How To Finish

How to Make a Language Notebook

I’ve been using a language notebook for about a month now, and I finally figured out a format that works for me, so I figured I’d share it with you guys! Keep in mind these are only recommendations, feel free to do your own thing if you think it’ll be more convenient for you!

Okay, so to start, here’s what you’ll need:

1) Pens

I recommend three pens of different colours. I used blue, orange and black. The blue is for words/ sentences in my target language. I chose a dark colour so they would stand out more. The orange, a light colour, is for words/ sentences in my native language (or English, in my case). It’s a lighter colour because it makes the blue stand out more, so I focus more on the words in my target language instead of the English ones. The black is for titles, drawings, and words in another language that isn’t my target or my native. For example, I compare German with Spanish in this entry: 

As you can see, the German phrases are in blue because it’s my target language. The explanations in English are in orange, and the title and Spanish words are in black.

2) A notebook

Some people recommend separating grammar and vocabulary. This is an excellent idea if you have many notebooks or notebooks with different sections. If you don’t, it’s not a problem. I only use one notebook, which works for me, because I don’t use it too much (it’s mostly a space to write down stuff I like, not stuff I will necessarily use). If you plan on using your notebook in a more serious manner, but cannot afford to get several notebooks, I recommend you write everything concerning vocabulary (or grammar) in the front of the notebook, and the rest (grammar or vocabulary, it depends) at the back. Make sure to not use a very thin notebook though!

If you don’t feel the need to separate grammar and vocabulary, there are ways of dividing the topics:

3) Sticky Tabs

I have four different topics in my language notebook: vocabulary, grammar, verbs, and miscellaneous. To divide them, I add sticky tabs of different colours next to each entry. For example, vocabulary is pink, grammar is blue, verbs are orange, and miscellaneous is green.

This allows me to see what the topic is immediately, and it makes my notebook very colourful!

4) 4cm margin

It doesn’t exactly have to be 4 centimeters, but it shouldn’t be more than a third of the page. This margin (I place mine on the right of the page) is for any notes you might want to add about the entry. For example, definitions, formal/ informal forms, etc. It doesn’t necessarily have to be used for every entry, but it’s easier to trace it for all, instead of just adding it when you need it. It’s also a good place to put the sticky tabs (refer to the previous image). I trace the line with a pencil so that it’s lighter and more discreet than the rest of the writing, but that’s up to you.

5) Index/ Key

One last thing you’ll (maybe) need: an index/ key! I don’t personally have an index, because I have too many entries per page, but a key is definitely useful if you use the sticky tab method. I still haven’t gotten around to making one, but that’s because I’m lazy Just write it (or stick it) on the back of the cover so you don’t waste a page on it.

Next you’ll need to decide what to write in the notebook. If you already know what to write, great! If not, here are some suggestions:

- Class notes

- Grammar rules/ verb conjugations/ etc. that you struggle with

- Funny sayings or random slang you learn

- Tumblr posts (these are great because they are generally explained simply, but make sure to check the info, because there might be some small mistakes)

- Journal entries (these are a great way to practice what you’ve written in previous entries!)

It doesn’t all have to be useful, necessarily. I have jokes, and puns that I might never use, but that are funny anyways. I find it’s a great way to stay motivated!

If you want more photos from my notebook, you can find ‘em here :) 

So yeah, that’s all! :D I hope you guys like it, and feel free to ask me questions about my language notebook!

the cure to self-sabotage is to anchor yourself to the universal truth that you are worth it. you are worth the effort. you are worth the difficulty, you are worth the time, you are worth the consideration. there is never a point in your life, in time itself, that you are not worth it. return to this truth when you feel yourself slipping. do not let it go.

apply for jobs you’re not qualified for! audit upper-level classes! get drunk with your TAs! see that poster advertising that lecture series? go there take notes and ask questions! thank the presenter for talking about this topic you love! if the class is full before you register, email the professor and ask if they can squeeze you in! RAISE YOUR HAND! tell the disability accomodation office to do their goddamn job! ask for help! file complaints! go to class in your pajamas and destroy the reading! you got this! you KNOW you got this! be arrogant enough to learn EVERYTHING! take your meds! punch a velociraptor in the dick! fear is useless and temporary! glory is forever! shed your skin and erupt angel wings! help out! spread your sun!

i had a really good morning! you deserve a really good morning! kill anyone who says you don’t and build a throne from their bones!

