Writing Skills 1-10

Writing Skills

1-10

Communication is at the top of the list of skills that employers look for. And communication in the workplace often means writing.

Health professionals keep patient charts, researchers depend on the money they collect by writing grant applications, software engineers write technical specifications, and nearly everyone writes e-mail to people inside and outside their organization. And before you even get the chance to interview for a job, you’ll need to present yourself in cover letters and resumes.

So, by taking writing serious and doing your best on every research paper, every lab report you write, every new post you write in your blog site, and every writing activity you engage in, you’re preparing yourself for a good career.

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SQ3R

SQ3R

SQ3R=Survey-Question-Read-Recite-Review

Recite

At the end of each section, look up from the text and in your own words recite an answer to your question for that section. Then write down your answer. Be sure to provide examples that support it. Now repeat the questions, read, and recite steps for each of the chapter. First ask a question for the section. Then read to find the answer. Finally, recite the answer in your own words and jot it down. The written questions and answers can help you study in the future.

Review

After completing the chapter, review your notes. Identify the main points by looking for the most important idea in each section. Recite, or write, a brief summary of the assignment.

Review your study notes every week to help you remember the information. When it’s time to prepare for your tests, you’ll find you've created an invaluable study guide.

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Reading 5 Tips for Success

Reading

5 Tips for Success

http://www.collegeboard.com/student/plan/boost-your-skills/189995.html

Reading and writing go hand in hand. The better you understand text, the more likely you are to successfully communicate your thoughts about it in writing. So it’s important to develop strong skills in both areas. With that in mind, here’s how to improve your reading comprehension.

Tips 1-2  

Tip 1: Annotate

Be an active reader. Instead of passively reading a text, take notes about important story elements, key factual information and significant ideas in the text.  

Tip 2: Note the Author’s Writing Style

Every author writes with a purpose, using deliberate methods to successfully relate specific information to the audience. When you’re reading, look for patterns in the author’s writing. For example, you may notice a repetition of key words, phrases or symbols—or the use of a distinct type of sentence structure. Authors employ these writing strategies to help readers comprehend a central argument or theme, so be sure to explore how these techniques create meaning.

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5 Tips for Staying Motivated Tips 3-5

5 Tips for Staying Motivated

Tips 3-5

3. Set Attainable Goals

If you’re having trouble writing a 25-page paper for class because it seems like such a big job, don’t focus on that final number. Break the paper down and consider each section of your paper individually. You can handle any project in small chunks.

4. Find a Social Support Network

Create a group of people around you who want to help you succeed. Mentors can be teachers or family friends who can give you guidance and help you develop new skills. Counselors can help you with planning your courses and starting to explore college. You can also reach out to friends and peers who can motivate you by listening and sharing ideas.

5. Acknowledge Your Accomplishments

Give yourself a quick reward when you complete an assignment or task. Take a walk, send an email, or get a snack. Then move on to the next project.  

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Take Control of Homework Part 3

Take Control of Homework

So It Doesn’t Control You

Part 3

Take Advantage of Any Free Time

If you have a study period or a long bus ride, use the time to review notes, prepare for an upcoming class or start your homework. Flash cards are a great learning tool. They are easy to make, easy to handle, and are a marvelous tool to help you learn and remember anything. Punch a hole in the upper left corner of each index card and connect the stack of your flash cards with a ring. Then the cards are bound and not flopping around. Flash cards bound like this act like a small book with pages. You can even have separate ringed stacks for each subject. WHATEVER YOU WANT TO REMEMBER PUT IT ON A CARD.

Study with a Friend

Get together with friends and classmates to quiz each other, compare notes and predict test questions. Consider joining a study group.

Communicate

If you have concerns about the amount or type of homework you have, you may want to talk to your family, teachers or counselors. They can help you understand how much time you need to allot for homework and how to manage your tasks.

Celebrate Your Achievements

Reward yourself for hitting milestones or doing something well.

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Take Control of Homework Part 2

Take Control of Homework

So It Doesn't Control You

Part 2

Keep Things in Perspective

Know how much weight each assignment or test carries, and use your time accordingly. Don’t waste time, but be wise and smart. Doing the most important things first is being wise and smart.

Get More Involved

Keep your mind from wandering by taking notes, underlining sections, discussing topics with others or relating your homework to something you’re studying in another class. Learn actively and not passively. Be anxiously engaged in your studies and you will have a great experience. Demonstrate a good attitude toward home assignments, and you will begin to love doing it.

Organize the Information

People process information in different ways. Some people like to draw pictures or charts to digest information, others prefer to read out loud or make details outlines, try to find the methods that work best for you. Ask your teacher for recommendations if you’re having trouble.

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Note-Taking Strategies Part 4

Note-Taking Strategies

Part 4

http://www.collegeboard.com/student/plan/college-success/955.html

For Review

Once you've done all of the above, you’ll find you've created your own personalized study guide. Cover the main section of the page and use the key words and questions in the left margin as a quiz.

