Study Skills for Life

, TTC Crossville

Why Study Skills?

This class will help all students overcome study issues and identify common study problems. If you have been in the adult education program for more than 6 weeks, you need better study patterns.

Learning is an active process.

1. If you dont participate in learning, you will not be successful. 2. Each step in the learning process takes effort on your part.

 Do you, as a student:
1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. Have goals you want to achieve? Know how to study? Understand your learning style? Understand time management? Use a calendar or planner? Plan to attend all classes?

7. Maintain an organized notebook or binder? 8. Know how to take notes? 9. Read the text books effectively? 10. Memorize class material and are recall it for tests? 11.Take tests successfully?

The Requirements
You MUST complete this Study Skills and Key Terms block to enter the GED program of study. You MUST call Jena if you are going to miss any class, FOR ANY REASON, and reschedule for the next available session.

If you miss more than 2 days, you must restart the GED program of study, including the study skills classes and orientation.

What is covered in Study Skills classes?

1. 2.

Goal Setting
What YOU want How to ACHIEVE it When Where How much, daily

Critical Thinking Taking Notes

1. 2. 3.
1. 2. 3.
1. 2.

Effective Study Habits

1. 2. 3.

How to take notes What to listen for How to use your notes
Reading speed Skimming Scanning
How to effectively memorize material Mnemonic aides

Read a Text Book

Identify Your Learning Style

1. 2. 3. Visual Auditory Kinesthetic Use a planner or calendar Attend all classes Notebook or Binder Tabs

Memorization

Time Management
1. 2. 1. 2.

Test Taking
1. 2. 3. 4. True/False Multiple Choice Fill-in-the-Blank Essay

Organization

Goals
GED College Degree Trade School Certified Job Management Position More Money ..

Goal Setting

What do YOU want? A goal is something you want to achieve. It can be either short-term or long-term. Short-term goal - something you want to achieve soon.
1.

Set short-term goals for yourself

Today This week This month

Long-term goals something you want to achieve in the distant future.

1.

Set long-term goals for yourself

The end of this course GED New Job? New Car? New House? College?

 Your goals should be:

Characteristics of Appropriate Goals

1. within your skills and abilities. Knowing your strengths and

weaknesses will help you set goals you can accomplish.

2. realistic. Setting a goal to learn the spelling of three new words 3. flexible. Sometimes things will not go the way you anticipate,

a day is realistic. Trying to learn the spelling of fifty new words a day is not.

and you may need to change your goal. Stay flexible, so when you realize a change is necessary, you will be ready to make the change.
toward a goal. It is especially important to recognize when you have accomplished your goal and need to go no further. Failure to measure your progress toward a goal will result in effort that is wasted. group, accomplishment of your goal should depend only on you. You can control what you do, but have little or no control over what others do. You may do what you have to do, but others dont and they may cause you to not accomplish your goal.

4. measurable. It is important to be able to measure your progress

5. within your control. Other than when working as part of a

To set a goal, you should state WHAT you will do and WHEN you will do it. Implied in each goal is your WILL(determination) to do it.

Lets Set Some Goals!

Short-term Goals
Today, Tomorrow, This Month
Goal 1 - _______________________________________________________________ Goal 2 - __________________________________________________________ Goal 3 - __________________________________________________________

Long-term Goals
GED, Job, Car, House, College, etc.
Goal 1 Goal 2 Goal 3 Goal 4 Goal 5 - _______________________________________________________________ - __________________________________________________________ - __________________________________________________________ - __________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________

How do I get there from here?

Set Goals and Update Often
1. Goals must be updated often . 2. Some may take more time than you planned, so dont give up! 3. When goals are accomplished, add new ones.

Seek Support
1. 2. 3. 4. Spouse or Significant Other Children Parents Employer

Eliminate Transportation Issues

1. 2. 3. 4. Have a car, GREAT! Ride with a classmate you can depend on Have a support group member drive you Arrange for a taxi

Its Study Time!

 Study Time:
1.

Effective Study Habits

2.

3.

4.

5.

