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A big congratulations to our #ChicagoORT students Nathaniel Hollis, Alan Fox and Juan Anthony Guzman for passing your CompTIA 801 exams! We are proud of you!

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A big congratulations to our Medical Assisting students Ebtida Kassim and Amber Jacob, for successfully completing your CPT exams! #ChicagoORT is proud of you!

10 Common Sentence Mistakes in English

Some mistakes are common when writing sentences in English. Each of these 10 common sentence mistakes provides correction information as well as links to more detailed information.

Incomplete Sentence - Sentence Fragment

One common mistake many students make is the use of incomplete sentences. Each sentence in English must contain at least a subject and a verb, and should be an independent clause. Examples of incomplete sentences without a subject or a verb might include an instruction or a prepositional phrase. For example:

Through the door.
In the other room.
Over there.

These are phrases we may use in spoken English, but that should not be used in written English as they are incomplete. 

Sentence fragments caused by dependent clauses used without an independent clause are more common. Remember that subordinating conjunctions introduce dependent clauses. In other words, if you use a subordinating clause beginning with a word such as 'because, though, if, etc.' there must be an independent clause to complete the thought. This mistake is often made on tests asking a question with 'Why'.

For example, the sentences:

Because Tom is the boss.
Since he left work early without permission. 

might answer the question: "Why did he lose his job?" However, these are sentence fragments. The correct answer would be:

He lost his job because Tom is the boss.
He lost his job since he left work early without permission.

Other examples of incomplete sentences introduced by subordinating clauses include:

Even though he needs help.
If they study enough.
As they had invested in the company.

Run-on Sentences

Run-on sentences are sentences that:

1) are not connected by appropriate linking language such as conjunctions
2) use too many clauses rather than using periods and linking language such as conjunctive adverbs

The first type leaves out a word - usually a conjunction - that is required to connect a dependent and independent clause. For example:

The students did well on the test they didn't study very much.
Anna needs a new car she spent the weekend visiting car dealerships.

The first sentence should use either a conjunction 'but', or 'yet' or a subordinating conjunction 'although, even though, or though' to connect the sentence. In the second sentence, the conjunction 'so' or the subordinating conjunction 'since, as, or because' would connect the two clauses.

The students did well, yet they didn't study very much.
Anna spent the weekend visiting car dealerships since she needs a new car.

Another common run on sentence occurs when using too many clauses. This often occurs using the word 'and'.

We went to the store and bought some fruit, and we went to the mall to get some clothes, and we had lunch at McDonald's, and we visited some friends. 

The continuous chain of clauses using 'and' should be avoided. In general, do not write sentences that contain more than three clauses to ensure that your sentences do not become run-on sentences.

Duplicate Subjects

Sometimes students use a pronoun as a duplicate subject. Remember that each clause takes only one sentence. If you have mentioned the subject of a sentence by name, there is no need to repeat with a pronoun.

Example 1:

Tom lives in Los Angeles.

NOT

Tom, he lives in Lost Angeles.

Example 2:

The students come from Vietnam.

NOT

The students they come from Vietnam.

Incorrect Tense

Tense usage is a common mistake in student writing. Make sure that the tense used corresponds to the situation. In other words, if you are speaking about something that happened in the past do not use include a tense that refers to the present. For example:

They fly to visit their parents in Toronto last week.
Alex bought a new car and drives it to her home in Los Angeles.

Incorrect Verb Form

Another common mistake is the use of an incorrect verb form when combining with another verb. Certain verbs in English take the infinitive and others take the gerund (ing form). It's important to learn these verb combinations. Also, when using the verb as a noun, use the gerund form of the verb.

He hopes finding a new job. / Correct -> He hopes to find a new job.
Peter avoided to invest in the project. / Correct -> Peter avoided investing in the project.

Parallel Verb Form

A related issue is the use of parallel verb forms when using a list of verbs. If you are writing in the present continuous tense, use the 'ing' form in your list. If you are using the present perfect, use the past participle, etc.