Stick to It

Review your notes the day you take them and your notes once a week. That way, you won’t need to study as much when it’s test time.

You've been doing the work all along.

Try out the Cornell system, but if it doesn't work for you, experiment with other methods. Ask your classmates how they take notes or ask a teacher for advice. Taking good notes requires practice, like any other skill. And the more you work at it now, the more prepared you’ll be to take notes in college.

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Note-Taking Strategies Part 1

Note-Taking Strategies

Part 1

http://www.collegeboard.com/student/plan/college-success/955.html

How to Get Your Class Notes into Shape

Getting the most out of high school and college means studying hard and using your time in class wisely. An effective note-taking strategy can help you do both. Here are the basics.

Stay Organized

It may seem obvious, but your class notes can only help you if you can find them. When you’re taking notes be sure to:

Ø  Keep all your notes in one place.

Ø  Date and number pages; keeping them in order makes it easier to understand them later.

Before class

Review the materials assigned for that class period thoroughly. Bring a list of any questions you may have.

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Distance Education: Is a Virtual Classroom for You? Part 4

Distance Education: Is a Virtual Classroom for You?

Part 4

Emphasis on the Written Word

Most of the communication, as well as the courses work, in distance-learning classes are written. That’s a plus, because the focus on the written word gives you the opportunity to develop as a writer—and strong writing skills are essential to academic success. However, if writing is a serious weakness for you, virtual learning may not be the best educational option until you improve your skills. Yes, most of distance education is the written word; therefore, you need to be a good reader, love to read, and love writing also. Most of your assignments will be written and submitted to the instructor in the written format. Your penmanship needs to be excellent, spelling great, sentence structure above average, vocabulary extraordinary. You need to have online access with reliable equipment. If your Internet communications at home isn't working, you can’t do online education from home and will need to go to someplace where you do have access to the Internet.

Decide Whether It’s Right for You

Distance education isn't for everyone, but it just might be for you. You really should seek it out and give it a try. You never know until you try. You might even fall in love with distance education. While distance education may be perfect alternative for some students, it’s not the right choice for everyone. So carefully consider your unique needs and interests and give distance a try; then, decide if it is right for you.

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Distance Education: Is a virtual Classroom for You? Part 2

Distance Education: Is a virtual Classroom for You?

Part 2

Positive aspects of Distance Education

Ø Independent and time management: Taking courses online lets you hone your ability to work on your own. You also gain experience in managing you time efficiently.

Ø A flexible schedule: School can only provide a certain number of class periods in a single school day, and there may not be enough time for you to take everything you want. Because distance education lets you take classes outside regular school hours, it gives you the flexibility to explore all your areas of interest.

Ø Advanced and specialized classes: Some schools can’t provide advanced or specialized classes. Distance education gives you the chance to gain experience in areas that would otherwise remain out of reach.

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Distance Education: Is a Virtual Classroom for You? Part 1

Distance Education: Is a Virtual Classroom for You?

Part 1

http://www.collegeboard.com/student/plan/highschool/47337.html

You may want to take a class that your high school doesn't offer. Under some circumstances, you can enroll in the class- through distance learning.

Distance education means taking a class without being physically present where it is being taught. Internet-based technology lets students participate in lectures and class sessions online from almost anywhere.

Some high schools agree to recognize distance-learning credits when they don’t have the resources to offer a course themselves. Distance education is often used to increase options rural areas and for AP courses.

For you, it might mean doing self-tutorial at home in the evening, or participating in a class that is 1,000 miles away, along with other high school students. Check with your school counselor to see what’s available.

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Balancing High School and Part-Time Work Part 5

Balancing High School and Part-Time Work

Part 5

Additional Tips

Although working and going to school is challenging, it can be a rewarding experience if you use some foresight. These tips can help you handle the situation and make the most of your time:

o   Discuss your plans with your family. Balancing the demands of school and work is easier with their support.

o   Start slowly; don’t commit to working a lot of hours immediately.

o   Avoid time conflicts by planning your class and work schedules as far ahead of time as possible.

o   Use your time efficiently. You can use 10 minutes waiting in a line to go over a few pages of assigned reading. If your job has a lot of downtime and your boss has no objective, you can use slow periods to do schoolwork.

o   If you commute to your job on public transportation, bring your schoolwork with you so you can work along the way.

o   Be flexible and willing to make sacrifices. You may have to cut down on some other things you’d like to do because of your school and work commitments.

o   If you have too much on your plate, admit it. Then cut back as needed.

o   Schedule relaxation time. Everyone needs some downtime to stay happy and healthy.

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Balancing High School and Part-Time Work Part 4

Balancing High School and Part-Time Work

Part 4

He reminds students that “the activities and courses students choose cay considerably, so it’s important for young people to keep their individual situations clearly in mind.” MacGowan continues, “For example, student actors should allow for the fact that they won’t have as much time during performance seasons. Student athletes need to remember the times of the year that they’ll be tied up with games and practices. Other students who are in classes that make considerable demands outside of the classroom must keep that reality in mind.”

