The Best Creative Writing Courses in the UK.

The Best Creative Writing Courses in the UK. The Best Places in the UK for Creative Writing Classes. ChaptersForget the Haters: Why You Should Take a Creative Writing Course.Find a Creative Writing Degree at a UK University.Or Find a Postgraduate Creative Writing Course.Enrol on a Short Creative Writing Program or Retreat.Courses in creative writing are one of the few types of educational courses that can really divide people. You’ll have heard many high-profile people say that they are something of a waste of time. Others legitimately resent this, suggesting instead that they provide an important space for budding writers to hone their craft.It doesn’t help that, in some cases, the former group have been teachers on creative writing programmes themselves.But, in any case, this snobbishness towards creative writing as a discipline to be taught is strange. Artists have gone to academies for centuries to learn how to paint. Dramatists and musicians also head to conservatoires across the world to develop their skills in their respective fields.These guys don’t seem to be looked d own upon by the professional musicians, actors, or painters. So why should those who want to learn how to write be given this unfair treatment?Well, indeed. And, regardless, we are very much convinced of the importance of creative writing classes. Because writing is not just about feeling inspiration and putting pen to paper. It is not the old Romantic vision of individual creativity and passion.No, writing is a skill that needs to be practised and worked at tirelessly. And if you want to join a creative writing course, you’ll need to be prepared for that.Here, we are going to show you some of the best places to study creative writing across the UK â€" at university level and in shorter, less academic contexts. The choice of which is yours to make. We hope you find it helpful â€" but remember that attending a creative writing course is not enough to turn you into the next James Joyce.Whilst you are here, you can check out your job prospects with a creative writing degree and see s ome tips to improve your creative writing. CalumDrama School Entrance Teacher 5.00 (15) £50/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors ToriSpanish Teacher 5.00 (1) £15/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors OliviaSchool support Teacher 5.00 (2) £21/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors MarkESOL (English) Teacher 4.76 (17) £20/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors YuweiChinese Teacher 4.33 (6) £19/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors JenniferMusic reading Teacher 5.00 (1) £30/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors LouiseAutoCAD Teacher 5.00 (3) £60/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors RickyPercussion Teacher 5.00 (7) £35/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors NicolasGuitar Teacher 5.00 (2) £35/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors MyriamOrganic chemistry Teacher 5.00 (13) £20/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors JonathanEconomics Teacher 5.00 (9) £40/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors Oluwakemi imoleMaths Teacher 5.00 (1) £30/h1s t lesson free!Discover all our tutors AlexPhysics Teacher 5.00 (1) £50/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors AdamSinging Teacher 5.00 (14) £48/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors ValentiniMusic reading Teacher 5.00 (2) £50/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors MilenaMaths Teacher 5.00 (5) £25/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors RashmiEconomics Teacher 5.00 (1) £35/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutorsForget the Haters: Why You Should Take a Creative Writing Course.So, no â€" creative writing courses are not a waste of time, no matter which famous writer has said it. If you want to be a writer, there are an awful lot of things that you will need to consider â€" many of which you will never have realised â€" and a creative writing class is a great place to make sure you have them all covered.Let’s talk about a couple of these things briefly. Meanwhile, you can check out our article, What is Creative Writing? Never stop writing.Ensuring Your Write.One of the most important opportunities that a creative writing class offers is the time and motivation to write. Whether they are screenwriting, writing poetry, or writing creative nonfiction, sometimes things get in the way that prevent creative writers from dedicating time to their work.This is particularly true of university degrees in creative writing â€" which obviously last much longer than the short courses. If you can commit three years full-time to your novel with a student loan to back you up, you’ll be laughing.Having Others Read It.But you might not be laughing so much when you have to pull your manuscript out of your bag and present it to your class. Too many can people harbour the belief that they’ll be the next Shakespeare when they have never shown anyone their work.Creative writing courses ensure that other people can give you constructive criticism on your work. As that’s the best way to make it better.Honing Your Writin g Skills.Like learning a musical instrument, writing requires skill and practice. This is not something that you can just pick up just like that.Whilst you can be self-taught as a writer