What Are the Most Popular Japanese Films

What Are the Most Popular Japanese Films The Best Films of Nippon ChaptersSeven SamuraiBattle RoyaleHara-kiriThe GrudgeHana-biTokyo StoryRingGodzillaJapanese entertainment is, without a doubt, one of the best in the world. From classical Japanese art like Kabuki, a type of theatre drama on UNESCO’s list of Intangible World Heritage, to modern-day anime and video games, like the widely popular Super Smash Bros of Masahiro Sakurai - Japanese culture has formed some of the world’s best films, games and more.Whether it be director Mizoguchi, horror films like Ichi the Killer, or famous TV series like Zatoichi - it can be argued that no other medium is more popular than Japanese animation. Studio Ghibli, a powerhouse in animation, produces animation movies even the most famous Japanese films have a hard time contending with.Whether you want to expand your knowledge past Ghibli, learn about Japanese cinematography or simply need some great films to watch - Superprof invites you to discover the eight most celebrated works in the Japanese film industry . With the recent attacks on a Kyoto anime studio, it is more important than ever to celebrate the force of good entertainment has been in the country and around the world.One of the best ways to start learning more about Japanese culture is to watch one of the country's best films! NanaJapanese Teacher 5.00 (3) £30/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors EllyJapanese Teacher 5.00 (1) £20/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors MomokoJapanese Teacher £20/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors MelanieJapanese Teacher £14/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors YukoJapanese Teacher 5.00 (3) £25/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors JamesJapanese Teacher 5.00 (5) £20/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors PippaJapanese Teacher £15/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors MarikoJapanese Teacher £25/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutorsSeven SamuraiSeven Samurai, a cult film made by director Akira Kurosawa in 1954, is a piece that has contributed heavily to the e volution of Japanese movies and filmmaking. The movie has been a source of inspiration for Japanese directors since its debut and has solidified its place as one of the best Japanese movies ever made.Whether from an international film festival or from critics at home, here are some of the accolades the film has garnered over the years:1954: Venice International Film Festival1955: The Mainichi Film Awards1956: BAFTA Awards (nomination)1957: Oscars (nomination)1959: The Jussi Awards2006: Satellite Awards (nomination)The premise of the film is about how, during the 16th century, a village hires 7 samurai to defend itself against bandits present in the region. Between epic scenes and sentimental plots, the Seven Samurai remains one of the greatest references to Japanese film and world cinema to this day!Battle RoyaleIf the first film wasn’t really your style - this second one is bound to set your heart racing. Battle Royale, directed by Kinji Fukasaku in 2000, garnered attention again later in the decade after its fans called out the Hunger Games in an outrage for its nearly identical plot.Accusations aside, this Japanese movie was actually adapted from a novel of the same name written by Koshun Takami. Later, it was again adapted but, this time, to a manga of the same name. A quick warning: Royale is not a movie for the light-hearted.Bordering on the Japanese horror genre, the plot is the following: in the near future, adults are abnormally terrified of disobedient teenagers. As a result, every year, they force a senior class to travel to an isolated island where they, once there, must then participate in a competition.This competition? To kill each other and be the last one standing. It gets even more gruesome: all of them where a collar around their neck that will detonate if, in the end, there is more than one survivor.While it may not be your run of the mill, live-action or black comedy film - Battle Royale is intense, a film that critiques the Japanese sch ool system and, of course, one of gore. If you’d love to see what the Hunger Games looks like if it was made by Quentin Tarantino - this is one of the movies to definitely see!Check out the Royale-esque Japanese game show for more!Hara-kiriAlso known as Seppuku in some countries, this feature film tells the story of Hanshiro Tsugumo - an ancient samurai turned Ronin (rouge mercenary) that ends up in the home of Clan Li. Once there, Tsugumo asks, according to sacred rites, to carry out the act of Seppuku, otherwise known as a suicide ritual. The clan’s steward tries to dissuade him and, in doing so, compels Tsugumo to tell his story.The film, made in 1962, is one of the best movies on samurai and the notion of honour in the 17th century. The film is to Japan a masterful reflection of the behaviour and challenges faced by the warriors of the time. As an international film, it offers the viewer a travel back in time and get a taste of Japanese