Find a place to study that is best for you. Consider whether you it is best for you to be away from people, if noise will bother you, and the way the light effects your studying. Have everything you need to study, nearby while you study. This will save time when you dont have to hunt for equipment and materials. Reward yourself for hard work. Set a goal for the work time. When you achieve it, reward yourself with something you like. Some examples are: food, TV time, video games, phone time, etc. Create a checklist of all the tasks you need to do before you begin to study. Prioritize these tasks starting with the most important tasks to be done. Check each item off as you complete it. This gives you a sense of accomplishment. Keep a worry pad while you study. Write down anything that distracts you. These are the things that pop into your head while you study. Each time a worry interrupts your studying, write it on the pad to be completed later.

Procrastination!
What is procrastination? Putting off or
avoiding to do something that must be done.
Its natural to procrastinate occasionally. However, excessive procrastination can result in guilt feelings and anxiety about not doing a task when it should be done. Procrastination can interfere with school and personal success.

Why do students procrastinate?

1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. Perfectionism Fear of Failure Confusion Poor Motivation Task Difficulty Difficulty Concentrating Task Unpleasantness Lack of priorities

How to Eliminate procrastination!

Motivate yourself to work on a task. Tell yourself things such as: Theres no time like the present. or The quicker I start, the quicker Im finished. Prioritize the tasks you have to do. Commit your self to completing a task once youve started it. Reward yourself when the task is complete. Work on tasks at the times you work best. Break large tasks down into small, manageable parts. Make a schedule of the tasks you have to do and stick to it. Work on the smaller tasks first. This leaves more time for the difficult and time consuming tasks. Find a good place to work that is free of distractions. Take breaks when working on a task so you dont wear down.

Use a Study System

1. Break large assignments, such as essays or research papers, into smaller tasks. Schedule those tasks our over several days, depending on when the completed assignments are due. 2. Study least difficult subjects first. This will eliminate so many tasks hanging over your head, and give you a sense of accomplishment when they are finished. It also give you more time for the more difficult, time consuming tasks. 3. Take breaks. Dont try to study for several hours straight! Youll become distracted, tired, and cranky. Take a short break, about 5 minutes, every hour. This will allow you to relax and be alert. 4. Reward yourself. When you complete a task, especially a difficult one, give yourself a reward such as a healthy snack, phone a friend, or listen to music. Then get back to work. 5. Study from YOUR OWN textbooks! Do Not share books with a friend. You may have a difficult time having the book enough to properly study the material.

I like your

Learning
Style!
Visual
Auditory

Tactile

Discover and Use Your Learning Style

Discovering and using your learning style is the key to successful learning. Like everything else about you, your learning style is uniquely your own, different from anyone elses. It is the conditions under which you find it easiest and most pleasant to learn and work.

VISUAL Learner
Prefer visual sense. Must see to understand. Learns best by reading and watching.

AUDITORY Learner
Prefers auditory sense. Must hear to understand. Learns best by listening to an explanation.

TACTILE Learner
Prefers tactile sense. Must touch or feel to understand. Learns best by engaging in hands-on activity.

What are your learning preferences?

1. 2. 3. 4.
5. 6. 7. 8.

I learn best by reading on my own. I get the best results from listening to lectures. I enjoy courses where there is some physical activity. I can learn how to do something by watching a demonstration of how its done. Class discussions are helpful to me. I like to type and to use the computer. Illustrations, charts, and diagrams improve my understanding. Id rather listen to the teachers explanation than to do the assigned reading.

9. I get more out of lab classes than lectures because of the hands-on approach. 10. How-to manuals and printed directions are helpful to me. 11. I like to use audio lessons and exercises. 12. Id rather work with machines and equipment than listen to or read explanations. 13. I can learn to do something if someone shows me how. 14. I can follow directions best when someone reads them to me. 15. Its not enough to show me; I have to do it myself.

What these say about me

If you checked characteristics If you checked characteristics If you checked characteristics 1, 4, 7, 10, and 13 you have the of a VISUAL LEARNER. 2, 5, 8, 11, and 14 you have the of an AUDITORY LEARNER. 3, 6, 9, 12, and 15 you have the of a TACTILE LEARNER.

*If your checks spread evenly among 2 or more

categories, you may be equally comfortable using one or more of your senses when learning.

Lets Experiment . .

Learning Style Experiment . . .

