping venues. Our football stadium is also located downtown, so kids frequently travel downtown, either for sports or live shows at the theatres. However, if youre not really feeling up to traveling out of the neighborhood every weekend, there are plenty of fun things to do right in the neighborhood where campus is located. How big or small is the student body? Were you generally pleased or displeased with the typical class sizes? Nate:The undergraduate population at Pitt is about 19,000 students, which I think is a small enough school to have intimate relationships and be able to walk down the street and see people you know, but it was also large enough to avoid people you dont like, if it was really necessary! Our student to faculty ratio is 14:1, so the class sizes have never been that troubling. About 7% of the classes were 100 or more students, and 58% of the classes were 30 or less students, so it wont be that much of a change from high school. For those big classes, they do break it down into smaller review sections once a week. Describe one memorable experience with a professor and/or class. Perhaps one you loved the most or one youregretthe most. Nate:One professor I really loved was my organic chemistry teacher. The class material was obviously very loaded and pretty difficult, but she made it very manageable and was very understanding to the students who were having a hard time and were making an effort. She was very accessible and was very thoughtful when writing letters of recommendations for her students and TAs. She really made the class enjoyable, even though the material was enough to make some students hair turn gray. Check out Nates tutoring profile. The views expressed in this article do not necessarily represent the views of Varsity Tutors.

How Students Can Improve Their Research Skills

How Students Can Improve Their Research Skills If you feel overwhelmed by the thought of completing yet another difficult research paper, there are a few things that can make the process a little easier. Students can improve their research skills by being comfortable asking questions, understanding how to organize information, learning how to find credible sources, and more. Research papers involve a level of examination that can be tricky for any student. Luckily, students have many chances to further develop these skills, as research papers are commonly requested from teachers across all grade levels. Ace your next research paper by following these tips: Improve research skills by asking good questions Once you have your topic selected, you need to ask yourself some questions. Begin by listing what you know about your subject to gauge your existing expertise. Next, ask yourself what you hope to learn through your research, which is often dictated by the assignment. Knowing what sort of information youre looking for can give you some direction as you dive into your project. If there are other requirements for your project, now is a good time to list them out; maybe you need an in-person interview, two scholarly articles, and one book. Get all questions answered now to make sure that your paper or project will be complete. [RELATED: Which Style Guide Should I Use?] You should also write your thesis statement (or a version of what it will become) to provide you direction when youre faced with the wealth of information available to you as a researcher. That way, you can narrow your focus a bit more. Ask your teacher for guidance on this if youd like a second opinion. Improve research skills by thinking carefully about your sources Now that you have a game plan, its time to get to work. As you begin to accumulate information, it is always a good idea to check your source and ask yourself a few questions: Is it outdated? Is it biased? Can you confirm the information provided in at least one other place? If not, your information may be less than ideal. Begin with an internet search for scholarly articles (most web browsers are now smart enough to separate these from less helpful information online). If youre struggling to find good information, a great place to look for additional information is in the source material of another source youve found valuable to your research. While youve probably been told that Wikipedia is an unacceptable source, the sources listed at the bottom could be validand could often be good jumping-off points for source material. You might also think about learning advanced web search techniques, which can help refine your searches by providing you with the tools you need to find optimal keywords, phrasing, etc. in your research. Consult one of the librarians at your school for guidance on this. Improve research skills by organizing your information As you begin to make progress in your information, youll need to keep it organized to make sure each item you collect is unique and relevant. Chances are, youre going to be using the internet for much of your information. Bookmarks and subfolders can be a good way to divide up your information for easy access. If youre someone who likes things directly in front of you, you may consider printing pieces of research you think will be most valuable. In preparation for your paper or project, you should also consider making an outline once you have a few sources. Where is your paper going? That may have changed from your early attempts at a thesis. Consider making a mind-map if youre a visual learner or a more traditional outline (make it on a big piece of paper so you can refer to it easily to guide your research), and identify holes in your information (i.e. places in your argument that may be weak). Improve research skills by seeking out examples If youre struggling during any part of this process, it can be helpful if you ask your teacher to view a sample of past student work. Look at a paper that your teacher felt was a positive example, so you know where the bar is set. Can you identify things the good paper employed during research? Emulate them. [RELATED: The Importance of Writing Skills] Similarly, have a trusted family member or friend review your paper, which can help make your research stronger. Have them consider the following questions as they review: Are you clearly articulating your information or argument? Are there places where youve offered insufficient information? Your reviewers may be able to point them for you. The bottom line when improving research skills It can feel like a challenge to capture such large amounts of information when youre faced with seemingly endless sources, so try not to approach research in such big chunks. By asking good questions, staying organized, using good and varied sources, and utilizing the work and skills of your peers, youll slowly master the research papera skill that will serve you for many years to come. Any topics you want to know more about? Let us know! The Varsity Tutors Blog editors love hearing your feedback and opinions. Feel free to email us at blog@varsitytutors.com.