culture.Find a screening of an origina l, Japanese film near you! NanaJapanese Teacher 5.00 (3) £30/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors EllyJapanese Teacher 5.00 (1) £20/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors MomokoJapanese Teacher £20/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors MelanieJapanese Teacher £14/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors YukoJapanese Teacher 5.00 (3) £25/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors JamesJapanese Teacher 5.00 (5) £20/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors PippaJapanese Teacher £15/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors MarikoJapanese Teacher £25/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutorsThe GrudgeMade in 2000 and commonly known as Ju-On (The Grudge), this horror film was directed by Takashi Shimizu. The film tells the story of Shunsuke Kobayashi, a teacher who gets worried after his student Toshio Saeki has missed school for some time. When he pays a visit to his house, Shunsuke finds him dead. After that, Shunsuke starts experiencing strange phenomena all around hi m.The film, known by many people outside the foreign language niche, has had many sequels and remakes since then:Ju-On 2 in 2000The Grudge, an American remake, in 2002,Ju-On: The Grudge in 2002,The Grudge 3 in 2009,Ju-On: The Beginning of the End in 2014.While it didn’t go on to win any best foreign language film nominations, it has gained cult status in many countries outside Japan over the years. Commonly seen at screenings of foreign language festivals and one of the scariest to many - the film remains a classic to this day in Japanese cinema.Hana-biHana-bi was made in 1997 by Takeshi Kitano. This drama recounts the story of Yoshitaka Nishi, a former police detective that, after a series of events, quit his job in order to take care of his terminally ill wife Miyuki.In order to pay off the yakuza, a gangster/organized crime syndicate of Japan, and give his wife one last trip, he robs a bank while disguised as a police officer. Filled with tragedies, cursed love and violence - t his film has gone down in history as one of the best foreign films to audiences abroad.If a film on police-turned-robber isn’t enough to convince you of the film’s merit - Takeshi Kitano, the director, also stars as the leading actor in the film. Notorious in film history for his film on the yakuza and Japanese government, such as Outrage, Hana-bi is considered by some to be the best film of all time. If there’s ever a Japanese film to watch, this is it!For more Japanese entertainment, check out this TV drama guide!Tokyo StoryTokyo Story, with the original title of Tokyo Monogatari, is a postwar, 1953 film directed by Yasujiro Ozu. The film tells the story of old folks who go on a trip to visit their children in Tokyo. Once they arrive, however, they find that their children are too busy to actually spend time with them. In this way, this spirited film emphasizes the breakdown of the traditional Japanese society.The film was widely criticized upon its initial debut as being re actionary with regards to the tradition of showing respect for one’s ancestors. Controversy aside, the film manages to portray the melancholy of people feeling a deep societal shift and cultural nostalgia within Japan.Tokyo Story isn’t just one of the best Japanese films of all time but one of the best in the history of cinema. This film introduced Ozu to more western audiences and made a deep impact abroad as a great and relatable foreign language film.Japanese entertainment can reveal the truths about everyday society and culture!RingIf the Grudge wasn’t scary enough to get you going, give Hideo Nakata’s 1998 movie Ring a try. The second horror movie on the list, this ghost story is without a doubt one of the best horror films ever made. The highest grossing Japanese film in Hong Kong until 2015, Ring was named after a novel of the same name written by Koji Suzuki and another prime example of a Japanese novel-to-film adaptation.The movie revolved around a cursed videotape that caused the death of its viewer seven days after it was seen. Accomplished with a great screenwriter and simple cinematography, the film was terrifying and efficient at keeping audiences at the edge of their seats for 96 minutes straight.Heavily inspired by the superstition of Yurei, vengeful Japanese spirits, the film made an impression on Japanese audiences as soon as it debuted - it is one of the highest growing horror films in Japan to date.GodzillaYet another film that has had many remakes and has more fans than any biopic or documentaries, this cult classic first appeared in 1954 and was directed by Ishiro Honda. The basis of the story is exactly what you think, a giant misunderstood dinosaur ravages a city and goes from being a monster to a hero. It didn’t win any Cannes film awards but it’s a must-see!Some other notable movies you’ll want to check out are Rashomon, starring Toshiro Mifune, The Tale of Princess Kaguya, The Hidden Fortress, Yojimbo and more.Here's so me more info on the Japanese media industry!