1. Fold your hands. 2. Look at which thumb is on top. Left or Right? 3. Now, fold your hands again so that the other thumb is on top. Does this position feel comfortable to you? 4. Fold your hands your preferred way and notice any difference in feeling.
*Folding your hands is something you do automatically, and because you always do it your preferred way, it feels comfortable. If you do it differently, you feel uncomfortable. This is exactly like your preferred learning style, everything feels right, but if the environment doesnt match your style, you feel out of place, uncomfortable, and unable to do you best. To combat these feelings, find ways to adapt your style to fit the environment.

Lets ADAPT . . .
Lecture (Auditory)
Take notes.(tactile & visual) Watch for visual cues such as gestures & facial expressions that emphasize important points.(visual) Pay attention to visual aids or written information on the board. (visual)

Media presentations- use of visual aids (Visual)

Listen to instructors explanations or comments and COPY them into your notes. (auditory & tactile)

Hands-on activity (Tactile)

Summarize presentation in your notes & read it aloud to review. (auditory & visual) Listen to any explanation that accompanies the activity. (auditory)

What enables you to put two and two together? How do you know what you know?

Its the magic of

CRITICAL THINKING!!!

What is Critical Thinking?

When you think critically you are conscious and aware that you are thinking with a purpose. You are constructing and evaluating meaning in a logical way that helps you analyze everything you read, see and hear. Critical thinking also involves self-reflection, examining your actions, the consequences and determining whether changes are needed.

There are 4 steps to critical thinking:

1. 2. 3. 4. Examine your assumptions Make predictions Sharpen your interpretations Evaluate what you learn.

 Assumption - is an idea or belief taken for granted. It is based on what we know or have experienced. Assumptions are compelling. Your beliefs, the ideas you take for granted, shape your thoughts and actions. This chart shows how you can examine your assumptions to use them for Critical Thinking.
Reading Writing Math
Determine what is given in a problem.

Problem Solving
Determine what you assume or believe to be true about the problem, what you think you can or cannot do.

Determine what Brainstorm to you already know generate ideas. about a topic; build ideas. background for reading.

Assumption Exercise

Assumption Exercise

1. What can you assume about this man based on his clothing? 2. What time of day do you assume it is? 3. Based on his expression, what can you assume about what he is doing? 4. How do your assumptions about the man in the picture relate to your own experiences?

Predictions
Prediction is a decision made beforehand about the outcome of an event. Predictions are based on assumptions. Because you believe that certain things are true, you expect or believe that certain things will happen. They are usually the result of asking yourself questions and looking for answers.

Make Predictions: How you can use Critical Thinking to Make Predictions. Reading
Turn headings into questions to guide your readings.

Writing
Have a purpose for writing. Have a plan to follow.

Math
Determine the kind of answer you need: a fraction? a percent?

All Courses
Anticipate exam questions and make practice tests.

Decision Making
Look ahead to the outcome. What do you think will happen?

Predict

Predict

1. What do you think will happen next? 2. What do you think caused this emotion? 3. What will the outcome be? 4. How did you come up with your answer?

Interpretations
Intrepretation - occurs on 2 levels: literal that is the stated
meaning, the authors or speakers main idea and details, and implied that is the suggested meaning-what you can guess or conclude from what is said or deliberately been left out or is unsaid.

Interpretations: How you can use interpretations in Critical Thinking.

Reading
Read for literal and implied meaning.

Writing
Develop your ideas logically and draw valid conclusions.

Math
Identify both what is known and what is unknown.

Science
Determine significance of research findings or lab results.

Decision Making
Gather facts, learn from experience, and decide, what you want to do.

Interpretation
Deep in the Maine woods, On a starless September night, Lights flicker, then go out. Miles from any incandescence, I sit in the middle of fear, Black, thoroughly, And mourn the sudden loss of sight As if it were not temporary. The mind adjusts, takes its measure Of eternity. My book lies open in the dark; I read by lights I cannot see.

A writing by Carol Kanar about reading a favorite poem.

Interpretation
Deep in the Maine woods, On a starless September night, Lights flicker, then go out. Miles from any incandescence, I sit in the middle of fear, Black, thoroughly, And mourn the sudden loss of sight As if it were not temporary. The mind adjusts, takes its measure Of eternity. My book lies open in the dark; I read by lights I cannot see.
A writing by Carol Kanar about reading a favorite poem.