Expressing your opinions (Spanish)

for: @91silk

Sentence starters: 

It seems to me that …-  A mí me parece que …

 In my opinion, …-  En mi opinión, …

I am of the opinion that …-  Soy de la opinión de que …

 I take the view that …-  Soy de la opinión de que …

My personal view is that …-  Mi opinión personal es que …

In my experience …-  En mi experiencia …

As far as I understand…-  Por lo que yo entiendo …

 As far as I can see…-  Por lo que yo puedo ver …

 As I see it, …-  Como yo lo veo, …

 From my point of view…-  Desde mi punto de vista …

 As far as I know…-  Por lo que yo sé …

 From what I know …-  Por lo que sé …

 I might be wrong but …-  Puedo estar equivocado, pero …

 If I am not mistaken …-  Si no me equivoco …

 I believe one can safely say …-  Creo que se puede decir con seguridad …

It is claimed that …-  Se dice que …

I must admit that …-  Tengo que admitir que …

 I cannot deny that …-  No puedo negar que …

 I can imagine that …-  Me imagino que …

 I think/believe/suppose …-  Creo / creo / supongo …

 Personally, I think …-  Personalmente, creo que …

That is why I think …-  Es por eso que creo que …

 I am sure/certain/convinced that …-  Estoy seguro / seguro / convencido de que …

 I am not sure/certain, but …-  No estoy seguro / seguro, pero …

 I am not sure, because I don’t know the situation exactly.-  No estoy seguro, porque no conozco la situación exacta.

I am not convinced that …-  No estoy convencido de que …

 I have read that …-  He leído que …

 I am of mixed opinions about …-  Tengo una opinión mixta sobre …

 I am of mixed opinions about on this.-  Tengo opiniones variadas sobre esto…

I have no opinion in this matter.-  No tengo ninguna opinión al respecto.   

I believe that…- creo que…

I think that…- pienso que…

I think that…- opino que…

I think that…- me parece que… 

Questions:

what do you think about…?/ what’s your opinion about…?-  ¿Qué opinas de…?

what do you believe about…?- ¿Qué crees de…?

what do you think about…?-  ¿Qué piensas de…?

what do you think about…?-  ¿Qué te parece…?

Useful Phrases:

I like- me gusta

I prefer- prefiero

I love- me encanta 

I don’t like- no me gusta

odio- I hate

detesto- I hate

de acuerdo- alright

vale- okay, fine

estoy de acuerdo- I agree

no estoy de acuerdo- I do not agree

de ninguna manera- no way 

Adjectives that can be useful when giving your opinion:

Aburrido/a-Boring

Afortunado/a-Lucky

Antiguo/a-Old

Barato/a-Cheap

Bueno/a-Good

Caro/a-Expensive

Decepcionante-Disappointing

Desagradable-Unpleasant

Difícil-Difficult

Distincto-Different/distinct

Duro/a-Hard/difficult

Emocionante-Exciting

Entretenido/a-Entertaining

Espléndido/a-Splendid

Estúpido/a-Stupid

Extraordinario/a-Extraordinary

Famoso/a-Famous

Fascinante-Fascinating

Favorable-Favourable

Fenomenal-Great

Genial-Brilliant/great

Horroroso/a-Terrible/awful

Importante-Important

Impresionante-Amazing/incredible

Inseguro/a-Insecure

Inútil-Useless

Malo/a-Bad

Moderno/a-Modern

Nuevo/a-New

Posible-Possible

Precioso/a-Lovely/beautiful

Profundo/a-Deep/profound

Regular-Regular/average

Seguro/a-Sure/secure

Sorprendido/a-Surprised

Tonto/a-Silly/stupid

Único/a-Unique/only

Aceptable-Acceptable

Agradable-Pleasant

Apropiado/a-Suitable

Bonito/a-Pretty

Decepcionado/a-Disappointed

Desafortunadamente-Unfortunately

Diferente-Different

Divertido/a-Fun/entertaining/funny

Económico/a-Economical

Encantador-Charming/delightful

Especial-Special

Estupendo/a-Great

Excelente-Excellent

Fácil-Easy

Fantástico/a-Fantastic

Fatal-Awful

Favorito/a-Favourite

Feo/a-Ugly

Hermoso/a-Beautiful/lovely

Ideal-Ideal

Imposible-Impossible

Increíble-Incredible

Interesante-Interesting

Malo/a-Bad

Maravilloso/a-Marvelous/wonderful

Negativo/a-Negative

Perfecto/a-Perfect

Positivo/a-Positive

Preferido/a-Preferred/favourite

Raro/a-Strange

Ridículo/a-Ridiculous

Sencillo/a-Simple/modest

Típico/a-Typical

Tranquilo/a-Quiet/calm

Útil-Useful

Viejo/a-Old

Agreeing politely

¡Totalmente! — Totally!

Estoy (completamente/totalmente) de acuerdo — I (completely/totally) agree

Estoy contigo — I’m with you on that

Por supuesto — Of course!

Tienes razón — You’re right

Disagreeing politely

No estamos de acuerdo — I don’t agree with you

No lo veo (tan) así — I don’t (really) see it like that

No creo — I don’t think so

Saying you’re unsure or showing partial agreement

Estoy de acuerdo hasta un cierto punto — I agree with you up to a point

Tal vez, pero… — Maybe, but…

No estoy muy segura/o — I’m not really sure

Nunca lo pensé — I’ve never thought about it

No tengo la menor idea — I have no idea

If there’s any questions about any of this, let me know!

So I’m in the final semester of my undergrad.

Which means its grad school application time for me (I’m starting a little late because of personal reasons (-: ) Anyway, I was wondering if anyone out there on the great blue gradblr had any recommendations or tips for writing a personal statement? 

181218 // thank you for your endless love and everlasting gift of music. let’s meet again soon.

Social Media in Spanish and French

NOTE: some of these terms do not translate directly; this is because I based myself off of the vocabulary employed by each website. What they consider equivalent vocabulary might differ from what you might find in a dictionary.

Social media – Las redes sociales – Les médias/réseaux sociaux (m.)*

*Previously, in French, the expression Web 2.0 was also used, but nowadays it is being replaced more and more with the former term.

Facebook

Home – El inicio – L’accueil (m.)

Message – El mensaje – Le message

Notification – La notificación – La notification

News feed – Las noticias – Le fil d’actualité

To search – Buscar – Rechercher

Post – La publicación – La publication

Photo album – El álbum de fotos – L’album photo (m.)

Shortcuts – Los accesos directos – Le raccourci

Ad – La publicidad – La publicité

Event – El evento – L’évènement (m.)

Friend list – La lista de amigos – La liste d’amis

Profile – El perfil – Le profil

About – La información – L’information (f.)

Comment – El comentario – Le commentaire

To comment – Comentar – Commenter

Invitation – La invitación – L’invitation (f.)

Birthday – El cumpleaños – L’anniversaire (m.)

See more – Ver más – Afficher plus

Page – La página – La page

Game – El juego – Le jeu

To share – Compartir - Partager

Like – Me gusta – J’aime

To add – Añadir - Ajouter

Friend – El amigo – L’ami/e

Poke – El toque – Le poke

Tumblr

Dashboard – El escritorio – Le tableau de bord

Follower – El seguidor – L’abonné (m.)

Post – La publicación – Le billet

Activity – La actividad – Le trafic

Draft – El borrador – Le brouillon

Inbox – La bandeja de entrada – La boîte de réception

Account – La cuenta – Le compte

Text – El texto – Le texte

Chat – El chat – La discussion

Quote – La cita – La citation

Blog – El blog – Le blog

Reblog – Rebloguear – Rebloguer

Note – La nota – La note

Settings – La configuración – Le paramètre

App – La aplicación – L’application (f.)

