Basic Number Properties

There are four basic properties of numbers: commutative, associative, distributive, and identity. You should be familiar with each of these. It is especially important to understand these properties once you reach advanced math such as algebra and calculus.

Commutative Property

a. Addition. When two numbers are added, the sum is the same regardless of the order in which the numbers are added.

3 + 5 = 8 or 5 + 3 = 8

b. Multiplication. When two numbers are multiplied together, the product is the same regardless of the order in which the numbers are multiplied.

3 x 5 = 15 or 5 x 3 = 15

Associative Property

a. Addition. When three or more numbers are added, the sum is the same regardless of the way in which the numbers are grouped.

6 + (4 + 3) = 13 or (6 + 4) + 3 = 13

b. Multiplication. When three or more numbers are multiplied, the product is the same regardless of the way in which the numbers are grouped.

6 x (4 x 3) = 72 or (6 x 4) x 3 = 72

Distributive Property

The sum of two numbers times a third number is equal to the sum of each addend times the third number.

5 x (7 + 2) = 45 or 5 x 7 + 5 x 2 = 45

Identity Property

a. Addition. The sum of any number and zero is that number.

12 + 0 = 12

b. Multiplication, The product of any number and one is that number.

18 x 1 = 18

Knowing these properties of numbers will improve your understanding and mastery of math.

The RQWQCQ Strategy for Solving Math Word Problems

RQWQCQ is a good strategy to use when solving math word problems. Each of the letters in RQWQCQ stands for a step in the strategy.

Read
Read the entire problem to learn what it is about. You may find it helpful to read the problem out loud, form a picture of the problem in your mind, or draw a picture of the problem.

Question
Find the question to be answered in the problem. Often the question is directly stated. When it is not stated, you will have to identify the question to be answered.

Write
Write the facts you need to answer the question. It is helpful to cross out any facts presented in the problem that are not needed to answer the question. Sometimes, all of facts presented in the problem are needed to answer the question.

Question
Ask yourself "What computations must I do to answer the question?"

Compute
Set up the problem on paper and do the computations. Check your computations for accuracy and make any needed corrections. Once you have done this, circle your answer.

Question
Look at your answer and ask yourself: "Is my answer possible?" You may find that your answer is not possible because it does not fit with the facts presented in the problem. When this happens, go back through the steps of RQWQCQ until you arrive at an answer that is possible.

Use RQWQCQ to help you correctly solve math word problems.

Temperature Scales

Temperature is the level of heat in a gas, liquid, or solid. Three scales are commonly used for measuring temperature. The Celsius and Fahrenheit scales are the most common. The Kelvin scale is primarily used in scientific experiments.

Celsius Scale

The Celsius scale was invented in 1742 by the Swedish astronomer, Anders Celsius. This scale divides the range of temperature between the freezing and boiling temperatures of water into 100 equal parts. You will sometimes find this scale identified as the centigrade scale. Temperatures on the Celsius scale are known as degree Celsius (ºC).

Fahrenheit Scale

The Fahrenheit scale was established by the German-Dutch physicist, Gabriel Daniel Fahrenheit, in 1724. While many countries now use the Celsius scale, the Fahrenheit scale is widely used in the United States. It divides the difference between the melting and boiling points of water into 180 equal intervals. Temperatures on the Fahrenheit scale are known as degree Fahrenheit (ºF).

Kelvin Scale

The Kelvin scale is named after William Thompson Kelvin, a British physicist who devised it in 1848. It extends the Celsius scale down to absolute zero, a hypothetical temperature characterized by a complete absence of heat energy. Temperatures on this scale are called Kelvins (K).

Converting Temperatures

It is sometimes necessary to convert temperature from one scale to another. Here is how to do this.

1. To convert from ºC to ºF use the formula: ºF = ºC x 1.8 + 32.
2. To convert from ºF to ºC use the formula: ºC = (ºF-32) ÷ 1.8.
3. To convert from K to ºC use the formula: ºC = K – 273.15
4. To convert from ºC to K use the formula: K = ºC + 273.15.
5. To convert from ºF to K use the formula: K = 5/9 (ºF – 32) + 273.15.
6. To convert from K to ºF use the formula: ºF = 1.8(K – 273.15) + 32.

Comparing Temperatures

Here are some common comparisons between temperatures on the Celsius and Fahrenheit scales.

TEMPERATURE	ºC	ºF
Boiling point of water	100	212
Freezing point of water	0	32
Average human body temperature	37	98.6
Comfortable room temperature	20 to 25	68 to 77

You probably refer to temperature every day. Be sure about the scale you are using.

Roman Numerals

You can guess from their name that Roman Numerals originated in ancient Rome. They were created as a simple means of counting in which certain letters are given values as numerals (a numeral is a written symbol referring to a number). The original system of Roman Numerals was modified during the Middle Ages and is the system we still use today.

Seven letters form the basis of Roman Numerals. Each letter stands for a number as shown here.

ROMAN NUMERALS

I = 1	V = 5
X = 10	L = 50
C = 100	D = 500
M = 1,000

Reading and Writing Roman Numerals

Numbers are represented by combining the letters shown above. There are several rules to follow.