as much as you can as a musician, there is no harm in putting in the hours â€" with professional support and writing exercises â€" to produce the best lines and narratives you can.Learning the Tricks of the Trade.There is so much more to being a professional writer than the writing process itself. You’ll need to know how to navigate the world of literary magazine, the trials of getting published, and the whole length of your writing career.Many creative writing courses teach you all this too, by the way. Find out more about creative writing courses!Find a Creative Writing Degree at a UK University.The strongest creative writing degrees tend not to be found in the most conventionally reputed academic institutions. But don’t let this put you off: some of the creative writing degrees in the UK are incredibly popular and incredibly well-regarded.Here are three options for you.Study Creative Writing at Lancaster University.According to the Complete University Guide, Lancaster University’s creative writing department is the best in the country. And, on its three-year joint honours programmes â€" in which creative writing can be combined with English literature, film, or fine art â€" you’ll have a fantastic opportunity to learn from some of the best creative writing teachers in the business.Take an Undergraduate Degree in Creative Writing at Newcastle University.Another very highly rated of the UK’s degree programs in creative writing is at Newcastle University. They too only offer creative writing degrees combined with English literature.Along with critical reading and writing, you’ll be working alongside professional writing practitioners and have the opportunity to work with poets like Paul Muldoon and novelists such as Andrea Levy. Check out creative writing courses!Do a Creative Writing Degree Online with the Open University.The Open University has always done higher education differently. This institution’s remote learning degree in creative writing is an online writing course â€" that allows people who want to work flexibly or remotely to gain the qualifications and education they want or need.On this course, you can work between forms â€" and you’ll be studying literature alongside too.Check out the features of creative writing!Or Find a Postgraduate Creative Writing Course.A great option for many budding writers is to complete an undergraduate degree in a more conventional academic subject and then continue to a Master’s or doctorate in creative writing subsequently.Like undergraduate degrees, this gives you the allocated time to commit to your work â€" and you’ll find that the postgrad courses are very rarely combined either.Do a Masters in Creative Writing at the University of Manchester.A great place to do a creative writing masters is at the University of Manchester, one of the most popular destinations for a course of this kind in the UK.As part of the course, you will work with Manchester’s Centre for New Writing, which brings together established writers with you budding students. Of course, you can commit your time to poetry, fiction, screenwriting â€" or any other form of writing â€" as you see fit.Try the University of Aberdeen’s Master’s in Creative Writing.Available fulltime or part-time, the University of Aberdeen’s creative writing MLitt is a hugely popular postgraduate degree in Scotland.For this course, you’ll be required to submit writing samples as part of your application. And, to give you a sense of the sort of assessments these courses do, you’ll be required to submit a folio of coursework alongside an analytic essay at the end of your course.Commit to a PhD in Creative Writing at the University of Birmingham.And then there’s the PhD in crea tive writing, which the majority of the aforementioned universities offer too.At Birmingham, the PhD is studied over three years (or six years, if part-time), and it can be done remotely. Throughout this period, you will need to produce a piece of creative work and analysis for your submission.Enrol on a Short Creative Writing Program or Retreat.Not everyone wants to go to university â€" and not everyone has all that time to spare. For those of you who fit into these boxes, shorter creative writing programmes, workshops, and retreats are available across the UK in all genres and forms of literary writing.From one-off events to week-long trips to the countryside, these can be great for everyone.Head to Scotland’s Creative Writing Centre, Moniack Mhor.One of the most romantic places to attend a creative writing course is near Beauly, near Inverness in Scotland.This is known as Moniack Mhor. Set in wonderful countryside, you can attend writing retreats all year round. They usually la st about five days. Creative writing is full of struggle - so keep it up!Or Find a Course at Arvon.Arvon claim to be the ‘home of creative writing’ in the UK â€" and they do have some stellar endorsements if you need persuading.They operate between Shropshire, Yorkshire, and Devon, and offer courses in poetry writing, screenwriting, playwriting, and much much more.Check Out the Faber Academy’s Many Creative Writing Programs â€" in Poetry, Fiction, or More.The Faber Academy in Bloomsbury, London have a winning method, having famous writers present their particular takes on specific writing skills.From researching fiction to creating characters, from editing your novel to reading, the Faber Academy has everything you need to become a better writer.