She enjoys watching TV, play tennis, and cook. / Correct -> She enjoys watching TV, playing tennis, and cooking.
I've lived in Italy, working in Germany and study in New York. / Correct -> I've lived in Italy, worked in Germany, and studied in New York.

Use of Time Clauses

Time clauses are introduced by the time words 'when', 'before', 'after' and so on. When speaking about the present or future use the present simple tense in time clauses. If using a past tense, we usually use the past simple in a time clause.

We'll visit you when we will come next week. / Correct -> We'll visit you when we come next week.
She cooked dinner after he was arriving. / Correct -> She cooked dinner after he arrived. 

Subject - Verb Agreement

Another common mistake is to use incorrect subject - verb agreement. The most common of these mistakes is the missing 's' in the present simple tense. However, there are other types of mistakes. Always look for these mistakes in the helping verb.

Tom play guitar in a band. / Correct -> Tom plays guitar in a band.
They was sleeping when she telephoned. / Correct -> They were sleeping when she telephoned.

Pronoun Agreement

Pronoun agreement mistakes take place when using a pronoun to replace a proper noun. Often this mistake is a mistake of use of a singular form rather than a plural or vice versa. However, pronoun agreement mistakes can occur in object or possessive pronouns, as well as in subject pronouns.

Tom works at a company in Hamburg. She loves his job. / Correct -> Tom works at a company in Hamburg. He loves his job.
Andrea and Peter studied Russian at school. He thought they were very difficult. Correct -> Andrea and Peter studied Russian at school. They thought it was very difficult.

Missing Commas After Linking Language

When using an introductory phrase as linking language such as a conjunctive adverb or sequencing word, use a comma after the phrase to continue the sentence.

As a result children should start studying math as early as possible. / Correct -> As a result, children should start studying math as early as possible.

http://esl.about.com

Five tips for tackling accounting classes

Here are five tips for taking on your accounting courses, whether they’re the lower-division intros or the dreaded tax class.

1. Skim, don’t inspect.

Accounting textbooks, for the most part, are not meant to be analyzed in every detail. Read the “meat” of the chapter several times through, taking note mostly of key words, phrases, and concepts–oh, and financial statements. You’re going to be seeing those a lot in your “real” job, so get used to ‘em!

2. Three words: repetition, repetition, repetition.

If you can understand every accounting concept the first time you read about it, you might as well quit school and recreate the Big 5 with your own accounting firm. Chances are, you are not going to understand everything the first time through. Reading things over a few times will make everything so much clearer. Learn things to the point where you know them like the back of your hand and you’ll be ready for anything.

3. Stop procrastinating now–no, not later.

This may be a fairly straightforward one, but never underestimate the danger that is the “P” word. Instead of cramming your study sessions into caffeine-laced all-nighters and hair-pulling, 3-hour, pre-test run-throughs, try dividing your work up and doing a little each day. For example, say you have a week before a test. Divide up your individual topics/chapters/etc. equally by day, then do a general run-through the day before. The earlier you plan ahead, the less work you’ll have to do each day.

4. “Don’t fall behind”–really though, DON’T!

We hear our teachers say it every semester at the beginning of class, but when they say it, I’m telling you: they mean business. With accounting, the acquisition of knowledge is sequential. In other words, it’ll be difficult, if not impossible, to learn about concept “B” if you don’t have understanding of concept “A” before it. Be especially mindful of this in accounting and make certain that you understand what you’ve just learned before moving onto the next topic or chapter. The further you fall behind, the harder it’ll be for you.

5. One is the loneliest number.

This should be the easiest part: find a study buddy! Although study groups can get a little chaotic, having one solid study partner can help you in more ways than you realize. Whether you need one-on-one help with a certain concept or need notes when you miss a day from illness, a study partner can be your right-hand person for accounting. Just make sure you return the favor!

ascpastudents.wordpress.com

5 Motivational Tips to Get You Through the Day

Your motivation is what pushed you to succeed and determines to a large degree if you are going to succeed or fail. But even the most motivated person needs a little extra help sometimes. When the going gets tough these 5 tips can help you turn the day around and get you back on track:

Focus on Your Goals

Your motivation stands in direct relationship to how clear your goals are, they are the source of your motivation. When you feel down, focus on them, visualize them and think about how great it will be once you have completed them.