What is it Like to Attend Moravian College

What is it Like to Attend Moravian College Samantha is a current senior at Moravian College. She is majoring in mathematics, and specializes in calculus tutoring, geometry tutoring, and a number of other subjects. Below, she shares her experience at Moravian College: Describe the campus setting and transportation options. Samantha: Moravian College is in the old picturesque town of Bethlehem, Pennsylvania where quaint shops line the streets. Theres a constant police presence on both the north and south campus of the school, so I feel safe all the time. I live on south campus, and its always quiet. The school provides a shuttle bus to transport the students between campuses, and it allows students to get from one campus to another in about ten minutes. How available are the professors, academic advisers, and teaching assistants? Samantha:Every employee at the school readily makes themselves available for the students. I have never felt so cared for than I have at this college. Extra help is easy to access and academic support has been wonderful. How would you describe the dorm liferooms, dining options, location, socialization opportunities with other students? Samantha:I have only lived in the suites located on south campus, and I have nothing but fantastic things to say! I love being able to have my own room, and sharing the suite with some great girls. There are tons of different meal choices, and the school is incredibly accommodating for students with special food needs. The school also has many clubs and events that allow the students to socialize with others. Which majors/programs are best represented and supported? Samantha:I dont believe that any one major or program is best represented or supported. The school does a great job of supporting all fields of study. I started out at Moravian College as a vocal performance major, but decided later to become a mathematics major. I tried searching through the different sciences for something I loved, and I noticed that everything I liked revolved around math. People call me crazy, but I love studying and doing math all day! When I decided to make this change, the school was incredibly supportive and helpful when applying my previous classes and setting up a semester-to-semester plan of classes. How easy or difficult was it for you to meet people and make friends as a freshman? Does Greek life play a significant role in the campus social life? Samantha:Being a shy person, I used to have a hard time making friends. Since being at Moravian, I have found it a lot easier to meet new people. The school provides so many different opportunities to meet people that its almost difficult to not make friends! Greek life has a large presence on campus, but Im not currently involved in any. How helpful are the Career Centerand other student support services?Do many reputable companies recruit on campus? Samantha:The Career Center is incredibly helpful! When I was trying to determine what area I wanted to study, my career advisor set me up with various job shadows to see what I enjoyed, and also put me in touch with alumni in my field of interest. The Academic Support Center has played a huge role in my success during my time at Moravian. They accommodate students any way that they can, and are always there for support when needed. How are the various study areas such aslibraries, the student union, and dorm lounges? Samantha:There are many different areas to study on campus, all of which are easily accessible and have plenty of room for students. Describe the surrounding town. Samantha:Because I have been so into my studies the last year, Im actually not sure! But Main Street is constantly busy with the small shops and cute places to eat. How big or small is the student body? Were you generally pleased or displeased with the typical class sizes? Samantha:Moravian College is a relatively small school. I love the size of the classes. They tend to stay around20 students or less. One of my first classes on campus only had six people. I previously went to Rutgers University where I was one student in a lecture hall of 125. You feel like a number, but with smaller classes, its more personal. Describe one memorable experience with a professor and/or class. Perhaps one you loved the most or one youregretthe most. Samantha:During each fall semester, the music department takes all the music majors to New York City to see an opera at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. I had never seen an opera before, and the experience was breathtaking. Check out Samanthas tutoring profile. The views expressed in this article do not necessarily represent the views of Varsity Tutors.