Which Equipment Do I Need To Start Baking At Home

Which Equipment Do I Need To Start Baking At Home Baking For Beginners: Essential Tools How To Use Them ChaptersThe Importance Of Kitchen ToolsDo I Need A Recipe Book?15 Common Baking Terms Found In RecipesEssential Tools For BeginnersBaking for beginners is made easier when you have the right tools of the trade. Spatulas, whisks, electric mixers, cooling racks, baking tins and many other tools serve to help the baker to get the best results. A meringue wouldn't be possible without the simple whisk, crunchy chocolate chips biscuits wouldn't be crispy without the baking sheet, and cooling rack, A cake or clafoutis would have nowhere to rise without an appropriate baking tin.While it may seem that all you need is a couple of eggs, a pack of flour, some sugar and butter to make the perfect Victoria sponge. Great baking is about bringing together many different aspects; Ingredients, tools, knowledge and creativity. All of these parts function to support each other and lead to delicious baked treats.With this knowledge, you can make Almond cake, apple dessert, hot cross buns, peanut butter cups, rich chocolate upside down cake, or lemon bars. As well as savoury pie recipes, Irish soda bread, artisan breads and even international foods.So before you discount investing in a measuring cup and parchment paper, or overindulging in silicone bottle holders. Let's take a look at the essential equipment that you need to start baking at home as a beginner.Recipe books are great at laying out step by step what you need to do. Photo Source: Unsplash

How to Be a Singer Finding Gigs as a Backup Vocalist

How to Be a Singer Finding Gigs as a Backup Vocalist Sign up successful You can also try to get involved with local bands. See if you can do some work in the studio as a session singer or studio musician. Once you have gained more experience, start auditioning for the big names. What Does a Backup Vocalist Audition Look Like? Before you hit the auditions, make sure you are in top vocal shape. Brush up if you need to with lessons.  You’ll most likely need to know how to read sheet music on the spot. Familiarize yourself with the music or artist you’ll be auditioning for. Know exactly what’s expected of you for each specific audition: How long should your audition piece be? What type of music do they want to hear? Preparation is essential, and it’s also helpful to have a variety of material on hand, not just one piece. Know what key you are going to sing in. Have your sheet music ready, with notes for the accompanist if needed. Have a demo and press kit on hand to leave with the director. Finally, make sure you are ready for anything! A vocal audition is usually just that, singing. There are, however, a couple of extra things to remember. Unless you are asked to sing a song by the artist you’re auditioning for, try to avoid it.  Show off your voice without showing off (remember, you are not lead singer). Be friendly and courteous, and dress subtly and classy, like you would for a job interview. Listen and stay composed; backup singing is all about being part of a team and being an easy person to work with. Become a Backup Vocalist The Oscar-winning documentary movie 20 Feet from Stardom is an awesome introduction into the lives of some elite backing vocalists. If it inspires you, subscribe to Backstage, take your lessons, practice, gain experience, and train some moreâ€"and before you know it, you’ll be well on your way to a successful music career as a backing vocalist. Interested in Private Lessons? Search thousands of teachers for local and live, online lessons. Sign up for convenient, affordable private lessons today! Search for Your Teacher Photo  by U.S. Army

How is the PLAN Scored

How is the PLAN Scored Consider the PLAN the PSAT for the ACT. Completed in 10th grade, the PLAN enables students to gain firsthand experience with the ACT. Test results range from 1 (lowest) to 32 (highest), with subsections in English and Mathematics marked from 1 to 16. Score reports include an estimated ACT result, as well as information about which skills are strengths and which are weaknesses. What is on the test? The test includes English, Mathematics, Reading, and Science portions. The English section addresses both Usage/Mechanics and Rhetorical Skills, while the Mathematics section focuses on Pre-Algebra through Geometry. The exam allows for 115 minutes for all four portions, and it involves only multiple-choice questions. How is it scored? Like the ACT, there is no penalty for guessing on the PLAN. The number of questions you answer correctly informs your final score. Keep in mind, however, that combined subscores (in English and Mathematics) do not necessarily equal section scores. Here is some great information on how the ACT is scored. What is on the score report? You will receive a score for each section, as well as an overall composite score that is an average of these four portions. Your results will also reflect all subsections. Beside each score is a chart that compares your results to other students who sat for the test at the same time. This chart represents the percentage of students who scored at or below your mark. As previously mentioned, the PLAN prepares you for future ACT testing. Based on your results, the PLAN predicts your likely score on the ACT if you complete the relevant high school courses and continue to achieve at the same level. These scores are sorely estimates, as you have not yet taken the ACT! If you are unhappy with the result the PLAN predicts, this is an excellent opportunity to begin improving your study habits, changing your focus in school, and perhaps seeking additional assistance through tutoring or in-school services. These are some great tips on how to improve your ACT scorethat you may find useful as well. On the reverse of your score report is a detailed list of the skills that were tested on the PLAN. You will also note suggestions to deepen content or skills based on questions you answered incorrectly. Utilize this page to understand where your strengths and weaknesses lie academically. For example, if you erred on all of the possessive pronoun questions, the score report will suggest that you review them. If you do not understand what something means, strike up a conversation with a tutor or teacher about the items you are struggling with in school.

