#and is simple enough to understand with only basic reading comprehension

[roughdraftmonth]

what's the plan? outline methods & tips!

Hey, Rough Drafters!

This is for all the outline fans out there. Here are some tips on different outline structures that might help you while you blueprint your Rough Draft! I hope there is something helpful here whether you are new to outlining or a veteran. This is not a comprehensive list. I totally recommend digging into other narrative structures, seeing how they tick, and deciding what works for you!

✏️ The Hero’s Journey • Created by Joseph Campbell (using the simplified terms from Christopher Vogler)

The Hero’s journey is the backbone of most outline structures. The only difficult thing is a lot of these terms are still derived from classic mythic structure and are less applicable today. However, since it has been so well dissected and discussed, there are so many resources to help transpose the terms to narratives that involve less sword-and-shield-heroism. It might take a little time to understand each beat and what it can mean for you and your story, but this is such a well loved structure and will give your story some solid backbone! This structure is best suited for an adventure story where characters travel from one place to another, but you can get creative about what that adventure or journey looks like. At its most basic, though, the hero’s journey will help take your characters on quests in a far off place—whether it’s in the stars, across the continent, or in a world of your own making.

⭐ Great media examples of ‘journey’ narratives are: Star Wars (pick one really), Little Miss Sunshine, Lord of the Rings, and Life of Pi.

✏️ Save the Cat • Created by Blake Snyder

Save the Cat was originally intended for screenwriting. Its best application is in scripting, whether that be screenwriting, plays, games, or comics. The first and last beats help to set a tone for your story, which is crucial for script writing and opening/ending shots in films, but this concept can be just as important in prose. Consider using guidelines from this structure to plan your first and last scenes before you get to November.

⭐ You will recognize Save the Cat in most films, and you can find beat sheets to match films for example on the Save the Cat website.

✏️ Six Stage Outline by Michael Hauge

This structure is great to keep simple with bullet points or expand for more depth. In this outline there are only 11 beats—6 stages and 5 turning points. Turning points are the highest moment of external conflict. Ideally, internal and external conflict escalate at each turning point. Identity deals with character’s misbeliefs about themselves as the narrative drives them to be their most authentic self. This outline focuses on developing both internal and external struggles. If your story is particularly character-driven, this structure might be the one for you.

⭐ Many stories follow this structure but the one I was taught off of is the greatest movie of all time. Shrek.

Try drawing your arc with notes out on paper. This arc can silly: include dead ends, drop offs, spirals, tangles, anything! This helps visualize the ups and downs of the narrative. Also great to do after you’ve completed outlining for a visual aid.

Sometimes... one outline model is not enough! Mix and match your favorite terms and structures in the manner you feel best assists your narrative structure. Don’t be afraid to make it your own!

Read in your medium (novels, scripts, poems, etc.) and notate pages and scenes where the major beats happen. This really helps engage your brain and makes you more familiar with plot structure!

My favorite method to outline is the MLA outline structure. Using a template like this helps me put all of my ideas into place. I don’t have an excuse for not knowing what to do. This helps lock me in!

✏️ Uh oh, Secret Plantser Agenda!

If outlining the ending first doesn’t work for you, outline everything EXCEPT the ending! Leave something for you to discover once you get there!

Sometimes you need to take a step back. Maybe don’t make a 10 page outline. Maybe make 10 bullet points. Outline as much or as little as you need to.

Occasionally overplanning can cause me to lose the joy in my writing! Make sure to really experiment to find what works best with you and your style! Sometimes that means... making a less in-depth outline. This is a call out post for me (Sarah with an ‘h’) specifically.

✏️ Technically, I like to combine elements of all three of these plot structures, but Michael Hauge’s 6 stage outline is my favorite. It’s a very good structure for adjusting to your outlining style, whether you want to do just the bare bones plot points, or you want to use them as the waypoints as you plot out scene by scene. I like to use the stages and turning points as the headings and subheadings to my outline. I hope these tips are able to help you in your outlining journey, both planner and plantser alike. If you know of any other helpful tips for outlining, please share them with us!

Thanks for tuning in, happy drafting!

-Sarah with an ‘H’

[bluiela]

why do gwynriel posts keep ending up in e/riel tags? (And prove our points)

Recently I come accross a lot of our posts sent to some e/riels in anons and obviously they encourage the troll behaviour (or who knows maybe they send themselves stuff)like how would they feel seeing their posts in our tags having torn apart missing the entire point and simple...rude. nothing else.

Like yesterday, literally moments after I posted my thoughts, someone sent my post into an anon ask—because apparently original thought is too much to ask—and the response? Rude, disrespectful, and completely missed the very simple point I was making. Relationships built solely on lust, with no emotional depth or growth, don’t become endgame in SJM books. It’s basic logic.

I used Feylin and Chaol/Aelin/Nesryn as examples—not to compare Azriel to Tamlin or Chaol, but to show that those relationships failed because they lacked substance. Just like Elriel. There’s no real emotional connection there, just vibes and only lust, and that’s not enough. I even literally said Azriel is not like Tamlin. (literally predicted someone twisting my words even when I spelled it out in the posts itself) —he’s honorable and gentle. But reading comprehension seems to be too much effort.

And the funniest part? They said “If Gwyn had even a single Elriel interaction, Gwynriels would be calling it romantic!” No. Actually, if Gwyn were in those bland, awkward Elriel scenes—bread and rose, or sighing over potatoes—we’d be like, “Wow, this is painfully dry.” Those scenes aren’t romantic. They’re boring. They have no spark, no significance. That’s why we don’t ship Elriel. If Gwyn were in those scenes, we still wouldn’t ship it.

Also, the way people villainize Azriel just because he might not end up with Elain? That’s wild. It’s fiction. Not a morality test. Maybe don’t drag characters through the mud just because your ship isn’t canon. And maybe don’t attack people who are clearly explaining a point you either didn’t understand—or didn’t want to understand. (Starting to think the books themselves were misread too, honestly.)

And seriously, why do our posts always end up there? Is there month going that boring?

If you’re going to drag out content, at least try to comprehend it first. Misrepresenting my words only to accidentally prove my point isn’t the flex you think it is.

[rigelmejo]

Listening to audiobooks IS improving my 'instant recognitions' in listening, for the words I can read.

I tried to listen to some Comprehensible Input Chinese videos on youtube though, and I am frustrated that I can't understand all the words in them unless I look at the video. I know the words if I was reading, but if I listen only, then I cannot follow those words when they're being used in an explaining situation (to explain what's going on) rather than as part of a narrative (story) when listening only. So I feel like I do need to work on improving my listening-only skills of basic daily life words. So I am putting myself through suffering and listening-only to Peppa Pig and some other kids-videos in Chinese. Why? Because I can follow what's going on in those without visuals, since it's part of a 'story' people talking to each other through situations. Maybe if I pick up the words enough that I 'instantly recognize' them, then listening-only to simple explanations of X is this, Y is this, will become easier to understand. (Anyone have any better children's cartoons recommendations that are in mandarin and available to play on youtube.com or bilibili.com, than Peppa Pig????)

Also because: I'm trying to do my study by only listening. It's easy to do 1-2 hours chinese listening a day. It is NOT easy to focus 100% on simple videos of someone explaining 'this is a plate, this is the plate breaking, this is an expresso, this is an americano, nick likes americanos but does NOT like lattes' which is both very boring to me and requires me to look at the video and not do other things at the same time.

[darklinaforever]

You said this

So thank you for prove that you have no reading comprehension.

Do you know how many times I have heard this in real life from dickwads like you because I fucked up reading something. It's the kneejerk response people like you use. Instead of being patient and sensible and using your brain to think maybe this person has a reading problem, you just use ablelist slander. It's not about being a mind reader either it's about being a decent human being. It's like telling someone walking slow to hurry up when they might have a physical disability that makes them not be able to. But you wouldn't understand this because you're ablelist.

Yes I made a grace joke because it's meme level now and you are a cunt and treated me badly. Love how you also shat on the sa victim as well. So they're not valid because they were assaulted and feel triggered which colors what they see in the scene but because you like Daemyra and Rhaenyra is your bb girl, you are valid and make out what you see is the reality

Hear is a new flash bitch Viserys was a rapist Rhaenyra was a rapist and Aegon was a rapist. Daemon is a grooming pedo incest wife killer. But you talk about accepting their vices when you don't you deliberately blind yourself to their vices. You are a twat and everyone hates your guts btw

Grace sends her regards lol

Also no wonder you were bullied at school makes sense you're now the bully acting so vile

Do you know how many antis and haters say things to me that don't make any sense when I've given them perfectly clear answers just to try to put me down for free ? Simply because the reality of my words does not correspond to their defamatory speech ?