Seed, Startup or Development Money Business English Vocabulary

Seed, Startup or Development Money Business English Vocabulary If you follow business investment, and are studying English, you may be wondering about the difference between the terms seed funding (also known as seed money), start-up funding, and development funding. Honestly, a lot of native English speakers might not know the difference between these terms. Heres an explanation of the differences.Seed Funding: When someone has an idea (hopefully a good one) and convinces friends, family and possibly angel investors to give them money to make the idea a reality, we call it seed money. One of the newest ways that people are getting seed funding is from crowd funding. Crowd funding is where you convince a group of people to fund you, often using websites like kickstarter.com. Getting seed money is often is the first stage of funding.Start-up funding: This is the second stage of funding. Usually this is when the idea has come closer to reality. There is a business plan, and the cost of operating the company is known. Start-up funding is used to ac tually start operations of the company. This could be to get an office or retail space, buy equipment, etc. During this round of funding you can seek investment from outside sources. Sometimes you can get a loan or you can seek a venture capital firm to invest in your company.Development Funding: This is when you are operating as a company but you see that if you had some extra funding, you could develop a new product or project and increase your companys profitability. You now have a better chance of getting a bank loan (assuming your company is profitable) and you also still have the chance to seek venture capital.Going Public: The last stage of funding a business would be to go public and sell stock certificates. The initial stage of going public is called the IPO stage.Right now, there is a lot of media attention given to the various funding stages of technology companies, with whole websites like TechCrunch dedicated to reporting on it. Below youll find a video of a comedian sp oofing the current investment craze. Enjoy! Learn more about our online business English classes.

