Hello Bulldogs!

Welcome to the home stretch as we roll quickly toward the finish line! Seniors don’t let “senioritis” overwhelm you just yet…there is still work to be done. Remember: colleges CAN rescind favorable admissions decisions based on your final grades. All underclassmen, make sure that you finish up strong as well—everything counts! There are a bevy of important dates to be aware of for the next month or two so put these on your calendar if they apply. Best of luck to you all for the remainder of the year.

Quote of the Month: “'To develop a complete mind: study the science of art; study the art of science. Learn how to see. Realize that everything connects to everything else.”

--Leonardo da Vinci

Dates to Remember:

Tip of the Month: Taking Problem & Essay tests

PROBLEM TESTS:

Problem tests usually consist of mathematical or scientific problems to be worked by using a formula or applying a rule, often in a step-by-step process. Here it is most important that you minimize careless mistakes by checking all computations and the placement of all decimal points.

1. Make notes.

Write down hard to remember formulas, equations, rules, etc. as soon as the test begins before you actually start working on the test problems.

2. Work problems one step at a time.

Don’t get frustrated and above all don’t give up if you can’t immediately work through to the answer of a problem. Work one step at a time. Often, completing one step of a problem will help you remember or figure out what the next step should be.

3. Do all that you can.

If a problem is difficult, but you have a general idea of the process involved do all that you can to work the problem. Write down your best answer and be sure to show all of your work. Even if your answer is incorrect you may get partial credit if you have the right process. If you are completely unable to work a problem—don’t waste time on it, move on to the next one and come back to it if time permits.

4. Be organized.

Show ALL the steps in your work and clearly identify or label your answer so that your teacher can find it quickly.

5. Check your work.

Whenever possible, check all answers in a different way from that you used when you first did the work.

ESSAY TESTS:

Essay questions may ask you to “list the causes,”“compare the outcomes,” or “illustrate these terms” in regard to given topics. In answering these questions stick to the point. Don’t ramble or write about unrelated topics. Use the points assigned to each question as a guide to the amount of information that your teacher expects.

1. Read all questions before beginning.

Read through all the questions rapidly, jotting down beside each question any pertinent facts or ideas that occur to you.

2. Answer the easiest questions first.

This will increase your confidence and help you to warm up for the more difficult ones.

3. Concentrate on one question at a time.

Focus on the question at hand, write the best answer that you can and move on.

4. Understand the questions.

Decide what kind of answer each question requires before you begin writing. Action verbs will help you determine this. Such as: illustrate, list, explain, compare, identify, etc.

5. Make an outline.

To ensure good organization and prevent careless omissions, make a brief, logical outline for your answer before you start writing. It is more about what and how you say it versus how much you say.

6. Get to the point.

Avoid long winded introductions. Your aim in essay writing is to provide the largest amount of point-earning information in the time allowed. Make a brief to the point thesis statement and then move right into fully developing your points.

7. Include facts.

When appropriate, include factual details, examples, and analogies to support your answers. Facts and analogies demonstrate the depth and relational aspects of your knowledge.

8. Be neat.

Take time to write legibly and make your corrections as neat as possible. Most teachers react favorably to neatness, so let this work for you. Use a separate paragraph for each main idea—this helps the teacher follow your reasoning.

9. Allow room to expand.

Leave space between your answers. You may need it for new ideas or additional details later.

10. Check your work.

Leave enough time to check your answers for completeness, accuracy or content, and for careless omissions or mistakes in grammar, spelling, or punctuation.