1. What was the authors or speakers meaning in this writing? 2. What is implied in the writing? 3. Are there any unfamiliar words or passages? 4. What is implied in this writing?

Evaluate what you learned.

Evaluate - This means you determine the worth or value, and you will
judge whether you something is right or wrong, good or bad, fair or unfair. You use this critical thinking strategy in every aspect of your life. It is a measurement of worth in continuing or stopping an action or situation.

Evaluate what you are learning: This is Critical to Thinking and Learning!
Reading Determine the reliability objectivity, and usefulness of online and printed sources. plan. Writing Evaluate your writing/work. Proofread to find errors; revise for content and organization, edit grammar, etc. Math Use a formula or system for checking your work. All Courses Learn from your mistakes. Determine why you make them and how you can overcome them. Problem Solving Evaluate your plan. Is it working? Revise plan as needed, or make new

 Reliability:
1. 2. 3.

To Evaluate

Who says so? What are his or her qualifications? How does he or she know?

Objectivity
1. 2. 3. What is the purpose? Are all sides of the issue presented? Is the language free of slanted or manipulative words?

Usefulness
1. 2. 3. 4. What have I learned? Will I use what I have learned either now or in the future? Does the new knowledge relate to my course of study? Having learned the material, am I now more interested in the topic?

What TIME is it?

Make your time work for YOU!

Time Management
Control your time, dont let it control you. Dont procrastinate, getr done ! Make effective use of time spent studying.

The G.R.A.B. Method

G Goal R Responsibilities A Analysis B Balance
Set a goal.
Determine your responsibilities. Analyze where your time goes. Balance work, class, studying, and leisure time.

 Goal - What do you want to do?

Would you like to set aside a block of time each day for completing your assignments? Do you want to set aside time to work in the Library, write essays, etc.? what your responsibilities are. Do you live alone? If not, you have responsibilities to others at home. Do you work? Etc

Responsibilities - To manage time, you must first determine Analysis - Analyze where your time goes.

What are the fixed times in a typical day for you? What are things you like to add to your day?

Balance - Balance your work, class, study time, and leisure

time. A schedule is a structure you impose on the events of your day, week, or month. Schedules set a plan for getting things done in a timely manner.

I Love It When a PLAN Comes Together!

Plan to Work & Work your Plan

Use a planner or calendar Schedule everything - school, work, family, etc. Dont forget anything by writing it in the planner Write assignments, tests and projects in planner by when they are due

It all starts NOW.

> Enter when classes begin and end, work schedule, special events, other important dates > Review the instructors syllabus and write in the dates listed, especially tests and assignment due dates > Enter any other information, events, or activities you want to include. For example: sporting events, holidays, birthdays, etc. > *Be sure to leave enough space in square to add items as the month goes on. > Consider using different color pens or pencils for the importance of the events you list.

Attendance

Attendance
* * * * Dont miss class! When you miss class, you miss instruction. Skills for each class are taught in sequence. Each lesson builds on the last. Regular attendance lets you know what to expect in order to be successful in the class. Punctuality is essential! If you arrive late, or leave early, you miss instruction.

* * If you cant get to class on time, can you get to work on time???

* * If you dont go to work, would your boss pay you, or allow you to continue to work there???

What are YOU going to do?

 If youre going to earn your GED, then youve got to EARN IT! Anything worth this much of your time should be taken seriously.

Your success is up to

YOU!!!

Get it TOGETHER.

Youve got to get ORGANIZED

You need supplies
1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 3-ring Binder Notebook Dividers Pens, Pencils, & Highlighters Paper Notecards

 Choose a notebook that suits you.

Not too big, not too small Sturdy! You dont want to have to replace it. View binder or non-view binder. Price doesnt always reflect quality. If you buy wisely, you can use it for a long time.

 Tab dividers
Purchase pre-made tab dividers Make your own Re-useable tabs

 Standard loose-leaf paper

Pre-punched notebook paper 8 1/2 x 11 paper is best If you prefer unlined paper, pre-punch it and have it in your binder for use Keep a small hole punch in your binder for use with class hand outs

I can name that in a Note

Note-taking is a important strategy for classroom success. There is NO BEST WAY to take notes. Find a style of note taking that consistently gives you good results.