Ten Most Common Study Mistakes

Ten Most Common Study Mistakes Improving Academic Performance Tests are part and parcel of school, and are especially important in higher education; whether it’s midterms and finals in college, language exams or massive paid exams required for certifications, tests are used to demonstrate each student’s knowledge of the material and determine whether or not they’ll pass. Studying for an adequate amount of time before taking the NCLEX is vital (ignore the nursing pun), as it has a direct impact on your final test score. However, simply setting aside a large amount of study time won’t guarantee high test scores; the effectiveness of studying is just as important as the amount of time is spent on the material. To aid the study process, here are ten common study mistakes nursing students make, and how to avoid them. #1. Studying Too Much Studying for longer tends to produce higher test scores, but there comes a point where study length begins to have an adverse effect on grades. This is especially true for nursing students, as so much of your time is tied up in working. Also, since being a nurse tends to be more stressful than, say, an accountant, the effect of too much time spent studying may exacerbate things even more. Prepping for longer than 9 hours can cause a loss in focus, failure to retain the information, and fatigue from cutting into time better spent sleepingâ€"since sleep is a commodity in the nursing world, try to get as much as possible! #2. Studying Too Soon It’s not a good idea to study a few hours before the NCLEX, even if students believe this means the information will be fresh in their minds. Studies have shown that relational memory is directly related to sleep, so the most ideal time to study is at least 24 hours before the test so you can sleep on the information. #3. Studying in One Place While students may have an ideal study location, such as a library, your bedroom, or a hospital bed that’s not taken, it’s far better to study in a few different locations. Frequent changes in environment will lead to a stronger memory of the study material, as environmental context reinforces memory. #4. Studying All Night As previously mentioned, sleep plays a vital role in your memory. All-nighters are okay every so often, but nursing students need a decent amount of sleep after study sessions in order to retain the information they stored. If you’re too pressed for time to get a good night’s sleep, try to get a power nap in at the very least. #5. Studying Only One Way It’s important to take the material students are studying and apply it in different ways. It’s important for students to read different sections out loud, transcribe notes onto paper with a pen, and quiz themselves with flashcards. If they simply memorize the study guide, instead of gaining any practical knowledge, they’ll just be able to regurgitate the study guide on a blank sheet of paper. #6. Studying on an Empty Stomach To study better, your brain needs to have the proper nutrients. Most nursing students already know of the benefits caffeine has on focus, but there are some other foods that will improve your memory and concentration, such as avocados, fish and dark chocolate. Also, find a nutritionist at your hospital and get them to give you a basic meal planâ€"this should be somewhat easy if you have good relationships with your coworkers. #7. Studying Alone Students can be prone to distraction and cause mistakes in their notes that they’ll fail to catch IF they study alone. Studying with a partner or a study group will ensure students get through material quickly, and can compare notes to ensure accuracy. #8. Studying in a Bad Mood Most students can get easily stressed out, especially as the NCLEX date approaches. As a result, that stress may cause their memory to suffer. It’s important to encourage students to relax before any study session. They could try meditation, light exercise, or breathing essential oils such as lavender and eucalyptus. Those options can soothe those nerves and clear their head. #9. Studying Without Breaks Be sure to encourage students to take frequent breaks when studying for long periods of time. An effective study schedule is the Pomodoro Technique, which recommends taking short breaks every 25 minutes of work, with longer breaks interspersed over longer periods. #10. Studying With Distractions Technology can be very helpful when studying, but it is just as likely to be detrimental due to the limitless distractions of smartphones and the Internet. Students should try turning off their phone or disabling the network connection on their computer. Without the distractions they may find it easier to concentrate and be more productive. Conclusion Studying for the NCLEX can be daunting, but not impossible. It’s important for students to plan out their study sessions ahead of time, so they can devote enough time and energy to the study process. Similarly, it’s imperative that their mental and physical health isn’t neglected during their studies. Sharing these techniques with your class will make the studying process easier and get students ready for any test at any education level. About the Author Crush the NCLEX is an online resource dedicated to helping professionals pass the NCLEX Exam on their first try. They provide reviews of NCLEX study materials and provide unmatched study strategies to fast track each student’s success. Learn more at http://crushthenclex.com/.