Twitter

Username – El nombre de usuario – Le nom d’utilisateur

Bio – La biografía – La biographie

Block – Bloquear – Bloquer

Tweet – El tweet – Le tweet

To tweet – Twittear – Tweeter

Mention – La mención – La mention

Reply – La respuesta – La réponse

To retweet – Retwittear – Retweeter

Trend – La tendencia – La tendance

To unfollow – Dejar de seguir – Se désabonner

To suspend – Suspender – Suspendre

Poll – La encuesta – La question

Hashtag – La etiqueta – L’hashtag (m.)

Suggestion – La sugerencia – La suggestion

To pin – Destacar – Épingler

Hi all! I figured I should share this playlist I made while I was in my final weeks of classes (aka the hell that is finals)! 

This is just a playlist of some slower, emotional, or soothing tracks for studying, relaxing, or whatever you want to do (I recommend baking!).

Note: This is super kpop heavy, but because I can’t really understand every single word, it helped my tune out the outside world and focus on my work. I wrote a whole lot of essays to this playlist. 

For my fellow Shawols: Hi friends, we’ve been through a lot lately, huh? Jjongie’s music appears on this playlist and I wanted make sure to give you a heads up, just in case you aren’t super comfortable listening yet (and that’s okay).

Even if you aren’t studying, I hope this playlist can give you all some peace of mind and some comfort too. 

Enjoy! ~Lisa <3  (ps. Got any recommendations for more songs? Let me know!)

Writing a CV:

The perfect resume for someone with no experience (by businessinsider​)

Guide to writing a CV

Common grammar mistakes to avoid on your CV

How to explain a gap in your CV

How to overcome common CV issues

What not to do on your CV

Should I include hobbies and interests in my CV?

CV layout: dos and don'ts

Free CV template

School leaver CV template

CV templates and tips

More free CV templates

Example CVs

How to tailor your CV to different industry sectors

Writing a Cover Letter:

How to write a cover letter

How to overcome common cover letter problems

Graduate cover letter template

Career break cover letter template

School leaver cover letter template

Free cover letter template

Referencing:

How to get a reference

References: workers’ rights

How to deal with employment references

How to include references on a resume

Interviews:

How to answer common interview questions

How to prepare for an interview

The interview itself

Advice to help you ace the interview

Answer curveball interview questions

101 Interview Questions You’ll Never Fear Again

Second interview questions and answers

Telephone interview questions and answers

Questions you should not be asked

What to wear to an interview: bloggers’ top tips

Group interview tips: do’s and don'ts

Interview questions for employers: What you should be asking

What not to do at interview

What job can I do?

How to decide what job to look for

How to find a new job

How to search for jobs online

Jobs in the retail industry

Jobs in the engineering industry

Jobs in the fashion industry

Jobs in the IT industry

Jobs in the motoring industry

Jobs in sport

Jobs in the education industry

Jobs in the energy industry

Careers with animals

Jobs in the media industry

Jobs in the leisure & tourism industry

Jobs in the catering industry

Jobs for history lovers

Jobs for geography lovers

Jobs for English lovers

Jobs for maths lovers

Volunteering:

7 Simple ways to make the best of volunteering

Benefits of volunteering

Benefits of mentoring

Volunteer Abroad

Resignation:

Resignation letters: What you need to know

Resignation letter templates  

How to resign

How To Resign & Hand In Your Resignation Letter

Redundancy /Job Loss:

Deal with redundancy

Things to do if you lose your job

Claim Jobseeker’s Allowance

Jobseekers allowance (UK) overview

15 tips to survive a job loss

How to Cope With Job Loss and Move On

At work:

How to start a new job

How to have a good first day

How to hold onto your job

How to handle bullying in the workplace

Commuting: how far is too far?

How to get a promotion

Summer workwear advice

Office Style Trends 2015

What You Can (and Can’t) Wear to Work

Dealing with stress at work

How to deal with a brutal boss