Reward Yourself for Finishing Tasks

This is a great technique. Whenever you finish a task or complete a goal, give yourself a reward. It can be a cup of coffee, a 10 minute break, a weekend away…. Anything that gets you motivated. By doing this you train yourself to want to complete the goals and tasks as quickly and efficiently as possible, you will work hard to complete your goals, get the reward and move on the next. Always remember though, make sure you do the job well, you don’t want to have to go back and redo the task you already thought was finished.

Take a Short Walk 

Sometimes you need a break, to clear your mind and get yourself back on track. Taking a walk is a great way to sort your thoughts and refocus.

Remember That When You Are Done, You Are Done

By this I mean that once you have done everything you need to do during the day, you are finished and can go home. That gives me a burst of motivation every time the day starts to feel long, it is up to me to make it go quickly so I can relax.

Call a Loved One for Inspiration

Sometimes we cannot do it alone. Make sure to find a friend or loved one who can help you when you need motivation, who you can call and who you know will tell you that you can do it and that they know you are great. That help really makes a big difference. If you are having a tough time, don’t let that get you down. Refocus and let yourself be all that you can be!

Action Exercises

- Set your goals:
If you haven’t already, spend some time writing down your most important long term and short term goals;

- Determine a good reward that motivates you to complete tasks and goals;

- Talk to someone you trust and ask them to be a source of motivation for you when you need it.

www.pickthebrain.com

Advice for a successful medical assistant externship

Most medical assisting programs require students to complete externships, which can provide valuable job experience prior to beginning their careers. Externships are the portion of your medical assisting education that you spend working in a medical office while you are still in school. While your experience will vary depending upon the office in which you are placed, it’s up to you to get the most out of your externship experience and make it a success.

Look for opportunities to use your skills
You’ve spent your time in school learning the technical skills necessary to be a medical assistant, and now is your chance to put them into practice. Nothing beats real-world experience, so actively seek out opportunities to put your skills to the test. Whenever you get a chance, observe health care professionals performing procedures and make note of the techniques they use so you can use their expertise to perfect your own skills.

Don’t be afraid to ask for help
While externships do provide the opportunity to use your technical skills, they are also still a valuable part of the learning process, so don’t be afraid to ask for help or advice. If you are ever unsure of how to complete a task that has been asked of you or find it to be too challenging, ask the medical professionals you are working with to guide you and provide some tips for success. If you never ask questions when you don’t understand something, it’s unlikely that you will receive much benefit from the completion of an externship.

Discuss expectations
Before you even begin your externship, discussing expectations with your supervisor, mentor or sponsor will set you up for success. While it’s important that you take the initiative every day to get the most you can out of your externship experience, having a clear understanding of what the medical professionals you are working with hope to achieve will put you on the same page and create a more cohesive working environment.

Practice your "soft skills"
While medical assisting externships certainly present you with the opportunity to cultivate your technical expertise, they also allow you to practice ‘soft skills’ like customer service and communication. Medical assistants are partially responsible for patient care, so be aware of your body language and demeanor whenever you are in the medical office or interacting with patients.

http://carrington.edu

How To Reduce Stress While in College

At any given point in time, most college students are stressed about something; it's just part of going to school. While having stress in your life is normal and often unavoidable, being stressed is something you can control. Follow these ten tips to learn how to keep your stress in check and how to relax when it gets to be too much.