Guidelines for Note Taking

Keep track of your notes by heading your paper with:
1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Date Name of Course Lecture Topic Number pages Write headers within each set of notes

Keep notes from one class separated from the notes for other classes.
1. Use dividers to keep notes separated. 2. Some prefer to use several spiral notebooks, rather than 1 large binder. 3. Keep a small hole punch to place instructor handouts with your notes.

 Use the right writing instrument!

1. Use ballpoint pens for note-taking. 2. Felt-tip pens blur and soak through the paper, leaving spots underneath. 3. Pencils smear and fade over time. 4. Stick with standard color ink, blue or black.

 To speed up your note taking, use abbreviations

1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. Equal: = With: w/ Without: w/o Number: # Therefore: th4 And: + And so forth: etc. For example: e.g. Against: vs. Government: govt 11. 12. 13. 14. 15. 16. 17. 18. 19. 20. Introduction: intro. Information: info. Department: dept. Advantage: adv. Organization: org. Maximum: max. Individual: ind. Compare: cf. Association: assoc. Politics: pol.

I dont understand you

It doesnt matter how much you know if the instructor cant understand what you write! *If you know your handwriting is poor, print everything. Illegible handwriting makes what you write, hard to read. This could cost you the grade you deserve.

Practice makes perfect!

abcdefghIjklmnopqrstuvwxyz ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ
Copy this We the people, In order to form a more perfect union, Establish justice, insure domestic tranquility, Provide for the common defense, Promote the general welfare and Secure the blessings of liberty To ourselves and our posterity Do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America.

TASSEL Method
T A S S E L Try not to doodle while taking notes. Arrive at each class prepared. Sit near the front of the classroom. Sit away from friends. End daydreaming. Look at the teacher.

 Try not to doodle while taking notes.

1. 2. Doodling breaks your concentration and takes your focus from note taking. Each time you feel yourself wanting to doodle, take that urge and write down what the teacher is saying. Read all assigned readings and review all previous lecture notes so that you will understand what is covered in the lecture. If you are not prepared, you will be more likely to daydream and become distracted Sit near the front so you can clearly see the teacher, the board, and any overheads, Power Point or computer presentation.

Arrive at each class prepared.

1. 2.

Sit near the front of the classroom.

 Sit away from friends.

1. 2. If you sit near friends, you will be tempted to talk or pass notes to them. If you have assigned seats and you have to sit near friends, resist talking to them or passing notes during class.

End daydreaming.
1. If you become aware that you are daydreaming, immediately change your position. Sit forward and look at the teacher. Turn your attention to the teacher and write down whatever he/she is saying, even if you may later find that it was not important.

2.

 Look at the teacher.

1. Make eye contact with the teacher as much as possible. This will give the feeling that you are having a conversation with the teacher. Whenever you are not taking notes or looking at the board, overheads, Power Point presentation, or computer screen, keep your eyes on the teacher.

2.

 Class time, note taking, study time; these are all NO CELL PHONE activities!

read, Read, READ!!!

The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you'll go. ~ Dr. Seuss ~

Read to Know
Reading is a lifelong skill and is key to your success in school and in your career. It is also a necessary part of any study system. You gain essential information from your textbooks by using these 3 strategies to improve the way you read. 1. Take control of you reading by becoming an active reader. 2. Read for main ideas, details, and their implications. 3. Use a marking system to focus your attention and identify information to recite and review. *Active readers control their interest level and concentration. They read with a purpose. They know what information to look for and why. Active readers question what they read and look for ways to relate the authors ideas to their own experience and prior knowledge.

Lets READ as a Active Reader

One of the most important goals that a student can aim for is an expanded vocabulary. One reason this goal is important is that an expanded vocabulary can improve students writing. With sufficient words and definitions at their command, students will have less difficulty writing what they mean. Also, increased reading improves vocabulary, which leads to greater comprehension. A third reason for improving vocabulary is the confidence the students feel when they use words correctly. Students are less afraid to speak out in class discussions or give reports when they know they are not going to mispronounce or misuse words. Increasing the vocabulary is a worthwhile goal for students who also what to improve their speaking, reading, and writing. Now find:

1. 2.