Tutorfairs first 11+ Preparation Course

Tutorfair's first 11+ Preparation Course During the October Half-Term this year, Tutorfair held its very first tutoring course for 11+ students! Run by Tutorfair consultant and former director of an elite tutoring company, Angela Murphy, the course was designed to help students aged 10-11 prepare for the 11+ exams in the 2019/2020 exam sessions. Working with three experienced 11+ tutors, Saadia, Karina and Leon, and supported with sessions from Tutorfair co-Founder Mark Maclaine, the course intended to provide an engaging and collaborative environment for the participating students, and importantly gave them the experience of working closely with tutors in a mixture of one-to-one tuition and group work. The course was tailored specifically to focus on the subjects tested at 11+:  English, Maths, Verbal Reasoning and Non-Verbal Reasoning. When asked during the course, the students felt most underprepared for the Verbal and Non-Verbal Reasoning tests, so the tutors made sure to allocate extra time to focus on these subjects. Mark also had a session with the students at the end of the week on interview techniques and appearing confident in interview settings. Mock exams The course culminated in a mock test and exam day, in which each student sat 2 papers from the schools to which they were applying -   a scary prospect for some of the students! Throughout the week, Angela and the tutors worked with the students on exercises to remain calm and focused during exams, which some of the students used during the practice tests! These exams were marked and students had the opportunity to discuss their answers individually with tutors. Students also got to experience teaching each other and were able to learn from other students in their peer group. Group activities and challenges Group activities and team challenges were also a core part of the course. When putting together the course, Angela wanted to ensure that the students had lots of fun and were engaged throughout the days â€" especially since they were giving up their half-term holiday! The students split into teams and earned points by completing a set of daily challenges, including: The Lego challenge The Spaghetti challenge The Egg challenge The Cane challenge The Map challenge Big shout-out to Team Gladiator who was the team that earned the most points at the end of the week after some close competition! The students all said that they enjoyed themselves during the course, made new friends, and it was much more fun than they expected. Read what the students themselves had to say about the course: “When I first came in I thought it would be test after test, but later I realised it was more fun than work!” â€" Maya “I made new friends and I improved a lot and the teachers were all very nice and understanding” - Quan

English English Words and Phrases connected to Shopping ??