Literally tons and tons of times.

So yes, sorry for not necessarily having thought that you could be dyslexic and autistic instead of just belonging to the usual group of hateful morons.

At this point, you blame me for not being a soothsayer and not knowing how to distinguish your hatred from that of others.

You also visibly love, like your compatriots, use big words whose meaning you don't understand. Just like ableist which is discrimination or prejudice against individuals with disabilities. But how the hell could I be that when I had no idea you were autistic and basic dyslexic ? You are only trying to discredit me and make yourself look like a victim.

And sorry, but this story with Grace doesn't have to become some sort of meme level, and this sentence : "Tell grace I said hi btw lol" Makes you the first person to be rude out of both of us whether you like it or not, particularly annoying me. So once again, stop trying to play the victim. Besides now you insult me ​​as a bitch and twat...

You're the one who comes to my inbox and talk rude, so don't be surprised that I'm not very polite to you in return.

Then, I didn't shit on the victims of SA :

I simply said that it is not because a person is a victim of SA and sees a fictional scene as such that it means that it is necessarily true, because their opinions can also be false, because the victim of SA are humans like you and me, simple as that. It may shock you that I have the balls to say it, but it's just reality and you don't seem mature enough to hear it.

And the posts about Criston Cole have absolutely nothing to do with Daemyra, so why are you bringing this ship back to the table to try to discredit me ? It's ridiculous.

Funfact : Rhaenyra is not a rapist in Fire and Blood or HOTD and Daemon is not a groomer or a pedophile in Fire and Blood or HOTD (and he didn't kill his wife in Fire and Blood, it is an invention of HOTD, because he was at war when she died from a fall from a horse during a hunt, after agonize for 9 days and getting up one last time before finally dying).

Daemon, suspected of sexual contact with 13 / 14-year-old Rhaenyra in the book /19-year-old Rhaenyra in the show, may be an ephebophile. But there is no evidence (because besides, he has officially only been with adult women by our modern standards).

This came from this post from @nrilliree :

Oh and I would like to understand how the incest part is supposed to be a revelation or an insult ? In this aspect, Daemon is no different from any other Targaryen.

And if I'm willfully blind to Rhaenyra's vices and an twat for it, I hope once again that, as I told the other anons, that the same thing can be said of the writers, producers and actors of HOTD in this case, since everyone on the crew confirmed that this scene was not rape, consistent with what is shown on screen... I hope you say the same for them, but I doubt.

And again, I'm not harassing anyone on tumblr. Stop spewing these lies to feel justified in your vile words. It was you who came to invade my inbox, sending me your messages again and again, being the first to be rude. You are literally doing what you accuse me of, which is hypocritical behavior.

[kikizoshi]

youre learning Russian, right? I've also started learning with borrowed textbooks, and the consensus I've seen online is that its not enough, and that a course is necessary. if you don't mind I'd be really appreciative to know how you got where you are and if you think that's true.

Спасибо за помощь (ღゝ◡╹)ノ♡

Unfortunately, I don't really know what I'm doing either. Just kinda stumbling through, and "where I am" isn't all that far. I can only ever be an authority on what helps me learn Russian; in my experience, there's never been a one-to-one, "follow these steps I took to become fluent" method. Everyone has to figure out their own quirks. (And if this isn't true for someone then I'm very jealous of that person.)

I've seen about as many different opinions as there are ways to learn. Some think you need courses. Some think courses are useless. Some like textbooks; others hate them. The one consistent thing seems to be input--everyone agrees you need a lot of comprehensible input (meaning, you understand some of what you're consuming). But is a course necessary? I don't think so. Whether it could be vastly beneficial or a waste of time and money is something that depends entirely on the person's learning style. A resource I've linked further down may help you determine whether it'd help you. I've never taken a course, so I don't have any experience there.

Also: I have ADHD, so everything here is working around that. Motivation is a massive issue for me, and I've generally found that forcing my way through something droll for long periods of time just... isn't something I can make myself do. It burns me out. I try to make everything something I want to do, or at least not very painful. But my methods are also slower and less effective than something more structured.

Comprehensible Input

How I got to it being helpful:

People go on about comprehensible input all the time, and I can see why; it's extremely important. It's what finally moved me from mid-A1 to late-A2. But actually getting to a place where input even can be comprehensible was so horrifically painful for me that for a long while I felt completely inept. So, here's the things I did, in order, that I think helped:

A0-A1 (not helpful yet)

Duolingo + Twitter: Don't get me wrong--I hate Duolingo. And non-fanart Twitter. But it was a great combination for learning Cyrillic. I used Duolingo's earliest levels to get familiar with Cyrillic and some very basic words. Concurrently, I followed some Russian fanartists on Twitter who also posted text posts frequently, and turned notifs on for them. That made it so that 3-5 times a day, I would get a notification for a post in Russian, and I would practise reading/sounding out Cyrillic. I wasn't too focused on understanding what the post was saying, just getting a familiarity with the alphabet.

Memrise + Anki: Pain. God, so much pain. This was the worst. Necessary and effective, but the absolute, God-forsaken worst. Once I felt comfortable enough with Cyrillic, I started working through two decks: a. Memrise: vlarya's 10k most common Russian words deck. It goes in order of most to least common, has audio, and has typing practise. This replaces Duolingo. (When Memrise inevitably removes community courses altogether, feel free to ask for a backup of this deck. If I'm still on here by then, I should be able to give my backup that works with Anki.) I don't recommend Memrise's official courses. b. Anki: Neri's Russian Sentences (blog link) deck is great for practising the simple words you're learning with Memrise, getting common phrases down, and starting to see how Russian as a language comes together. It'll take a bit to click. c. keybr: I also started practising a little with keybr, mainly because having to type in Russian on Memrise sucks with the on-screen keyboard. keybr is the best site I've found to learn to touch type different keyboards. It's extremely effective. If you're already a touch-typer, a few hours should be enough to type well enough for Memrise.

YouTube: Russian With Max's 'For Beginners' Playlist was really helpful and motivating, at this point. He speaks slowly, simply, and clearly enough that I could understand him, where I couldn't understand anyone else yet.

I... God, I hate the A0-A1 stage so much. You can't do anything. At least now, I can watch TikToks, read comments, enjoy memes, and understand enough of those to enjoy myself. The stage where you understand nothing is by far the most awful to me. I wish I had anything to make it more bearable, but it's really just the worst. Hopefully you're either past this already, or close to past it. The small mercy is that it doesn't take too long to claw your way out of.

A1-A2 (helpful now)

[Active Immersion] Memrise + Reading/Watching (comp input): keep working through vlarya's 10k deck. My routine is: speed review due cards; finish the 10 cards I started learning yesterday; start learning 10 new words today. That's my reps and warmup. Then, depending on my mood, I'll either read at least 30 mins of 'Дом, в котором...' (with or without audiobook, again depending on mood), or watch at least 30 mins of Max's intermediate vids w/ Russian subtitles. Sometimes in my free time I'll watch Russian lit or ДВК TikToks.

[Passive Immersion] Music/Audiobooks/Let's Plays: pretty self-explanatory. My passive input isn't as comprehensible rn, but I focus on things I enjoy. A let's play to fall asleep to, an audiobook while I'm doing something that requires on-and-off focus. The goal here is just to understand snatches of whatever I can, not so much the whole thing. Eventually, those snatches become more frequent.

I'm sure more dedicated study would help me a lot right now, but I don't really have the time or motivation to, so I don't try to force it.

Regarding Russian language learning YouTube channels, and why I only recommend Max:

I've found that most popular Russian learning YouTube channels feel... well, like school. They're not very interesting, they don't feel very organic. It doesn't feel like I'd be watching their videos for any other reason than learning Russian, which is bad for me, because I need to make Russian part of my life to have any motivation to do it.

So, the reason I like Max's channel so much is that he talks about things that're actually interesting and relevant to me. This video is a personal favourite, but he has a lot of videos about all sorts of topics--some of which I'm genuinely interested in. And his demeanour is more vlogger, less teacher. I like him as a person. (Protip: in this stage, don't be afraid to start his intermediate videos early, even if you don't feel you're there yet. It can still be very helpful to pick out the words you do know, and most of his videos have Russian and English subtitles if you're confused.)