What to Consider if You Plane on Going to Grad School

What to Consider if You Plane on Going to Grad School Ask a Nerd! Question: I am starting my last year of college. What should I consider if I want to go to graduate school in the near future? Brief: If you have taken on the arduous but rewarding task of applying to graduate school there are a few things that can help you along the way (like one of our Orange County grad school consultants) and, as an experienced student, there are more options afforded to you. Answer There are several options for potential grad students but the first thing you should think about is when you want to go to grad school. Many students are in fields that require them to have a MA/MS or even a PhD prior to entering their professional field; however most professions offer some sort of paid work prior to earning a graduate degree. If you are choosing to work for two years or so in order to gain professional working experience in your field then your application timeline is more relaxed. Alternately, if you want to go to graduate school straight away after you receive your undergraduate degree then there are a few things that you should start right now. Step 1 Take the GRE (or LSAT or MCAT) It is better to get this test out of the way before you get too far into the application process our Irvine GRE tutors are here to help. If you are also in your senior year of undergrad, this means that you will be spending a lot of time studying. Most likely, you won’t have taken a standardized test since the good old SAT or ACT, so I recommend getting a tutor to help you get started and buying a test prep book to help you get back in the mental grove of standardized exams. Step 2 Make a list of at least 5 schools that you wish to apply to Now that you are in your 20’s, moving across the country may not be ideal. If you already have a good job, you may want to look at local schools as well as schools that offer blended learning (both online and on campus options). Many highly reputable universities also offer 100% online programs for working adults, so that is another good option to look into. Look for programs that will get you closer to your professional goal. You will want to start working as soon as you can after grad school so it’s extremely important to pick your program and your school wisely (Ask a Nerd! How Many Colleges Should I Apply to?). Image via: effectivestudentmarketing.com You will also want to have a fabulous entrance essay. If you were an English composition or a creative writing major, then it’s no sweat. If not, look into an essay tutor for some guidance. Step 3 Consider your current lifestyle After the end of your senior year, you will no longer be a full time student in the traditional sense. Although anyone can go back to school at any point in their life or career, the 20’s bring on a new set of responsibilities. There are more bills to pay and more responsibilities, along with new privileges and freedoms. Think about what your lifestyle will be like for the next 5 years or so. Are you planning to work full time from 8-5 in a traditional office environment? Are you planning to take out a loan and pay it back later? Will you be living in your current city or are you willing to move to another state? Will you be working part time or from a home office, where your schedule is relatively flexible? Are you planning to start a family or add other social responsibilities into your life in the next few years? Additional ifs to consider If you are working a traditional office environment, a blended or online program might be the right option for you. If you are planning to take out a loan, you may want to be a full time student once again and get through your program in the minimum amount of time so that you can start working full time in your field right after graduation. If you want to stay in your current city, you should look at local universities or online programs from out of state schools. If you are working part time or from a home office, you may have the flexibility to choose any of the options that suit your needs. If you have a family or other social responsibilities, you may want to look into blended learning where you can completely focus in an on campus environment part of the time while still enjoying the convenience of a part time online educational program (READ: Best Libraries in South Orange County for Studying). Have a question for one of our nerds? Tweet it to us @TutorNerds. Give yourself the TutorNerds advantage by checking back often for the latest in our “Ask a Nerd” series. All blog entries, with the exception of guest bloggers, are written by Tutor Nerds. Are you an education professional? If so, email us at info@tutornerds.com for guest blogging and collaborations. We want to make this the best free education resource in SoCal, so feel free to suggest what you would like to see us post about. Applying to grad school this year? Don’t go it alone. As grad school becomes harder and harder to get into, it’s crucial you take the admissions process seriously. Let our Orange County college admissions consultants get you into your dream university. Our experienced consultants have a 97% success rate!

What is the Kumon Method

What is the Kumon Method What is the Kumon Method? The Kumon Method instills in students the skills and mindset for learning new materials without being directly taught. The Kumon Program is a home-based education system that aims to develop students’ academic ability and independence. Kumon materials incorporate methods for introducing new content in a way that enables students to learn without directly being taught even after advancing beyond school grade level. Students are given an example when a concept is introduced for the first time in the worksheets. The worksheets increase in difficulty in small increments in order for students to learn on their own more easily. This makes it possible for students to form connections in their minds between the new concepts and topics they have already studied. Through individualized instruction, Kumon pursues the potential of each child to fully develop his or her academic ability and independence. The Kumon Instructor motivates students to have a sense of ownership and positive attitude towards study. During class, the Instructor observes and individually guides students by providing hints and helpful feedback. This instructional approach develops the students’ ability to reason and think logically. To fully experience all of the benefits of the program, Kumon strives to cultivate confident students who are learning material three years or more beyond grade level. Advancing beyond school grade level provides an opportunity for students to be introduced to new concepts earlier than at school in order to stay one step ahead. Being able to learn independently is a valuable skill that can drive success in school and then beyond. You might also be interested in: Why is Dual Enrollment in Kumon Math and Reading Important? How is Kumon Different from School Math? Instructor Spotlight: Lillian Brijeski No, Kumon Isn’t Tutoring What is the Kumon Method What is the Kumon Method? The Kumon Method instills in students the skills and mindset for learning new materials without being directly taught. The Kumon Program is a home-based education system that aims to develop students’ academic ability and independence. Kumon materials incorporate methods for introducing new content in a way that enables students to learn without directly being taught even after advancing beyond school grade level. Students are given an example when a concept is introduced for the first time in the worksheets. The worksheets increase in difficulty in small increments in order for students to learn on their own more easily. This makes it possible for students to form connections in their minds between the new concepts and topics they have already studied. Through individualized instruction, Kumon pursues the potential of each child to fully develop his or her academic ability and independence. The Kumon Instructor motivates students to have a sense of ownership and positive attitude towards study. During class, the Instructor observes and individually guides students by providing hints and helpful feedback. This instructional approach develops the students’ ability to reason and think logically. To fully experience all of the benefits of the program, Kumon strives to cultivate confident students who are learning material three years or more beyond grade level. Advancing beyond school grade level provides an opportunity for students to be introduced to new concepts earlier than at school in order to stay one step ahead. Being able to learn independently is a valuable skill that can drive success in school and then beyond. You might also be interested in: Why is Dual Enrollment in Kumon Math and Reading Important? How is Kumon Different from School Math? Instructor Spotlight: Lillian Brijeski No, Kumon Isn’t Tutoring