English English Words and Phrases connected to Shopping ?? Unless you have been living in a bubble  (cut off from the world!) for the past few years or on another  planet you will have heard or experienced the joys of Black Friday. Black Friday is about serious shopping. So let’s practise today some English words  and phrases connected to shopping.  I have a long list for you. English Words and Phrases connected to Shopping Black Friday  (dedicated to retail shopping in the malls and shopping centres) is the day immediately  after the American thanks giving day which is usually the 4th Thursday in November. If you are like me and you really despise  (hate) shopping then  unfortunately the next week will be a problem as the TV, internet and newspapers will be focusing  on Black Friday and Cyber Monday  (dedicated to online shopping) as the beginning of the Christmas  and New Year shopping seasons.These days are a magnet  (big attraction) for those shopaholics   (people who love to shop  continuously) among us who love to shop till they drop (keep shopping until they are tired or run  out of money or both!). Some retailers downplay  (try to reduce its importance) the importance of  Black Friday as they feel it prevents people from shopping normally right up to Xmas and they think  whilst people spend a lot of money on the actual day they spend less overall up to Christmas Day. However, for those in pursuit of  (chasing/hunting/searching for) the perfect Christmas present or gift  then this is a truly wonderful event. The 4 days from thanksgiving Thursday up to and including  Cyber Monday are a shoppers paradise  (place for the most pleasure!). They can pursue their hobby,  enjoy their retail therapy  (relaxing by going to the shops) and spend money they often do not have.These four days are usually a time when people go bargain hunting and the retailers will attract the  shopper with some interesting bargains to entice  (attract) the customer in to their store. Everybody  is looking for that item they call a steal  (so cheap it is almost like robbery!).Of course, we can enjoy shopping not only on Black Friday. For many people shopping is an enjoyable pastime on the weekend. Shopping is one the favourite hobbies in the UK. What other English words  and phrases connected to shopping  can we use?   English Shopping Vocabulary - Infographic Enjoyed this infographic? Here’s what you can do next: WINDOW SHOPPINGwhen we go shopping with little intention of actually buying something but more interested in seeing what is in the shops.Ex. We spent the afternoon window shopping. The windows are so well decorated.WINDOW DRESSINGnot exactly connected to shopping. Window dressing refers specifically to how we dress up a presentation to make it look better or bigger. It can be easily dismissed by someone looking for more detail.Ex. I presented the report as requested by my boss.  I was under a bit of pressure and there was not as much detail as i would have liked.  My boss read it and said that i needed to do it again. There was too much window dressing and not enough fact!SHOP TILL YOU DROPwhen you are really in to shopping and enjoy the moment you can shop all day and not feel tired in the slightest.Ex. My wife went out early to the shopping centre to buy a new outfit for a wedding. She did not come back until late in the evening weighed down with bags. She had really shopped till s he dropped.SLASHED THE PRICESTo reduce prices dramaticallyThere is a great sale on in the high street, the big shop is closing down and they have reduced the prices on everything. They have slashed some prices by 50%.A SHOPPING SPREETo spend as much money as possibleex. They were only in London for a few days and were determined to buy as much as they could. This was going to be a real shopping spree.SHOP AROUNDTo compare prices in different shops before you buy somethingex. If you are looking to buy something expensive like a new TV or phone it pays to check the different prices on offer in different stores.  It pays to shop around. English Phrases in the Shop When we go in to a shop we are usually approached by a sales assistant offering to help us with our choices. They are very polite and offer a lot of help.  They use some of the following phrases:   Would you like to try it on sir?   would you like to go to the changing rooms and try the clothes on You can put it on in the changing room. There is a full length mirror there. you can try on the clothes and check yourself in the mirror That looks perfect madam,  just let me do up the zip at the back let me pull up the zip/buttons Yes,  sir you can change this jacket for another one for the same price.   