Regarding how to find a good Russian book to read:

I... don't know. Reading ДВК with the audiobook really, really helped with my reading ability, and continues to. I can't state enough how important it was for me. But how to find a book that you can read over and over again... I don't know. I just know that Harry Potter would be absolute torture.

I've seen people say that you should start reading simple things, like children's stories. I personally haven't done much of that, because children's stories bore me out of my mind, but if you like them then I'd give that a shot. I've also heard that Chekhov's stories are good for beginners (I've heard that about Pushkin too, but I'm not sure how easy poetry would be to understand). Read-alongs on YouTube could be good too. Russian With Max has some old livestream read-alongs, and there are plenty of Russian read-alongs on YouTube.

Aside - if you're curious about 'Дом, в котором...', this fan-made trailer is the entire reason I picked up ДВК; the vibes captivated me and I had to know what it was about. So for anyone interested: if the trailer looks cool to you, you may like the book. The English translation is called 'The Gray House'. ДВК is fairly long, and different POV characters have differing levels of complexity with the language. The early chapters are the simpler ones, conveniently, so starting from the beginning should be fine. It's a slice-of-life type story, so easy to pick up and put down. I recommend the Князев audiobook, which is almost certainly the one you'll find if you search 'дом в котором аудиокнига' (it's a fan-made audiobook, so I don't think you can buy it, but like LOTR the fan version is by far the best).

Resources

r/languagelearning's resources page is a good place to skim through, see if anything sticks out. I recommend reading through their 'How to Teach Yourself a Foreign Language'. It's good for giving you an idea of how different people learn, different learning methods, how those methods work for others, and what might work for you.

Refold's Roadmap is very helpful for me to understand where I'm currently at, and what sort of activities it would be beneficial for me to be working on. I use their definition of levels (i.e. A1), so if I wasn't clear what I meant by A1 vs A2, reading through this could be helpful.

SRS:

Anki's for decks I have to create myself, or if I need a more specialised deck. I prefer Memrise for vocab, mainly for typing practise and the better UI. If you want to use Anki for vocab: Refold's ru15k deck is good for A2+. There are plenty of simple word decks to pick from for A0-A1. If you want to word mine to create your own Anki decks, see FLTR below.

Grammar:

New Penguin Russian Course is supposed to be good for grammar. I looked through it, and it does look good. If you understand grammar. I don't, but putting it here for those who do.

Reading:

u/La_Nuit_Americaine's post about reading helps me with motivation, and gave me some pointers about how to do it.

FLTR (Foreign Language Text Reader) is a good Windows program alternative to LingQ, if you can't or don't want to pay for LingQ's subscription. You have to input the word definitions yourself. I used Reverso and Yandex Translate together for this. Your word list can be exported to Anki.

ReadLang is supposed to be a good web-based alternative to LingQ (its free level is still usable, unlike LingQ's). I've not used it much, but it seems pretty good. My preference is using some translation extension that will let you click on a word and automatically translate it and move on quickly. Simple Translate on Firefox is what I use.

Video Media:

Language Reactor is a subtitle extension for YouTube, Netflix, etc. that has a bunch of cool features. I hardly use it because it's not on Firefox, but if you use Chrome, Opera, etc., it's really handy. For YouTube, it will translate the auto-generated subs for videos, so if you have a Russian video that only has Russian auto-generated subtitles, you can use Language Reactor to get English subtitles.

Other ADHD Accommodations:

Being kind to myself is very important. I can't make myself study by thinking "why can't you just" or "it's not that hard, what's wrong with you". I can't make myself study with positive words either, but using positive language helps my morale so that I have more motivation to study more often.

I use a different browser (Opera) solely for learning Russian. I chose Opera because Language Reactor works on it (would've used Chrome but Chrome is set up for work), but the general idea is having a separate space for Russian. I put Opera's language in Russian, and I keep all my Russian-learning tabs open there, so that when I'm ready to study it's as simple as opening Opera. Having it separated like that also helps my brain see active study as a task that can be opened and closed, rather than combined with everything else (Firefox).

I try to give myself enough options of things to do for immersion that it's always a choice. My brain has so many different states: motivated; unmotivated; foggy; clear; distracted; focused. Each one will want--or even need--something different. If it's a foggy day, I may be able to read along ДВК with an audiobook, but not able to read words without that help. If I'm distracted, TikToks may help more than reading; if I'm focused, reading may help more than TikToks. Or if I'm completely unmotivated, watching one of Max's vids is more passive than reading, therefore less painful.

I love Russian. Not much to this one. I don't think I could stick to learning a language I didn't love for the sake of the language itself.

I wasted time and motivation watching things I wasn't interested in, trying to find media in Russian that appealed to me. I don't recommend that. I don't know the alternative, but I always felt horrible about myself after. It's important to have media you like, but forcing it won't work. Russian movies don't interest me. Everyone else's favourite Russian YouTubers don't appeal to me at all. TikTok is much better for me in that regard, because I can search for specific fandoms that interest me. Luck seems to be the only thing that works for finding good YouTubers.

Textbooks are my kryptonite. I can't use them. They drain motivation so fast. If they work for you, that's great. If they don't, I don't know that forcing it is the solution. It wasn't for me.

I scroll language learning subreddits sometimes for motivation. It's not productive, generally. But it's fun. And I do get some ideas sometimes.

I've mostly accepted that my progress is going to be slower than others. I'm trying not to compare myself. I'm enjoying it now, mostly, learning slowly but learning, and each time I reaffirm that that's okay, it becomes truer.

[azyranx]

Life got busy but I finally had the time to expand a snippet into this. Still working on the longer post about this AU, but here's something featuring Prowl. Tumblr's formatting doesn't have exactly what I wanted, but hopefully it still makes some sense (under the cut).

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

On any given day Prowl immersed himself within millions of possible outcomes for any number of things. From the planet’s shifting to the onset of massive storms he saw virtually anything and everything. He just needed to read the “flow of the planet,” and when he studied those streams everything became clearer. All he needed to do was hone in on those rivers of light, and the signs only he could see told him everything he needed to know.

Many mechs thought they understood clearsight—and basically any outlier ability in general—but most dismissed it as clairvoyance or premonitions. They couldn’t be more mistaken.

On its own, the ability simply allowed a mech to perceive the “life force of the planet itself.” Whether it established a connection to Primus had yet to be determined, but there was no denying the information it could reveal to a bot. A mech only needed to read the movement of those streams to uncover countless secrets. Such an action, however, was easier said than done and those secrets were not things a mech could just look at and understand. Only the unlucky few knew exactly how overwhelming clearsight could be, and most of those mechs tended to lose themselves in more ways than one.

Prowl, on the other hand, was part of the very small percentage of “those unlucky few” who weren’t really unlucky. Where most faced scrambled processors and overclocked logic units, he encountered rich veins of data and probabilities. Where most fried their processors, he pushed his own farther and faster to sift through the unending currents of information. Where most were swept away, he stood firm. The reason Prowl didn’t succumb to the same fate as those unfortunate sparks was straightforward enough. His clearsight gave him the information, but his tacnet made sense of it all.

With it he could actually look upon the constantly changing flows without crashing. A quick glance resolved colorful rivers of light into recognizable patterns and movements. A more comprehensive examination uncovered information others would be hard-pressed to find. Together, Prowl saw and studied how things existed in current, changing, and future conditions. From there it became a simple matter of prioritizing.

Sometimes he needed to focus on the cities of Cybertron and ensure imminent disasters caused as little damage as possible. Other times he needed to watch for signs of change and formulate plans to counter shifts in the corruption zones. Whatever the case, he directed his attention to the relevant streams and explored the multitude of potential outcomes until he found what he needed. He was nothing if not patient and thorough.

Yet this exact quality brought him to his current predicament. Not a single detail escaped Prowl’s scrutiny when he concentrated his clearsight and at this point there was very little he hadn’t seen, but for all that he found himself staring at something completely unknown.

He’d been deep within the 427th priority tree when his optics caught the first flashes of . . . something. One moment he studied the colorful energies within the Primal Basilica; in the next he found them tainted by tendrils of shadow. It took longer than he would have liked to discern the true nature of those anomalies, and that gave the first indication of danger. The sudden wave of corruption surging out from those ebony whorls—covering 78% of the affected stream in the initial outburst—gave him the second.