5 Homework Help Online Tools

5 Homework Help Online Tools Tips from an Irvine Academic Tutor: 5 Homework Help Online Tools Tips from an Irvine Academic Tutor: 5 Homework Help Online Tools Students in K through 12 have more homework these days than ever. They often sit down after school and work on school assignments until its time to eat dinner, or in some cases time to go to bed. This doesnt leave much of a life balance for students or time for fun and enriching extracurricular activities. The good news is, students can reduce homework time if they study more effectively. There are some great online tools, including apps that can help make the modern student’s life just a little bit easier. From organizing to making flashcards and from math to English, there are several online tools that make homework better. These are a few of the top online homework help tools available today. 1. SparkNotes SparkNotes is an excellent homework companion to help students through those challenging study sessions and essays for English and literature classes. Its important to know that SparkNotes should not be used in lieu of reading a book or passage, but rather used to help students understand various elements of the novel or text. Students who are reading books written in a different form of English, such as Middle English or Shakespearean English, can use the summary and analysis tools on this site to help them understand whats going on in plain language. In addition, SparkNotes will offer study suggestions and break up text into smaller pieces to help students manage their homework habits. 2. Study Blue Study Blue is also a great tool for students who need to complete homework in any number of subjects. Students can create their own flashcards and Study Blue will help them organize and prepare for all of those tough exams. This site encourages students to be interactive by allowing them to put in their own information. However, it can also store the information for the long term so that users can review terms and concepts if they are faced with a cumulative exam such as a midterm or final. 3. myHomework Student Planner This app serves as a great student planning tool in todays technological world. Students can manage a calendar, create assignments, and track homework and exams. This is a fantastic tool for students in the middle grades who are adjusting to the rigors of junior high school or it can be used for college prep students who have to juggle regular classes, AP and honors classes, volunteer activities, and an amalgam of other responsibilities. One of the great things about this app is that it is totally free as long as you are willing to look at a few ads. 4. iHomework This is a great app for students who need to get organized. It will allow them to quickly punch in important due dates, assignments, teacher contact information, and just about anything else they can think of. One of the reasons smart students start to receive poor grades is because they simply cannot get organized. This app is only $1.99, well worth the price to stay ahead in school. 5. iFormulas This is an excellent app that can help math students stay on track with homework. This is a convenient way for students to store all of those many, many math formulas that are all too easy to forget. A lot of time can be wasted when a student has to get out their big old text book and find which chapter contains the formula for such and such.  Now students can simply look up the formulas within this app and save a ton of time finishing that math homework. The best homework help will always be that of a private Irvine academic tutor from TutorNerds. Our tutors are highly experience, well educated, and cover a large number of subjects. Call us today for details. All blog entries, with the exception of guest bloggers, are written by Tutor Nerds. Are you an education professional? If so, email us at pr@tutornerds.com for guest blogging and collaborations. We want to make this the best free education resource in SoCal, so feel free to suggest what you would like to see us write.