The main idea - the most important thing in the paragraph. 3 supporting details - these tell about the main idea.

The Main Idea

One of the most important goals that a student can aim for is an expanded vocabulary. 3 Supporting Details 1. An expanded vocabulary improves writing. 2. An increased vocabulary improves reading. 3. An improved vocabulary results in confidence.

 When reading a text, look for signal words or phrases. first, next, also, etc. one reason and third reason These help you learn things in the right order or confirm what you have in your notes from a class lecture.

I remember when
You will always be required to memorize information for tests.
Use the BREAK method
1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Break memorizing into short time periods. Recite information aloud. Establish mnemonics. Always try to picture information in your mind. Key words help.

Break memorizing into short time periods.

1. Never try to memorize a lot of information at one time. This leads to overloading and your mind wont let you memorize any more information. Or it leads to boredom and you cant get motivated to keep working. Try to arrange short, frequent blocks of time for memorization. Spend a specific amount of time working on methods to memorize some information and then review theses at certain times throughout your studying time. NEVER CRAM!!! Dont try to memorize information you havent worked on the night before a test. If you do, this will make you anxious. However, before a test you should review what youve memorized.

2.

3.

Recite information aloud.

1. Read aloud the note cards you are studying. Read questions on one side and then the answers on the other side. After reading aloud, test yourself on the information by shutting your eyes and asking and answering the questions again. If you get the answer wrong, write it several times as you say it over and over.

2.

3.

Establish mnemonics to help you remember information.

1.
2.

Mnemonics are words and letters that help you remember information. TO make up a mnemonic, make a list of the important facts you need to remember. Use the first letter of each fact to make up another word that will help you remember the ideas to be memorized. Heres an example: HOMES was created to help students remember the names of the Great Lakes. H-Huron O-Ontario M-Michigan E-Erie S-Superior

4.

Another type of mnemonic involves using the first letters of the words or ideas to be memorized to create a catchy sentence. Using the first letters of the Great Lakes: M (Michigan), H (Huron), S (Superior), O (Ontario), E (Erie) Make these into the sentence: Monkeys have seven orange ears.

Now you try.

To shoot a gun you need to follow 5 steps.
1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Aim Squeeze Breath Sight Relax

Create a word by putting these in order to make a mnemonic word. This is called an Acrostic.

Howd you do
To shoot a gun you need to follow 5 steps.
1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Aim Squeeze Breath Sight Relax

Here they are in order as an acrostic. B Breath R Relax A Aim S Sight S Squeeze

How about these

There are 9 planets in our solar system.
Mecury Venus Earth Mars Jupiter Saturn Uranus Neptune Pluto

Make your own mnemonic sentence for these.

Here are some examples..

Here are some sentences to help you remember the planets in order from the sun. "My Very Educated Mother Just Served Us Nine Pickles.
"My Very Easy Method Just Speeds Up Naming Planets."

Always try to picture in your mind words or pictures to help you remember.
1. As you study, try to visualize in your mind words and pictures that help you remember. For example, if youre trying to remember the parts of an animal cell, you may picture in your mind the diagram from your science book where the different parts are shown. After looking at the picture, shut your eyes and try to recall as much detail as possible. If you cant recall all the details, study the picture and then repeat the recall process. When answering a test question involving material you visualized, shut your eyes for a second and try to recall the picture, just as you did when you were studying.

2.

3.

Key words help!

1. If you have to memorize words or facts that are new or hard for you, it may help to associate these with key words. For example, if you cant recall the meaning of the word ziggurat ( a temple built in a series of terraces with each terrace smaller than the one below with a staircase and a shrine on top) for a history test, look at the word to find something that is related to the meaning. The small word zig appears in the word and the series of terracea zig-zag up. It is best to combine key words with visualizing. Once you identify a key word, picture in your mind a relationship between the key word and the original word (picture the zig-zag pattern of the ziggurat).

2.

This is only a TEST!

Tests are just your instructors way of measuring how much youve learned of the materials that were taught.
The most important thing to remember before every test is

Dont Panic!!!