Before he could think to raise the alarm it vanished as quickly as it manifested, leaving Prowl alone in the grand hall with more questions than answers. He might have doubted the occurrence altogether if not for the half-formed and ongoing queries posed by his tacnet. Energy rippled and swirled as usual, but trained optics recognized changes no matter how small. He brought a hand to his head and activated his visor.

Currents of vibrant hues materialized without warning, rushing and swirling throughout the wide room. He wasted no time for his analyses and dove into the endless flow of possibilities.

The planet shifted— —following the same rotation (likely)— —incrementally moving off course (less likely)— —and collided into Luna 1 (very unlikely)— . . . Predictions on course.

Life thrived in Iacon— —energy pooled in the Primal Basilica (most likely)— —and welled within the hotspot (likely)— . . . Predictions on course.

Life thrived in Praxus— —the Crystal Gardens pulsed with energy (most likely)— —the Crystal Gardens grew dim (very unlikely)— . . . Predictions on course.

He sent the assessments about the next cities to the background of his logic center and moved on to a different group of streams.

The wards held— —back the ever-present darkness (most likely)— —and drew from the planet’s energy (likely)— —as Keepers tended them (likely)— . . . Predictions on course.

The sigils remained— —and isolated the fathomless void (most likely)— —drawing from the planet’s energy (likely)— —strong as Keepers maintained them (likely)— . . . Predictions on course.

The mountains stood— —tall and formidable (most likely)— —and suddenly crumbled (unlikely)— —but shifted to reach the sky (most unlikely)— . . . Predictions on course.

The winds howled— —and carried acid rain further inland (unlikely)— —ripping through the Sonic Canyons (unlikely)— . . . Predictions on course.

The cliffs crumbled— —widening the ravine to the abyss (most likely)— **Deviantion detected**Predictions off course.

What?

He let the analysis continue in the background but paid it little attention. Instead he focused on the cache holding his reports, skimming through it until he found the one he sought. Rereading it confirmed the conclusions he’d reached, but how had this come to pass? He directed the rest of his processing power to analyze the stream in question, but it revealed nothing new. It simply spit out the same information: the ravine would crumble in spite of a previous report mentioning nothing of the sort.

That settled it.

Prowl pulled himself out of the slew of data and diverted his tacnet to a more stable chain of possibilities—the planet shifted following the same rotation—ignoring the assessments it made. There could always be different variations to an object’s next course of action, yes, but they always fell within expected parameters. At least they always did until now. He didn’t know how or why that was the case, but he knew just the mech to help him find out.

[my-autism-adhd-blog]

hi, summer!

i saw your post about ARFID and how it can correlate to autism and other neurodivergencies that struggle with sensory input.

is it possible that you can explain better what ARFID is and the signs of it? ive heard of it before and have a slight understanding about it, but based on the article you told anon, i misunderstood it completely. could you explain it in a more simple way than articles explain it? i think that's where i got lost, is the complexity of most medical articles.

(even as a medical nerd, i still get lost in those darned articles sometimes, lmao.)

Hi Evan,

I apologize that I’m just getting to this, but I found a helpful infographic that shows signs and characteristics:

According to the article:

Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder is an eating disorder that denies the body the necessary nutrients needed to grow and function normally. Recognizing the signs of someone struggling with ARFID is extremely important in mitigating health risks. While it is not a comprehensive list, the following symptoms are some of the most common among those struggling with Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder:

Exhibit little interest in the act of feeding or eating

Extreme pickiness in choosing food

Difficulty chewing food

Lack of appetite

Social isolation

Anxiety when presented with “fear” foods

Vomiting or gagging after exposure to certain foods

Trouble digesting specific types of foods

Dependence on feeding tubes or nutritional supplements

Avoidance of specific food items as related to sensory features (i.e. texture, color, taste, smell)

Food refusal related to aversive or fear-based experience

For adults, weight loss; for children, failure to gain weight

While picky or selective eating is a common occurrence among children and some adults, it becomes a problem when there are not enough calories consumed to develop properly and maintain basic bodily functions. It is still unclear exactly what conditions put someone at risk to develop ARFID, but researchers do know that it is more likely to develop among people with ADHD and intellectual disorders, autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and anxiety disorders.

The full article will be below if you want to read through it.

In my experience, I love consistency when it comes to food and I have issues with food texture. For instance, carrots are good raw but feel and taste horrible when they’re cooked. It’s all mushy and gross. When I eat tacos, I can’t have lettuce or tomatoes because it tastes and feels so gross in my tacos and if I find a piece, I’ll cease to eat any more. I’ve also gagged and chocked. Not only due to eating food, but due to smell too. My mom cooked Brussels sprouts and it smelled so bad I was gagging and had to go outside.

Anyway, I’m sorry for going on. I hope this helps answer your question. Thank you for the inbox. I hope you have a wonderful day/night. ♥️

[tomasens]

Your thoughts on Fanfik the movie make me wonder what exactly is going on in the book(s?), lol sadly I don't speak polish. I've read some reviews saying the plot was rushed and simplified, but none quite so negative

Hi!! The English post about Fanfik was a jokey parody of a Will Wood post (I assume that's the post you saw!!) haha, my thoughts are still negative but not that... Dramatic ahahah, thank you for asking though and I'll try to explain my biggest gripes with the movie in a (hopefully) comprehensive way since it's 1 am here and I am Big Tired (finals season is starting this week and I am struggling ahhh)

I will discuss only the first book since the movie is only based on it btw‼️

I wanted to like this movie so bad, especially that Fanfik was a book that made me realize that I am not cis myself. I had very high hopes for the movie, especially that they hired a trans actor to play Tosiek! Like! Woah! But of course it couldn't have been good because FUCK YOU JULEK, YOU'RE DOOMED TO NEVER GET GOOD ADAPTATIONS OF YOUR FAVORITE BOOKS!

My biggest issue is that the movie GREATLY oversimplified the social commentary of the book. It involves a regular, dingy polish highschool that is basically a symbolic miniature of the polish public and its largely homophobic and otherwise generally xenophobic tendencies. The movie takes that idea and throws it out the window completely, making the school a lovely, clean and shiny private school (i don't remember if it's stated it's a private school but you can definitely TELL. No polish public highschool is like this. Trust me. And even if there are public schools like that, they're well funded and still don't deal with the same problems as regular schools do). Not only that, but the story's setting (for some unknown reason?? Genuinely I don't understand this choice) is changed from Poznań to the capital, Warszawa and I really hate that since Poznań is a symbol of the more progressive parts of Poland and using it as the setting furthered the ideas about how even the progressive parts of our (polish) society still need work. It could be me looking to deeply into the symbolism though - even then, I don't understand the change. Also, Leon lives in an extremely nice place - in the book his place was, again, dingy, cramped, he was barely getting by in general. These weird choices destroy the mature social commentary the book has to offer and it sucks! :/

Another big issue are the HORRIBLE writing choices and the oversimplification of every. Fucking. Character. I do not have the energy to discuss everyone, so I'll just focus on Tosiek and Leon, plus their relationship.

Tosiek. Oh god. He is not complicated and interesting like in the book, he's a douche. His drug habits are mentioned but quickly forgotten, the fanfic writing aspect is generally abandoned for most of the movie, his character is mean and dicky but because the movie refuses to give him actual problems he looks like a spoiled, whining rich kid. His only problem seems to be his relationship with his father but it isn't explored well enough for the audience to sympathize or at least understand Tosiek's stance. His transness is also flattened, like, to the point that it's comedic to me. I know some people did just. Put on boy clothes once and were like "oh I'm a guy cool" but if we're adapting a story of a character who is definitely NOT like that... Maybe we shouldn't present his trans journey as that simple.