Here's How:

1. Most Importantly: Don't Stress About Being Stressed
   This may seem ridiculous at first, but it is listed first for a reason: when you're feeling stressed, you feel like you're on edge and everything is barely being held together. Don't beat yourself up too badly about it! It's all normal, and the best way to handle stress is to not get more stressed about . . . being stressed. If you're stressed out, admit it and figure out how to handle it. Focusing on it will only make things seem worse.
2. Get Some Sleep
   Being in college means your sleep schedule is, most likely, far from ideal. Getting more sleep can help your mind refocus, recharge, and rebalance. This can mean a quick nap, a night when you go to bed early, or a promise to yourself to stick with a regular sleep schedule. Sometimes, one good night's sleep can be all you need to hit the ground running amidst a stressful time.
3. Get Some Food
   Similar to your sleep habits, your eating habits may have gone by the wayside when you started school. Think about what -- and when -- you've eaten over the past few days. You may think your stress is psychological, but you could also be feeling physical stress (and the "Freshman 15") if you're not fueling your body appropriately. Go eat something balanced and healthy: fruits and veggies, whole grains, protein. Make your mama proud with what you choose for dinner tonight! Lastly, if your meal plan itself is one more thing making you stressed, learn how to pick a plan that's right for you.
4. Get Some Exercise
   You may think that if you don't have the time to sleep and eat properly, you definitely don't have the time to exercise. Fair enough, but if you're feeling stressed, it may be that you need to squeeze it in somehow. Exercise doesn't necessarily have to involve a 2-hour, exhausting workout at the campus gym. It can mean a relaxing, 30-minute walk while listening to your favorite music. In fact, in a little over an hour, you can 1) walk 15 minutes to your favorite off-campus restaurant, 2) eat a quick and healthy meal, 3) walk back, and 4) take a power nap. Imagine how much better you'll feel!
5. Get Some Quiet Time
   Take one moment and think: when was the last time you had some quality, quiet time alone? Personal space for students in college rarely exists. You may share your room, your bathroom, your classrooms, your dining hall, the gym, the bookstore, the library, and anywhere else you go during an average day. Finding a few moments of peace and quiet - with no cell phone, roommates, or crowds - might be just what you need. Stepping out from the crazy college environment for a few minutes can do wonders for reducing your stress.
   
6. Get Some Social Time
   Have you been working on that English paper for 3 days straight? Can you even see what you're writing anymore for your Chemistry lab? You could be stressed because you're being too focused on getting things done. Don't forget that your brain is like a muscle, and even it needs a break every once in a while! Take a break and see a movie. Grab some friends and go out dancing. Hop a bus and hang out downtown for a few hours. Having a social life is an important part of your college experience, so don't be afraid to keep it in the picture when you're stressed. It could be when you need it most!
   
7. Get Some Fun
   You may be stressed about one particular thing: a final paper due Monday, a class presentation due Thursday. You basically just need to sit down and plow through it. If this is the case, try to figure out how to make it a little more fun and enjoyable. Is everyone writing final papers? Agree to work together in your room for 2 hours and then order pizza together for dinner. Do a lot of your classmates have huge presentations to put together? See if you can reserve a classroom or room in the library where you can all work together and share supplies. You may just lower everyone's stress level.
8. Get Some Distance
   You may be handling your own problems and trying to help others around you. While this can be nice for them, check in and be honest with yourself about how your helpful demeanor may be causing more stress in your life. It's okay to take a step back and focus on yourself for a little while, especially if you are stressed and your academics are at risk. After all, how can you keep helping others if you're not even in a state to help yourself? Figure out which things are causing you the most stress and how you can take a step back from each. And then, most importantly, take that step.
9. Get a Little Help
   It can be hard to ask for help, and unless your friends are psychic, they may not know how stressed out you are. Most college students are going through the same things at the same thing, so don't feel silly if you need to just vent for 30 minutes over coffee with a friend. It may help you process out what you need to do, and help you realize that the things you are so stressed about are actually pretty manageable. If you're afraid of dumping too much on a friend, most colleges have counseling centers specifically for their students. Don't be afraid to make an appointment if you think it will help.
10. Get Some Perspective
    College life can be overwhelming. You want to hang out with your friends, join clubs, explore off campus, join a fraternity or sorority, and be involved in the campus newspaper. It can sometimes feel like there aren't enough hours in the day . . . because there aren't. There's only so much any person can handle, but you need to remember the reason why you're in school: academics. No matter how exciting your co-curricular life can be, you won't be able to enjoy any of it if you don't pass your classes. Make sure to keep your eye on the prize and then head out and change the world!
    
    http://collegelife.about.com