Would you like to  pick out another size and colour? If you do not like this when you get home you can bring it back anytime provided you have the receipt. to return an item back to ths hop where you bought it in Do you think this goes with my colour/shape/hair? do you think this matches my style Would you like it delivered to your home?  No thanks,  I  will take it with me.Take it w ith me   to carry something yourself Phrasal Verbs about Shopping Don’t keep this to yourself. Tell the world. rases connected to Shopping Other phrases and expressions connected with shopping are :That must have set you back a bit?    That must have cost you a lot of money.Thats a rip off.   Thats too much to pay for that they must be overcharging youTo pay through the nose for something.    Not a rip off,  just something that cost a lot of money.ex. I bought tickets to see U2 in concert. My wife loves them but the tickets were really expensive,  I  paid through the nose for them.Happy hunting  (good shopping)!

Teaching Japanese on italki Annie

Teaching Japanese on italki Annie In previous posts, we introduced active italki students, Simon and Ken.   In this QA, youll learn a little bit more about teaching online as we introduce italki teacher, Annie from Japan.   Annie is one of our top teachers. She has experience teaching at a cram school, including teaching English to Japanese children. [Original in English, edited.] When did you start teaching on italki? I started last May. Why did you choose to teach online and why italki? Teaching online doesn’t cost me at a thing: No commuting expense, no telephone charges when using Skype, no special clothing expenses, no cosmetics, and the work time is short . (#^.^#) Moreover, I can teach when I‘m free at home.   The teaching system in italki is very simple and easy for me. What efforts did you use to find students on italki? Or did the students find you? Nothing special. Did you teach offline before you started teaching online? Yes, but when teaching Japanese offline that was just teaching friends for free. What tools do you use to teach online? Besides Skype, depending on the students, we also use various Japanese materials.   If they need me to provide the Japanese sources, I send them the text.   However, if they want to use their own textbooks, they send it to me instead. Are there any special skills needed to teach online? For me to teach, I need strong English skills to make myself or the language very clearly understood.   English communication is very important unless the student already has a high level of Japanese. Overall, what do you think about teaching on italki? Any last words? italki is a nice system at least for me.   If really pressed, Id have to say the money withdrawal system is a little difficult for me to use. Thats all. If you’d like to share your italki story on our blog, please contact us! Teaching Japanese on italki Annie In previous posts, we introduced active italki students, Simon and Ken.   In this QA, youll learn a little bit more about teaching online as we introduce italki teacher, Annie from Japan.   Annie is one of our top teachers. She has experience teaching at a cram school, including teaching English to Japanese children. [Original in English, edited.] When did you start teaching on italki? I started last May. Why did you choose to teach online and why italki? Teaching online doesn’t cost me at a thing: No commuting expense, no telephone charges when using Skype, no special clothing expenses, no cosmetics, and the work time is short . (#^.^#) Moreover, I can teach when I‘m free at home.   The teaching system in italki is very simple and easy for me. What efforts did you use to find students on italki? Or did the students find you? Nothing special. Did you teach offline before you started teaching online? Yes, but when teaching Japanese offline that was just teaching friends for free. What tools do you use to teach online? Besides Skype, depending on the students, we also use various Japanese materials.   If they need me to provide the Japanese sources, I send them the text.   However, if they want to use their own textbooks, they send it to me instead. Are there any special skills needed to teach online? For me to teach, I need strong English skills to make myself or the language very clearly understood.   English communication is very important unless the student already has a high level of Japanese. Overall, what do you think about teaching on italki? Any last words? italki is a nice system at least for me.   If really pressed, Id have to say the money withdrawal system is a little difficult for me to use. Thats all. If you’d like to share your italki story on our blog, please contact us!