Leon. Oh GOD. Leon is also a douche and that HURTS. He doesn't really face any meaningful consequences for wanting to use Tosiek as a beard when the dude was still girlmoding without telling him (asshole move btw. Like bro had no actual reason to do that he was just being a dick), he generally doesn't face any consequences, his character is boring, and when it's not boring it's rage inducing because like. Tosiek is a fucking asshole but I don't think movie Leon deserves even that guy. He's not a flawed person, he's one dimensional with a bunch of holes in him. Also please stop teaching ur boyfriend how to burp i am eating /j

Their relationship becomes the core of the story which is awful - the book focuses on Tosiek slowly coming to terms with his gender identity, on him trying to find new ways to cope, with him discovering things about his past (shown to him not by his father like in the movie but by the greatest character of all, his aunt, who was cut for... Time's sake I guess? Which is such a big fucking loss), with him learning to love himself. His relationship with Leon is slow, they're friends at first, they slowly, gradually develop feelings for each other, but Tosiek's feelings for Leon are only an excuse for the narrative to study his relationship with gender even more. Their attraction is shown at first by touches, by brushes of hands, not by KISSING. 20 MINUTES INTO THE MOVIE. Sorry I cannot get over it, 20 MINUTES INTO THE MOVIE. and 25 minutes into the movie Tosiek is sure of his gender identity completely and never questions it ever again because it would get in the way of The Cute Gay Romance. Like, the movie could be about Tosiek being a cis gay dude and experiencing homophobia and it would still make sense without changing barley anything - that's not a good trans story in general, but especially if you have such great, introspective source material ffs!

In conclusion, the movie got Netflix'd and Americanized - everything about it is devoid of the inherent polish...ness that was present in the book, the movie truly could've been written about some guy in Connecticut and it would be THE EXACT SAME, which sucks since polish queers are awesome and should have our stories properly shown. And also it feels like it was written for cis people, while the book definitely knows that it's target audience is trans people and shows love to them in many ways.

Keep in mind that I haven't read the book in a while and I might be mixing details up - I was already planning to reread the book carefully and make a post explaining how the movie fucked it up big time after my finals, I'll make sure to translate it into English so keep an eye out for that in the summer!

Thanks again for asking and reading anon! Cheers<33

(Also Tosiek is a nerd and it's a CRIME there wasn't at least one Hamilton reference because OH BOY do I remember being excited reading a Hamilton reference in one of the books when I was younger and still in my theatre kid who cannot sing act or dance era.)

[nsimdigitalmarketing]

Why NSIM Offers the Top Digital Marketing Course in South Delhi

The digital marketing industry is changing at breakneck pace, and it becomes a daunting task to identify the correct training institute. With so many on offer, how do you select a course that truly prepares you for the challenges of the real world? After scouring various institutes in Delhi, one name continually stands out as the leader: NSIM (National School of Internet Marketing). An unbiased examination of the reasons why NSIM has become the Top digital marketing course in South Delhi.

Location That Really Counts

Let’s begin with something practical — reaching class shouldn’t be a chore. The location of NSIM in South Extension Part-1 is not just convenient; it is strategic. This region is fast becoming a hot spot for educational institutions, and rightly so. The South Ex Metro Station is a stone’s throw away, literally, which means whether you’re traveling from Gurgaon, Noida, or any other location in the NCR, your journey won’t cut into your study time. I have talked to some students who opted for NSIM, at least partially due to this convenience. A working professional spoke about how she found it convenient to go for evening classes after her work in Connaught Place. Another student, hailing from Faridabad, enjoyed not having to travel through Delhi’s infamous traffic congestion to go to remote areas.

Faculty That Brings Real Experience

Here’s where most institutes fail — they have good marketing but poor trainers. NSIM is different. Their instructors are not only academically trained; they’re practitioners who have conducted campaigns, handled finances, and experienced real client pressures. What does this do for you? Rather than studying theoretical concepts that read well in a textbook, you’ll know how an actual Facebook ad campaign performs when your client’s money is at stake. You’ll discover why some SEO methods work on paper but not in reality. This experiential understanding is priceless and something you just can’t learn from a textbook or online course.

Comprehensive Curriculum That Keeps Up

Digital marketing evolves quicker than most individuals switch out their phone case. Last year’s strategy could be totally obsolete now. NSIM speaks to this problem by re-releasing their 30+ revised modules encompassing all of digital marketing that you’ll actually use. Their syllabus is not only exhaustive; it’s up to date. They touch upon the basics such as SEO and SEM, but they also explore newer topics such as influencer marketing and marketing automation. The social media marketing module, for example, does not merely instruct you on how to post on Facebook — it touches upon platform-specific strategies for Instagram, LinkedIn, Twitter, and newer platforms. The PPC training covers more than simple Google Ads configuration. Budget optimization, A/B testing, and conversion tracking are on the agenda. The analytics course doesn’t demonstrate how to simply read Google Analytics reports; it instructs you on how to extract usable insights and report them to stakeholders.

Certifications That Employers Recognize

Let’s face it — certificates are important in the job market. NSIM doesn’t simply hand you their own certification and walk away. They get you ready for industry-recognized certifications from Google, HubSpot, and Facebook. These aren’t participation trophies; they’re credentials that hiring managers actually search for. The Google Ads certification is enough to lift your resume. HubSpot’s inbound marketing certification is much sought after by content marketing companies. Facebook’s Blueprint certification proves that you know social media advertising. Possessing these certifications, along with NSIM’s training, puts you ahead of the game.

Practical Learning Through Internships

Theory without application is like learning how to swim but never stepping into the water. NSIM’s voluntary internship program closes this loop perfectly. You will get to work on actual projects, work on actual client specifications, and feel the pressure and satisfaction of producing results. This internship experience tends to be a point of conversation during job interviews. Employers like candidates who can talk about actual campaigns they have worked on, the problems they’ve solved, and successes they’ve attained. It makes you from a person who knows digital marketing principles to one who has actually performed digital marketing.

Placement Support That Goes Beyond Job Listings

Most institutes claim to provide placement assistance but provide no more than a list of corporation names. NSIM works in a different, more hands-on way. They do not merely assist you in finding job vacancies; they train you to acclimate to interviews and workplace environments. Resume construction sessions enable you to showcase your strengths. Mock interview sessions equip you with typical questions and situations that you will encounter. Weekly hiring sessions give you direct access to recruiters and hiring managers. All these in a seamless support system enormously increase your chances of getting the right job, not merely any job.

Value That Makes Sense

You don’t have to spend a fortune to get quality education. NSIM’s pricing is competitive, particularly when you factor in what you’re getting. The payment plans make it affordable for students and professional workers who may not have the money available initially. The access to training materials for life is especially worth it. Digital marketing is constantly changing, and being able to gain access to revised materials ensures you can update your knowledge as needed along the way.

Why NSIM Is Different

Selecting NSIM as your source for digital marketing education isn’t merely a matter of course content — it’s about being part of a community that cares about your future. Coupling experienced instructors, thorough curriculum, industry certifications, real-world experience, and strong placement assistance creates a learning experience that’s difficult to match. Whether you’re a fresh graduate looking to start your career, a working professional seeking to switch fields, or a business owner wanting to understand digital marketing better, NSIM provides the foundation you need to succeed.

In a city of possibilities, NSIM has secured its place as the best digital marketing course in South Delhi through its ability to consistently deliver. The proof, they say, is in the pudding — and NSIM’s record is one to talk about.

Ready to move forward with your digital marketing career? Learn more at https://www.nsim.in

[dripndrain]

The Importance of Early Language Support in Children’s Development

Language is the foundation of communication, learning, and emotional expression in a child’s life. While most children develop speech naturally, some may face delays that affect how they interact with others and express their thoughts. Recognising these challenges early and seeking proper guidance can significantly improve their communication outcomes.

Parents can access professional services such as speech therapy Singapore to support their child’s unique developmental needs. This article outlines key milestones, signs of delay, and how early intervention can set children on a positive path.

Key Milestones in Language Development

Language development includes both speech (how we say sounds and words) and language (how we understand and use words to communicate). Typical progress looks like this:

Around 12 months: babbling, gestures, basic words

18–24 months: combining two-word phrases

By age 3: using short sentences and answering simple questions

By age 4: speaking clearly enough to be understood by unfamiliar listeners

If a child lags behind these milestones, it may indicate a delay worth evaluating.

Early Warning Signs of Language Delays

Although every child grows at their own pace, you should watch for these signs of potential concern:

Limited vocabulary for their age

Difficulty understanding instructions

Trouble forming phrases or full sentences

Poor eye contact or interaction with others

Speech that remains unclear after age 3

Early recognition of these symptoms allows timely intervention, which can prevent further challenges.

What Speech Therapy Offers

Speech-language therapists provide targeted support tailored to each child’s needs. They use structured activities and playful interactions to help improve:

Vocabulary and grammar

Speech clarity and pronunciation

Listening and comprehension

Social communication skills

Confidence in expressing thoughts

Many families turn to speech therapy Singapore clinics for reliable and effective communication support for their children.

Benefits of Starting Therapy Early

The earlier a child receives help, the easier it is to build essential communication foundations. Early therapy can prevent academic and social issues later in life and boost a child’s confidence and emotional development.