Test Types
There are 4 major test types
1. 2. 3. 4. True or False Multiple Choice Fill in the blank Essay

True or False
Since a true/false question only has 2 possible answers, you have a 50% chance of choosing the right answer if you have to guess. Use 2 strategies for guessing the right answer:
1. Assume a statement is false if it contains absolute words. (always, never, none, everyone) 2. Assume a statement is false if any part of it is false. (To bake a cake you need flour, eggs, and pepper.)

True or False
1. The sun rises in the east and sets in the west. 2. The temperature is always colder in winter than spring. 3. You can only make paper from trees. 4. Coffee drinking can stain your teeth.

Multiple Choice Tests

When taking a multiple choice test, you usually have 4 options. Your job is to identify the one correct option. You can do this by:
1. IF you know the material, first answer the question mentally and then read all the options and choose the correct one. IF you know the material but cant answer the question mentally, read all the options, eliminate those you know are incorrect, and choose the answer from those items remaining. The more options you eliminate, the more likely you are to choose correctly. If you do not know the material, or if you cant figure out the answer, guess.

2.

3.

Multiple choice question

1. The name of Crossvilles country radio station is___________. A. 102.5 Country Live B. 102.5 Wow Country C. Wow 102.5 Country D. Wow Cow 102.5 Country 2. What is one healthy way that people can help to maintain their weight? A. eating a balanced diet B. sleeping 8 hours daily C. exercising regularly D. all the above

Fill-in-the-blank Tests
Fill-in tests may require you to recall an answer from memory or choose an answer from a list of options.
1.
2.

3.

Decide what kind of answer the statement requires. Knowing what it asks will help you recall or select the right way. The way in which a statement is written may help you decide how to complete it. Your answer should complete the statement logically and grammatically. Key words in statements may help you determine what topic the question covers.

Fill-in-the-blank question
Tennessee is the 16th state of the United States. On the flag there are 3 stars. What do they stand for? __________________________________ __________________________________ __________________________________ __________________________________

Essay Test
There are 2 types of essay questions, those that require a short answer and those that require a longer, more developed answer.
1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Read the question carefully and make sure you understand what the question asks. Watch for instruction words. Short-answer questions often ask you to supply definitions, examples, or other specific pieces of information. Concentrate on answering the questions briefly and precisely. Stay on the topic and avoid stating your opinion or making judgments, unless the questions ask for you to do so. Restate the question in your answer. Doing this makes it easier for your instructor to read and follow your answer.

Some Test Taking Strategies

F L E A S First read the directions. Look over the test. Easiest questions answered first. Answer questions that are worth more. Skip a question your unsure of.

BE CAREFUL!
When taking a test, use the RAINS method to help you identify what is being asked for.
R A I N S Read the ENTIRE question and ALL choices before answering. Analyze the context and figure out unknown words. Identify key words in the question and answer choices. Notice the negatives. They can change the meaning of the question or answer, so BE CAREFUL! Search for grammatical clues in fill in the blank questions. If it doesnt sound right, IT ISNT!

If youre going to be successful, youve got to see yourself successful!

Map your goals & set your course for achievement!

The 10 study habits of a SUCCESSFUL STUDENT

1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. Try not to do to much studying at one time. Plan specific times for studying. Try to study at the same time each day. Set specific goals for your study time. Start studying when you planned. Work on the assignments you feel most difficult first. Review your notes before beginning an assignment. Tell your friends not to call during your study time. Call another student when you have difficulty with an assignment. Review your class-work over the weekend.

Help Yourself Succeed

1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. Focus on homework. Make sure you review your notes everyday. Keep your notes neat and clear. Highlight or underline important information. Keep your school materials organized together. Use your time efficiently. If you get stuck on an assignment, put it aside and come back to it later. Always look ahead. If you get done early, do a little extra. Do research wisely. Use internet sources cautiously! Use technology. Computer programs like Word, PowerPoint, etc. can make life easier if you learn how to use them. Find your way. You will have to find what works best for you when studying and completing assignments. Prioritize what you have to get done. School must come before fun! Communicate with teachers. If something is unclear, ask for help.

TOMORROW
we will cover some

KEY TERMS
to help you be successful as a student.