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Balancing High School and Part-Time Work Part 3

Balancing High School and Part-Time Work

Part 3

Brad MacGowan, of the Career Center at New town North High School in Massachusetts, thinks that working can be a valuable part of a student’s life, if taken on responsibility. “You can derive a great deal from working, considerably more than just money,” he says. “In most cases, you can acquire a nice does of discipline and a whole new set of skills and experiences. “In addition, your supervisor may be willing to write a strong college recommendation for you.

School Comes First

Schoolwork, including homework and studying for tests, should always be your top priority. MacGowan cautions students who do decide to work, If you are rushing through your assignments… or not studying enough for tests because of work, it’s time to cut back or quit and find a less-consuming job.”

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Balancing High School and Part-Time Work Part 2

Balancing High School and Part-Time Work

Part 2

Voicing your goal to someone else can help you make decisions and figure out your priorities. It can also help you judge whether you can do both- work and study- successfully. To help answer this question, ask yourself:

o   Am I an organized person?

o   What kind of study habits do I have?

o   Do I make good use of my available time?

o   Will I be able to manage my schedule effectively if I take on a part-time job?

Think about the pros and cons of working. On the plus side, a job can teach you about commitment, time management and responsibility- and, of course, handling money. On the minus side, a job can cut into the time you have for sleeping, studying and socializing.

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Balancing High School and Part-Time Work Part 1

Balancing High School and Part-Time Work

Part 1

http://www.colegeboard.com/student/plan/high-school/45266.html

Like many high school students, you may want- or need- to work part time. Working takes a lot of time and energy. Though, so before getting a job, make sure that you think your ability to handle both work and your education.

Important Considerations

You have to weigh a number of factors when deciding whether to take on a part-time job. It’s important to get as much information as possible, so you can figure out what choice makes the most sense for you.

Schedule a meeting with your school counselor to discuss the idea of working. Talk to your counselor about why you want to work and what type of position you’re seeking.   

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Selecting Your Courses Part 5

Selecting Your Courses

Part 5

The Arts

Research indicates that students who participate in the arts often do better in school and on standardized tests. The arts help you recognize patterns, discern differences and similarities, and exercise your mind in unique ways, often outside a traditional classroom setting.

Many colleges require or recommend one or two semesters in the arts. Good choices include studio art, dance, music, and drama. Many students have talents and extraordinary abilities in the arts. Students should look within their own repertoire of talents and identify their artistic abilities and take college classes to develop their talents.

Advances Placement Program (AP)

To be sure you are ready to takes on college-level work, enroll in the most challenging courses you can in high school, such as honors or AP courses. Research consistently shows that students who score a 3.0 or higher on an AP Exam typically experience greater academic success and college graduation rates than students who don’t take AP.

Work hard in your righteous pursuits, and you will reap the benefits of self-fulfillment and job satisfaction. Don’t take shortcuts just to “get by,” instead, take challenging and difficult roads (courses) and reach higher mountain peaks of achievement.

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Selecting Your Courses Part 4

Selecting Your Courses

Part 4

Social Studies

You can better understand local and world events that are happening now by studying the culture and history that has shaped them. Here is a suggested course plan:

o   U.S. history (two semesters)

o   U.S. government (one semester)

o   World history or geography (one semester)

o   One additional semester in the above or other areas

Foreign Languages

Solid foreign language study shows colleges you’re willing to stretch beyond the basics. Many colleges require at least two years of study in the same foreign language, and some prefer more.

Learning a foreign language can be a challenge but is exciting. Repetition is the key to learning a language, and having conversations with others speaking the same language is the best way to learn this new language. Repetition is a fun way will build your skills thoroughly as you seek to, master new languages.

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Selecting Your Courses Part 2

Selecting Your Courses

Part 2

The following subjects and classes are standard fare for success in high school and beyond, whether you plan to attend a four-year or two-year college.

English (Language Arts)

Take English every year. Traditional courses, such as American and English literature, help you improve your writing skills, reading comprehension and vocabulary.

Math

You need algebra and geometry on college entrance exams and in college math classes- and in many careers. Take them early on. That way, you’ll be able to enroll in advanced science and math in high school, and show colleges you’re ready for higher-level work.

Most colleges look for students who have taken three years of math in high school. The more competitive one requires or recommended four years. Each school has its own program, but some of the courses typically offered are:

·        Algebra 1

·        Algebra 2

·        Geometry

·        Trigonometry

·        Calculus

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Selecting Your Courses (Part 1)

Selecting Your Courses

Recommended Classes for College Success

Part 1

http://www.collegeboard.com/student/plan/high-school/33.html

The academic rigor of your high school courses is an important factor in the college admission process. College admission officers see your high school courses schedule as a blueprint of your education. They’re looking for a solid foundation of learning that you can build in in college.

To create that foundation, take at least five solid academic classes every semester. Start with the basics and then move on to advanced courses. Challenging yourself is part of what makes school fun; but you need a firm grasp of the fundamentals before going on to more advanced work.

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