In fact, many children who receive intervention before preschool are better prepared for structured learning environments.

How Parents Can Support Language Growth

Parents are key partners in supporting communication. Here are simple ways to build language at home:

Talk through daily routines using clear, descriptive language

Read books aloud and ask your child to talk about the story

Sing songs and recite nursery rhymes

Encourage pretend play and storytelling

Model proper grammar and sentence structure

Every interaction is an opportunity to teach language naturally.

Finding the Right Therapist

Choosing a qualified speech-language therapist is crucial. Look for someone with experience in pediatric therapy, good communication with parents, and a nurturing approach that keeps your child engaged.

Families who seek speech therapy Singapore services often report progress not only in speech but also in their child’s overall confidence and participation in everyday life.

Conclusion

Strong language skills empower children to connect with the world. If your child seems to be struggling with speech or language, taking early steps toward support can make a world of difference.

Start exploring your options today, and give your child the tools they need to thrive.

[nitinthakur10]

How to Navigate Through the Different NAT Test Levels

Mastering the Japanese language opens up a world of opportunities — from studying in Japan to exploring exciting career prospects. One of the most recognized ways to validate your Japanese skills is through the NAT Test. But understanding and progressing through the different NAT Test levels can seem overwhelming without the right approach.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to navigate each level of the NAT Test successfully and why enrolling in Japanese language classes in Delhi can make a huge difference in your journey.

Understanding the NAT Test Structure

The NAT Test (Nihongo Achievement Test) is divided into five levels: N5 (beginner) to N1 (advanced). Each level assesses your proficiency in:

Vocabulary

Grammar

Reading Comprehension

Listening Comprehension

As you move up the levels, the complexity of the content, vocabulary range, and speed of conversations also increase. Knowing what each level demands is the first step in charting your success path.

Step-by-Step Guide to Navigate the NAT Test Levels

1. Start with Self-Assessment

Evaluate your current Japanese skills. If you’re just starting, aim for N5. If you have some knowledge, a practice test can help you decide whether to begin at N4 or even N3.

2. Understand the Requirements for Each Level

N5: Basic Japanese phrases, simple kanji, beginner listening skills.

N4: Everyday conversations, simple reading passages, essential grammar.

N3: Intermediate conversations, articles, short essays, broader vocabulary.

N2: Complex conversations, newspaper articles, and advanced grammar.

N1: Highly advanced texts, academic writings, and nuanced listening.

Each level builds on the one before, so it's important to fully master your current level before moving up.

3. Set a Realistic Timeline

Language learning is a marathon, not a sprint. Set a study schedule based on your target level. For instance:

N5/N4: 6–9 months

N3: 9–12 months

N2/N1: 12–24 months

Remember, consistency is key!

4. Choose the Right Learning Environment

Self-study can only take you so far. Joining Japanese language classes in Delhi ensures structured learning, expert guidance, and regular practice. Look for courses that offer:

NAT Test-focused syllabus

Mock exams

Regular speaking and listening practice

Doubt-clearing sessions

5. Practice Mock Tests Frequently

Taking regular mock tests familiarizes you with the exam format and helps build confidence. NAT Test papers emphasize both speed and accuracy, so regular practice is crucial.

6. Focus on Listening Skills

Listening is a critical component of the NAT Test levels, especially from N4 onwards. Practice with Japanese podcasts, songs, and drama series to train your ear for different speaking styles.

7. Master Kanji Step-by-Step

Kanji becomes increasingly important at higher levels. Start with basic kanji for N5 and steadily build up your knowledge through practice books and writing drills offered in Japanese language classes in Delhi.

Why Prepare with Japanese Language Classes in Delhi?

If you are serious about clearing the NAT Test levels, enrolling in professional Japanese language classes in Delhi is one of the best decisions you can make. Here's why:

Expert Teachers: Learn from certified instructors who understand the NAT Test structure.

Customized Study Plans: Tailored lessons for every NAT Test level.

Real Exam Environment: Frequent mock tests and timed practices.

Speaking Practice: Interactive sessions to boost your confidence.

Complete Support: Help with NAT Test registration, study materials, and last-minute tips.

FAQs About Navigating NAT Test Levels

1. Can I skip a level and attempt a higher NAT Test level directly?

Yes, if your Japanese skills are strong enough. However, it’s recommended to clear lower levels first for a gradual and solid understanding.

2. How long does it take to move from N5 to N1?

Typically, it takes 2–4 years of consistent study and practice, depending on the learner's dedication and learning method.

3. Is self-study enough for passing the NAT Test?

While self-study is possible, professional guidance through Japanese language classes in Delhi increases your chances of success significantly, especially for higher levels like N2 and N1.

4. Are there specific textbooks recommended for NAT Test preparation?

Yes! Books like "Minna no Nihongo" for beginners and "Try! Series" for intermediate to advanced learners are excellent choices, often included in the curriculum of Japanese language institutes.

5. Can I retake the NAT Test if I fail?

Absolutely. The NAT Test is conducted multiple times a year, so you can reappear whenever you're ready.

Conclusion

Navigating through the NAT Test levels is a journey of dedication, strategy, and smart learning. By understanding what each level demands, setting clear goals, practicing regularly, and enrolling in quality Japanese language classes in Delhi, you can confidently climb from N5 to N1. Start your journey today and unlock endless opportunities in the world of Japanese language and culture!

[rigelmejo]

Chinese Listening Experiment 441 hours

I again reiterate that the biggest takeaway I have from this experiment is: if you have decent reading skills, extensive listening WILL drag your listening skills up to where your reading skills are.

Particularly if you listen to stuff you could read, but many things probably would work. I mostly used audiobooks I'd read in Chinese, and audiobooks I knew the stories from reading English versions but had not actually read in Chinese. That worked great. That worked better than expected to be honest.

No intensive listening necessary - though maybe that could have sped progress up. Maybe audio-visual stuff like cartoons would have worked faster. I only did a little watching of cartoons and shows, but definitely noticed they also worked.

But yeah. My main takeaway is - listening WILL improve if you just listen more!!!! At least, if you already had reading skills - so you knew many words in some form.

Right now my listening skills are just a touch below my reading skills, and I predict they'll catch up within a dozen hours or so. I can now comfortably listen to anything I could read in Chinese. It's just if I was reading, I'd have more time and the hanzi look at to recognize certain words, that in listening I don't recognize instantly yet.

I am 100% using this strategy to improve my French next time I have time. Extensive listening is EASY. It just requires listening. No extra work, no flashcards, no rewinding and replaying, no word lookups, no reading along to a transcript (although I think all of those activities also would help listening skills). Just listening while doing other things, paying partial attention (for me - who has been listening to Chinese stuff any time I'd normally be partly listening to some English stuff).

I am curious of the utility of doing this for Japanese for me, as I know ~3000-5000 words in Japanese, but I do not have such a heavy experience of reading prior, I've only read a few things in Japanese, so most of the exposure to those words was in memrise/anki or in Glossika. I predict it might go... alright? I think if I started with Nihongo Con Teppei and listened to ALL of it, some other learner podcasts like Japanese with Shun, maybe the Comprehensible Japanese youtube channel, then listened to some Lets Plays of video games I've played, that would get me pretty fucking far. I imagine it might push me up to actually feeling fucking B1/lower intermediate in terms of understanding Japanese.

But Japanese is a weird situation for me: I can read novels I do NOT know the verbal words for because of hanzi-near-cognates with kanji-words, I know verbal words from Glossika that I never learned the kanji-word for, I know some kanji-word INCLUDING pronunciation from when I studied with memrise and audio, and those spheres of 'words I know' does not fully overlap. I also have a lot of basic grammar knowledge, in that I've read a LOT of grammar guides for Japanese and listened to sentences enough in Glossika/Japanese Audio Lessons to get used to some grammar without thinking about how it's working. So I either totally "get" the grammar of a phrase/sentence I'm hearing and understand without thinking, or it seems vaguely familiar and I puzzle it out, or I don't recognize it at all. The Japanese I know is all over the fucking place, not reliable and not consolidated. If I watch something like Death Note I can understand so much just from the spoken words and plot I know already, with something like Yakuza games I understand short phrases and simple statements "I'm tired, he's an old sad guy, I appreciate it" etc. then hear full sentences I can't parse. I can play Yakuza Ishin in only Japanese and follow the main idea, but I am leaning on kanji in the subtitles which I guess the meaning of from Hanzi I know.