6 Reasons Learning to Speak Another Foreign Language Is Easier Than the First

6 Reasons Learning to Speak Another Foreign Language Is Easier Than the First 6 Reasons Learning to Speak Another Foreign Language Is Easier Than the First If youve learned to speak  one foreign language, you know that learning a language is not a quick, easy feat. It requires time, perseverance and lots of work.But you also know that learning a language is rewarding,  useful  and fun.What you may not know is that learning a second foreign language is not as hard as learning the first foreign language.Here are six reasons why. 6 Reasons Learning to Speak Another Foreign Language Is Easier Than the First1. You have the confidence to do it.Remember how scary it was to speak a foreign language for the first time? Your voice probably shook, and you felt like climbing into a hole and never coming out.But you did it anyway!  With practice, you learned it was okay to make mistakes, and you gained confidence in your abilities.When you study a second foreign language, you can put this confidence to use. You know its not the end of the world if you make a mistake. You know its okay to make a fool of yourself sometimes. And you know that the mor e you  practice speaking, the better you will become.Being confident enough  to start speaking right awayâ€"even when you only know a handful of words in a new languageâ€"is a huge advantage and will lead to fast progress in your second foreign language. The more you speak, the better you will become at speaking, and this is the only way to achieve  true communicative ability.But you already know this from your first language, which is why the second will be easier.2. Your mind is wired for the flexibility to speak multiple languages.Because  you already know one foreign language, you are better prepared to learn another.Research shows that learning a new language changes the networks in your brain. This has many advantages, including  improved brain health.It also means that you pre-developed some of the networks necessary to learn a  second foreign language. This may be why many  learners reference a foreign languageâ€"not their native languageâ€"when studying a second (or third!) language. Instead of translating new words to  your native language, you can use  your knowledge of another foreign language and build on existing brain networks in a way you werent able to do in the past.Just think about the many ways  youve grown accustomed to using your brain when you speak a foreign language:Formulating sentences using a different grammar structure.  No matter what languages you speak, youve undoubtedly learned to use a different grammar structure. This familiarity and flexibility with structure will help you as you learn a new language, even if its grammar structure is unrelated to any other language you know.Thinking of ways to express yourself when you  dont  know a particular word. Anyone who has studied a foreign language has learned to talk around an idea when they dont know the vocabulary words to express it directly. For example, you might call a wallet a thing you keep your money in.  It takes flexibility to be comfortable using language like this, and you undoubtedly already have  this skill.Listening to and processing rapid speech.  You have grown accustomed to listening to native speakers talk very quickly and have learned to pick out words you know, as well as identify words you may not be familiar with so that you can ask about or look them  up later.As you can see, your brain is already programmed to use important  skills. Transferring them to a new language will not be as difficult as learning them from scratch.3. Youve developed a study method that works.Dont  reinvent the wheel. Save time and speed up your learning by  using the study methods that worked best  when you learned your first foreign language.Take a moment to think about the study methods youve used. Do some brainstorming on  the topics below to help you identify the best methods to use as you study a new language:Think about  the schedules and methods that worked best for you in the past.Did you study every day or once every week? Did you study during  your coffee breaks or daily commute? Did you learn through entertainment like movies  and music? Did  you take an online language course?Write down whatever worked best for you and plan to use these methods as you learn a new foreign language.Identify methods that did not work well.Did you try to look up entire sentences  during real-time conversations,  only to find that it was easier without a pocket dictionary? Did you cram the day before a test?Its okay if a method that works for someone else doesnt work for you. Whats important is that you identify which methods arent worth wasting your time on.Look for  new ways of learning.Are there study methods you wanted to try but didnt have a chance to? Are there new opportunities that did not exist when you were learning your first foreign language? Consider giving new methods a try. These might  include making  use of technology, immersing yourself without leaving home or  using  sentence mining.One awesome new technology that wasnt around before is FluentU.  FluentU takes real-world videosâ€"like music videos, movie trailers, news and inspiring talksâ€"and turns them into personalized language learning lessons.Start using FluentU on the website  with your computer or tablet  or, better yet,  download the FluentU app from  the  iTunes  or  Google Play  store.4. You know your grammar.When you studied your first foreign language, perhaps your eyes glazed over at the mention of  dative case  or matching articles  to noun genders.Grammar is difficult, and people  who  havent studied a foreign language  may not be familiar with grammar concepts  in their own language.Youve already done the heavy lifting to learn many grammar terms and concepts. When you study a second foreign language, you can skip ahead to learning how to use new grammar structures, rather than learning what those structures are in the first place.As you start to learn a new language, take a moment to think about grammar. Review the grammar concepts youve already learned. Look at grammar books and familiarize yourself with common grammar structures  in your native and first foreign language. Understanding grammar can help a lot as you begin to study a new language, even if the grammar rules are entirely different from what you have known before.5. Youre connected to the polyglot world.Youve probably made a lot of friends who speak foreign languages. Polyglots  seem to come together, even when they dont speak the same language.Knowing other polyglots can be helpful as you begin  learning a second foreign language. Talk with your friends, and see if they can help you in your pursuit. Things to discuss include:Do they know anyone who speaks the language you want to learn? Perhaps you can find a conversation partner to practice with.Techniques or study methods theyve used to learn different languages.Study resources they have used. Your friends might be able to recommend  new  dictionaries, courses or  textbooks.Ways to stay motivated. Your friends know how hard it is to learn a new language. Ask them to encourage you and check on your progress regularly.6. You can learn fast if you study a language that is closely related to your first foreign language.Learning Italian will be easier if you speak Spanish, just as learning Czech will be easier if you already know Russian. These languages are in the same branches of the same  language families, which means they share many characteristics.The closer two languages  are related, the more vocabulary and grammar they share. Naturally, this means that you can learn a closely related language faster than an unrelated language.  This is because:Some words may be identical in closely related languages. The word book is libro in both Spanish and Italian.Other words may be very similar. Its easier to recognize and memorize words that are similar to words you already know. For example, the word book in Russian is kniga and in Czech,  kniha.Grammar structures are likely to be   similar in  related languages. Although there may be different rules, the underlying structure will probably be similar.  This means you dont need to learn new grammatical concepts, just new formulas.Your comprehension of a  related language is likely to be very high, even if you have trouble speaking it. You will be able to understand the written word and comprehend the spoken word relatively quickly. You may also be able to make yourself understood to native speakers, even if you dont use  exactly the right words. This can speed up your progress and give you the motivation to keep studying.In some cases, even unrelated languages may  share many features. Languages that are spoken in the same region or share a long history of interconnection may share vocabulary words, even if the grammar and structure of the languages is extremely different.Turkish and Arabic are a prime example of this. These language are in different language families, but share a related history due to the infl uence of Islam. If you know one of these languages, you will discover that some  words (mostly derived from Arabic) are the same or similar in  both  languages.Its possible that even if a particular word is no longer commonly used, a native speaker who is familiar with literary or historical versions of the language may understand youâ€"think looking glass instead of mirror or bequeath instead of give.Whether you are studying related or unrelated languages, you will likely find that learning a second foreign language is much easier than learning the first.It may be frustrating at times, but if you make use of the skills you have already developed, it can be easier than you might anticipateâ€"not to mention lots of fun!Katherine Kostiuk is a freelance writer with  professional  experience in international education and English teaching. She has lived in four foreign countries and studied five different foreign languages.