3 Ways to Get GRE Writing Practice

3 Ways to Get GRE Writing Practice If youre taking the GRE, the exam starts with the Analytical Writing Assessment (AWA), which consists of two parts: the Issue Task and the Argument Task. You have 30 minutes to write each essay. Unfortunately, that doesnt give you much time to include all the thoughts you might have on the topics or to structure your words in the most effective manner. But there are ways to get GRE writing practice, like brainstorming outlines for your essay, writing full essays before the exam, and comparing your essays to provided examples. Ultimately, practice is key to perform your best on the GRE essays. Lets look at a few detailed writing tips GRE Writing Tip #1: Write full Issue task and Argument task essays Potential essay topics that you could have on the day of your GRE are available on the ETS website, so technically there are no surprises if you do your homework! There is a pool of topics for the Issue Task and a pool of topics for the Argument Task. However, there are many, many topics in each pool. To start practicing, pick one topic from the Issue Topics pool and one from the Argument Topics pool, and write a timed essay for each of the tasks. As you write each essay, use the 5-20-5 rule: 5 minutes to brainstorm and outline 20 minutes to write as much as you can 5 minutes to edit and review your work For the Issue Task, this means you take the first five minutes to decide whether you agree or disagree with the topic; then, write down two or three specific examples to support your opinion. For the Argument Task, use the first five minutes to identify two or three flawed assumptions the argument is based on and write down any information you would need to better assess the argument. Completing each of these practice essays within the 30-minute time limits will help build your stamina for GRE test day. GRE Writing Tip #2: Compare your essays to official sample responses Once you have written some Issue and Argument practice essays, see how your responses match up to the high scoring examples provided in official ETS materials. Do your essays contain a similar number of paragraphs? Are those paragraphs approximately the same length? Are your sentences structured in the same way? Have you displayed vocabulary variety in your writing? Have you incorporated specific examples to support your position in the Issue Task? Have you cited specific flaws to examine in the Argument Task? Look at how the sample responses with scores of 5 and 6 are crafted, and try to emulate that style of writing in your own essay. GRE Writing Tip #3: Practice brainstorming and outlining responses to the ETS pools of topics As mentioned above, ETS provides a Pool of Issue Topics and a Pool of Argument Topics so students can practice for the AWA. In addition to writing full Issue and Argument essays on a regular basis, you can spend 10-minute chunks of your days developing brief responses to the tasks, one at a time. This will help you come up with answers to the topics more efficiently, and it will expose you to the wide range of topics quickly, rather than if you were to write a full essay for each one. You will also discover that many of the Issue topics, as well as the Argument topics, follow certain, basic formats. For example, many Issue topics involve education proposals, government policies, or political leadership. Many Argument topics examine scientific studies, economic plans, or city development. As you work through more of them, you will become familiar with how to approach a certain type of Issue topic or Argument topic when it appears on your exam. All in all, the best way to get GRE writing practice is to start writing GRE essays. Begin by scheduling an hour every other day to write one Issue essay and one Argument essay. Then, as you figure out your strengths and weaknesses on the AWA section of the GRE, adjust your study methods to improve your performance on the necessary areas. By writing regularly, evaluating your responses, and familiarizing yourself with the Issue and Argument topics, you will be on your way to maximizing your writing score on the GRE. Any topics you want to know more about? Let us know! The Varsity Tutors Blog editors love hearing your feedback and opinions. Feel free to email us at blog@varsitytutors.com.