TLDR: if your reading skills are intermediate (you can read some stuff), then your listening skills will eventually catch up if you just keep practicing listening.

I imagine this is also true in reverse - if you have intermediate listening skills (can understand some shows/cartoons/audiobooks), then simply extensively reading a lot will eventually catch up your reading skills.

[charlestonspanishtutor]

Learning Spanish in just three months may sound like a challenge, but with the right mindset, consistent effort, and a smart learning strategy, it’s entirely possible to make meaningful progress—even to the point of conversational fluency. What matters most is how you structure your time and which resources you choose to rely on. Many people try to go it alone with apps or books, but in my experience, combining immersive learning with Spanish tutor lessons can make all the difference.

First, it’s important to define what you want to achieve in three months. “Learning Spanish” is a broad goal, so you’ll want to be specific. Do you want to be able to introduce yourself, order food in Spanish, have casual conversations, or understand spoken Spanish at a natural pace? Having a clear goal will help you track your progress and stay motivated. For most learners, especially beginners, a realistic 3-month target is reaching a conversational level—enough to understand and participate in everyday discussions using basic vocabulary and grammar.

One of the most effective ways to reach that level is through immersive exposure to the language. That means surrounding yourself with Spanish as much as possible. Watch Spanish shows and movies (with subtitles if needed), listen to Spanish-language music or podcasts, and try reading short articles or children’s books in Spanish. Even changing your phone or social media apps to Spanish can help reinforce everyday vocabulary. This kind of immersion helps your brain begin to recognize patterns, sentence structures, and commonly used phrases.

However, immersion alone isn’t enough, especially if you're trying to make fast progress. This is where structured guidance becomes crucial. Enrolling in Spanish tutor lessons—whether online or in person—can drastically speed up your learning. A tutor provides you with a roadmap, identifies your strengths and weaknesses, and tailors the lessons to suit your learning style and goals. Rather than wasting time figuring out which grammar rules to study or what vocabulary is most useful, a tutor can streamline the process, making each session efficient and productive.

In addition to teaching the language, a good tutor will also hold you accountable. It’s easy to lose momentum when you’re learning on your own. But when you know someone is expecting you to show up and practice, you’re more likely to stay consistent—which is essential when you only have a few months to work with. Tutors also give you opportunities to speak Spanish in real time, which is one of the most important skills to develop early on. Many learners delay speaking out of fear of making mistakes, but a tutor creates a safe and encouraging environment where you can build confidence from the beginning.

Consistency is key when working toward a 3-month language goal. Even if you only have 30 to 60 minutes a day, using that time wisely can lead to real results. Daily practice reinforces what you’ve learned, helps you retain vocabulary, and keeps your momentum going. If possible, aim to take tutor lessons two to three times per week, while supplementing them with independent study. Between lessons, spend time reviewing new vocabulary, practicing grammar, and writing short sentences or journal entries in Spanish. Listening to native speakers and mimicking their pronunciation is also a great way to improve your accent and listening comprehension.

Speaking of grammar, many learners find it intimidating—but it doesn’t have to be. Focus on the basics at first: present tense verbs, gendered nouns, and simple sentence structure. Spanish tutor lessons are especially helpful here because a tutor can explain grammar rules in a clear, practical way, often using examples from real conversations. Instead of memorizing endless charts, you’ll learn grammar in context, which makes it easier to understand and remember.

Another major advantage of working with a tutor is that you can customize your lessons around real-life situations. For example, if you’re planning a trip to a Spanish-speaking country, your tutor can help you practice common travel scenarios—like asking for directions, checking into a hotel, or ordering at a restaurant. If you need Spanish for work, your lessons can include industry-specific vocabulary and conversation practice. This kind of personalized instruction is difficult to find in self-study programs or large group classes.

Of course, there are other tools you can use alongside tutoring. Language apps like Duolingo or Babbel can be helpful for reinforcing vocabulary and grammar through quick daily exercises. Flashcard apps like Anki are excellent for memorizing words using spaced repetition. But it’s important to remember that these tools are most effective when they’re part of a broader, structured learning plan.

As you move through the 3-month period, be sure to track your progress. Set small goals for each week, such as learning 100 new words, being able to describe your daily routine in Spanish, or watching a short video without subtitles. Celebrate your milestones, even if they feel small. Each one is a step toward fluency. You might also consider recording yourself speaking Spanish once a week—you’ll be amazed at the improvement you hear over time.

In the end, learning Spanish in three months requires more than just motivation—it requires a strategy. Surround yourself with the language. Practice every day. Speak often, even when it’s uncomfortable. And most importantly, consider working with a tutor who can guide you, correct your mistakes, and keep you focused on your goals. Spanish tutor lessons offer a level of personalized instruction and accountability that’s hard to match, and they’re one of the most powerful tools you can use to reach fluency quickly.

So yes, with dedication, the right resources, and the support of a good tutor, you can learn Spanish within three months. It won’t be perfect, but you’ll have a solid foundation and the confidence to keep going.

[literaturereviewhelp]

Network Management and ProtocolsWe also involve our users as much as we can. If the users can be somewhat independent in their own network management functions, the whole system is more effective. If the user can determine whether the LAN segment, the entire network, or the ISP is down, then the number of calls to the technicians can be decreased. The users are also very good at keeping track of consistent problems. They can help determine patterns that result in low response times or complete outages. The fundamental service for network management is SNMP, which stands for "simple network management protocol." It is a component of TCP/IP, which is itself the foundation of the Internet. SNMP is used to provide information about the configuration of your network, addressing schemes, performance, and traffic of packets. In its simplest form, SNMP is a client/server protocol. It has two entities: the manager and the managed. Most network equipment has the option of supporting the SNMP agent and responding to SNMP requests. If the server, hub, router, and, eventually, workstations have the SNMP service implemented, then the manager is able to collect data in a remote mode. It is important to keep this in mind when purchasing network hardware, which should be "smart" or "manageable." The information that is available in this scenario includes inventory, configuration, network hardware and software, and operational status. Using SNMP does not cause undue stress and overload on the network. It will not affect users' response time to monitor the network on a regular basis, so long as you are not trying to replicate events too often and unnecessarily. Even though it started as a temporary solution for network management until something better was built, SNMP has become a standard. Most smart network equipment has SNMP availability. There is a limited set of SNMP commands and actions. For most of us who are not network engineers, it is enough to know that SNMP is installed so that the third-party software we will use will be able to access the protocol. For instance, when installing Windows NT, it is important to activate SNMP service. While there are great resources for learning the commands at a very detailed level, most of us will not have the time. The other component in the SNMP world of which we must at least have a superficial understanding is the MIB, or management information base. Simply speaking, this is the information that is managed by SNMP. Sometimes vendors include additional information, but it might only be accessible through the vendor's own monitoring software. At the most basic level, the network should be monitored for performance and bandwidth availability, down and up times and connectivity, bottlenecks, security, plus protocols in use and their impact on the network. The plan you build for the necessary tools and what they will do depends upon the network, the users, the staff supporting the network, and the overall needs of the institution. We have selected tools that are easily used and understood while providing comprehensive levels of information. The tools are either Web-enabled or available through remote access. The more tools that are available, the more confusing management becomes. It is therefore important to select a set of criteria and pick the tools that will best meet those criteria. Read the full article

[asvabtutoringservices]

Full ASVAB Practice Test: Your Ultimate Preparation Guide

The Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) is a key assessment for anyone interested in joining the U.S. military. This comprehensive test evaluates your strengths in areas like math, reading, science, and mechanical comprehension, helping to determine your eligibility for military service. To ensure you perform well on the exam, one of the best preparation strategies is taking a full ASVAB practice test. In this blog post, we’ll explain the importance of taking a full practice test, provide tips for effective preparation, and walk you through how to make the most of your practice session.

Why Take a Full ASVAB Practice Test?

A full ASVAB practice test is an invaluable tool for exam preparation. Here are several reasons why you should make it a part of your study routine:

Simulate Real Test Conditions: A full-length practice test replicates the actual ASVAB exam experience. By simulating the format, timing, and pacing, you’ll be better prepared for the real thing, reducing anxiety and building confidence.

Measure Your Readiness: Taking a practice test helps you gauge how ready you are for the real exam. You’ll get a sense of how well you know the material, where you stand in terms of knowledge, and what needs more attention.

Test Time Management: The ASVAB is a timed test, and managing your time effectively is crucial. By taking a full practice test, you can practice answering questions within the time limits for each section, helping you improve your pacing on test day.

Identify Weaknesses: A practice test is an excellent way to highlight areas that need improvement. Whether it’s Arithmetic Reasoning, Word Knowledge, or another section, taking a full practice test shows you where to focus your study efforts.

What’s Included in a Full ASVAB Practice Test?

A full ASVAB practice test covers all sections of the exam. The ASVAB consists of the following areas:

General Science (GS): This section tests your knowledge of physical and biological sciences, including topics like biology, chemistry, and physics.

Arithmetic Reasoning (AR): This section tests your ability to solve basic math word problems, focusing on concepts like addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division.

Word Knowledge (WK): This part of the test evaluates your vocabulary and ability to understand the meaning of words through synonyms.

Paragraph Comprehension (PC): This section tests your ability to understand and analyze written material. You will read short passages and answer questions based on the information presented.

Mathematics Knowledge (MK): This section assesses your understanding of high school-level math concepts such as algebra, geometry, and basic statistics.

Electronics Information (EI): This section covers knowledge related to electrical systems, circuits, and other electronic concepts.

Auto and Shop Information (AS): This section tests your knowledge of automotive mechanics, tools, and shop practices.

Mechanical Comprehension (MC): This section measures your understanding of mechanical devices and principles, such as levers, pulleys, and simple machines.

Assembling Objects (AO): This section tests your spatial ability by asking you to visualize how different objects fit together.

How to Use a Full ASVAB Practice Test Effectively

To get the most out of your full ASVAB practice test, follow these steps:

1. Set Aside Enough Time

The full ASVAB exam can take up to 3 hours to complete. When taking a practice test, allow yourself the same amount of time to ensure you’re simulating real test conditions. Take breaks only when necessary, but try to stick to the time limits for each section to build time management skills.

2. Create a Distraction-Free Environment

Find a quiet place to take your practice test, free from distractions. This will help you focus and simulate the conditions you’ll experience during the actual exam.

3. Answer Questions to the Best of Your Ability

Treat the practice test as if it’s the real exam. Don’t rush through questions or skip any of them. Even if you’re unsure about an answer, make your best guess and move on. The goal is to practice thinking critically and managing time.

4. Review Your Results Thoroughly

After completing the full practice test, go over your answers carefully. Identify any mistakes you made and understand why the correct answers are right. This will help you learn from your mistakes and avoid repeating them on the real test.

5. Focus on Weak Areas

After reviewing your results, take note of the sections where you scored the lowest. These areas need additional attention in your study sessions. You can focus on specific topics, review flashcards, or use additional practice questions to reinforce your knowledge in those areas.

6. Take Multiple Practice Tests

One full ASVAB practice test may not be enough. Take several practice tests over the course of your preparation to track your progress. This will help you become more comfortable with the test format and improve your performance in each section.

Where to Find Full ASVAB Practice Tests

Several resources offer full ASVAB practice tests:

Official ASVAB Website: The official ASVAB website offers sample questions and practice tests. While these may not be full-length tests, they can still help you get a feel for the format.

Books: Study guides such as "The Official ASVAB Study Guide" or "Kaplan ASVAB Prep" include full-length practice tests with detailed explanations of answers.

Online Platforms: Websites like ASVABPracticeTests.com, Military.com, and other prep sites offer full practice tests, along with tips and score tracking tools.

Mobile Apps: Several apps like "ASVAB Test Prep" or "ASVAB Practice Test" are available for download, providing on-the-go practice tests with immediate feedback.

Conclusion

Taking a full ASVAB practice test is one of the most effective ways to prepare for the actual exam. It helps you familiarize yourself with the test format, manage your time efficiently, and pinpoint areas for improvement. By practicing regularly and reviewing your results, you’ll be well on your way to achieving a top score and securing your future in the U.S. military.

[fromdevcom]

Are you looking for a tool that will help you to get text from images? Do you feel it hard to manually write the text by checking into images? If yes, you are at the right place to read a comprehensive guide about this technology. In the upcoming sections, we are going to show you how you can get a text from any scanned image or an image of a handwritten document image. Also, we will discuss the technology through which any tool will do this task just for the sake of your understanding. Keep reading and you will get enough basic knowledge about this topic by the end of this blog. Additionally, you will get the list of best tools that we have found in our research. What is OCR? Optical Character Recognition (OCR) is a specific technology with which a tool or program will extract the text from any image. By using this technology, you can convert text from any static image into an editable document. This technology is considered the best one because of error-free conversion. All the tools that can convert text from the image or into any other format are using OCR technology. In this way, it has become one of the most productive technologies for students, data entry operators, teachers, researchers, and many other office-related workers. How do OCR Tools Extract the Text From Images? The question comes how a tool will extract text from an image using OCR technology. It is important to know if you want to answer this technology in detail. Actually, the tool is based on two main technologies that are AI and OCR. Whenever you will insert an image, the algorithm of the tool will use both of these to do this simple task. First of all, it will identify the text from the image using AI and optical technology. Once it has scanned the document, the tool will compare every letter or character with its database. From there, the words that it has found the best fit will be shown on your screen in the document format. You can easily copy that text or download it for later use. Every OCR tool has its own database with thousands of entries including symbols, letters, and characters. Therefore, it is almost impossible to get the text with some mistakes or irregular words. Best Online OCR Converters There are several converters available on the internet based on OCR technology. You can use any of those tools to extract the text from the images. Many tools will also enable you to change the image format instead of text extraction. It all depends on your work requirements and which tool you want to use. In the following section, we have enlisted the 3 best OCR tools by using which you will be able to get a text from any image. Imagetotext.info On the top of our list, we have imagetotext.info that is considered the best tool in this regard. The reason behind being the best in efficiency and fast processing. Using this tool, you can extract text from as many images as you want and get them into an editable format. The tool will not restrict your usage even if you are using it for hundred times. You only need to insert the image by uploading it from the drive or device internal storage. For your ease, this tool also enables the drag & drop of any image. In this way, you can drag any image from any source and get the text into an editable format. Another input method the image is directly inserting the link of that image by copying it from the internet. When you have input the image, you can simply click on the Submit button. This will instruct the tool to use OCR technology to identify the text and show it in the document format. In the end, you will be shown the text in a box just below the image insertion box. You can either click on the Copy to Clipboard button or the Save as Document. By using any of them, you can get that content from the image and use it wherever you want. You will find this tool amazing and useful in all dimensions. It will enable you to extract the text from images without any irritation like ads display, login requirements, and others.

Ocr.best When it comes to using the best tool to extract text from images, then you should definitely give a try to ocr.best. By using this tool, you will be able to get the text within a few seconds. This converter only demands an extra step while inserting the images. You have to first upload the image using the given button. After this, you have to confirm the insertion to let the tool start extraction. With this tool, you can fetch text from any image because of secured working. It means that the tool will not save your data in its database or share it with someone. You can fearlessly use this tool to get text even from sensitive documents. Also, you will find extra options to deal with the extracted text. On your screen, you will get three different buttons to save that text and use it wherever you want. Also, you can start over the process if you have multiple images to get the text like from the assignment. The entire process will be quick and enable you to get the text within a few seconds. Also, you will not find any process to log in to this tool for following the above process. This tool is free to use for unlimited conversions. It means that you will not have to subscribe to their paid plans for getting the text for multiple images. In short, this tool will be the best for you when looking to fetch data from any image without making mistakes. Editpad.org Sometimes, you might not be looking to extract text from the images written in the English language. It happens a lot at this time on the internet because you might be receiving images in any other language. Therefore, you might feel any of the OCR tools are inappropriate. In such conditions, you will find this tool efficient and trustworthy for converting the text. You only need to select the language from the given section before or after the image insertion. After this, you won’t be asked to do anything but click on the Convert Now button. The tool will extract the text and show it in the same language. We have found the only problem with this tool is the unavailability of functions. You can only copy the text by clicking on the given button given under the text box. The amazing feature of this tool is the wider part to show the preview of the text. In this way, you can easily get a look at what the text is and check if the tool has extracted it properly or not. Final Say Whether you have a single image to get the text or multiple ones, you can simply use any of the above tools. There will be no issue in this conversion unless you have not done the right way to do this task. We have enlisted these tools after checking multiple tools. You can fearlessly use any of them without having any issues like inappropriate extraction and mistakes.