1. If one or more letters are placed after another letter of greater value, add that amount.

   VI = 6 (5 + 1 = 6)
   XXVII = 27 (10 + 10 + 5 + 1 + 1 = 27)
   MDC = 1,600 (1,000 + 500 + 100 = 1,600)

2. A letter cannot be repeated more than three times.

   30 = XXX (10 + 10 + 10 = 30)
   40 = XL (50 - 10 = 40) You cannot write 40 as XXXX.

3. If a letter is placed before another letter of greater value, subtract that amount.

   IX = 9 (10 - 1 = 9)
   XL = 40 (50 - 10 = 40)
   CML = 950 (900 + 50 = 950)

4. You can only subtract powers of 10 (I, X, C).

   95 = XCV (100 - 10 + 5 = 95)
   You cannot write 95 as VC because V is not a power of 10.

5. You cannot subtract more than one number from another number.

   18 = XVIII (10 + 5 + 1 + 1 + 1 = 18)
   You cannot write 18 as IIXX.

By the way, there is no zero in the system of Roman Numerals.

This is all pretty complicated. Why should you even bother learning about Roman Numerals?

You will find that Roman Numerals are used all around you. Here are just some of the ways they are used today:

• They are used in outlines.
• They are used on the faces of clocks and watches.
• They are used to number pages that come before the main pages of a book.
• They are used to identify kings and queens (Henry VIII of England).
• They are used to identify sporting events (The New York Giants won Super Bowl XLII).

Roman Numerals were created long ago. They are still with us today.

Measurement Units

A measurement system is a set of units which can be used to specify anything which can be measured. There are various measurement systems used across the world. The system used in the United States is the U.S. customary system. Here are the common units used in this system along with examples to give you a frame of reference.

Length

Inch (in): The distance between the knuckles on your index finger is approximately one inch.

Foot (ft): One foot equals 12 inches. An official professional football is about one foot long.

Yard (yd): One yard equals three feet. A baseball bat is about one yard long.

Mile (mi): One mile equals 5,280 feet. A mile is approximately the distance a championship distance runner can run in just under four minutes.

Weight

Ounce (oz): A slice of bread usually weighs a little less than one ounce.

Pound (lb): One pound equals 16 ounces. A loaf of white bread usually weighs a little more than one pound.

Ton (T): A ton is 2,000 pounds. The famous Liberty Bell in Philadelphia weighs about one ton.

Capacity

Cup (c): A standard baby bottle holds about one cup of juice.

Pint (pt): One pint equals two cups. A pint of ice cream is just about right for four people to share.

Quart (qt): One quart equals two pints. Motor oil typically comes in a quart-sized container.

Gallon (gal): One gallon equals four quarts. A large container of milk contains one gallon.

Knowing these measurement units will help you in school and in everyday life.

Tips and tricks

How to Take Notes

Notes are a valuable entity to classroom learning. They accompany your textbook knowledge and complement the teaching. Classroom learning comes from a combination of textbook information and outside information from the teacher. It is necessary to take notes in class because not all of the information you will learn will come from textbooks. Consequently, in high school, college, and graduate school classes, you will "take notes" or jot down information for yourself to study at a later date.

In today's day of changing and transforming technology, people are taking notes in various methods. Many people still take notes in the old fashioned method of shorthand (pen on paper). Others record lectures and listen to them at later dates, jotting down the information they believe to be important. And, now students are bringing their laptops to class and typing directly into their computers.

• Shorthand

Shorthand note taking is still the most popular and foolproof method of taking notes. Students bring pens, pencils, and paper (notebook ruled paper) to class and listen to the teacher lecture. They write down important information in specific codes that they understand. Handwriting becomes illegible to everyone but the student. Eventually, students re-write and copy their handwritten notes into legible copies.

• Recording

While discouraged, this method of note taking is prevalent in schools. Students sit in class to listen and soak in as much information as possible. They bring in a mini recording device and tape the lecture (as discouraged as this practice may be). Later, they listen to the lecture and slowly write down the important facts.

• PowerPoint Presentations

Lucky for students, some professors now utilize the PowerPoint functions on their computers to give lectures. Notes are given directly to the students, as the PowerPoint presentation serves as an outline for the lecture. If your teacher gives you a printed copy of the presentation (an outline for the lecture), use it as your baseline for note taking. Write little facts given in lecture directly on the outline provided.

• Laptops

While laptops in class are not especially prominent in high school, they are growing in college, and are ubiquitous in graduate school coursework. Students bring laptops directly to class and take notes on their computers. The benefits of note taking on computers is that many people type faster than they can hand write, and consequently write down more notes (and take in more information). Another benefit of this type of note taking is that the notes will be legible later on when you study your notes.

If you are unsure as to what information to write down (in hand or on a computer), then simply ask your teacher. Generally, the teacher will tell you if information is important for you to write down. If the teacher does not tell you, then you should not write down everything said in class. It will be virtually impossible to write down everything said. Therefore, you must write down just the bare minimum. You will know what is important to write down because it will be written on the board, on a transparency, or the teacher will tell you. It is far better to sit in class and understand what is being discussed, then try to write down every word from the outside. You may look at your notes and understand nothing.

Tips and tricks

How to Take Notes

Notes are a valuable entity to classroom learning. They accompany your textbook knowledge and complement the teaching. Classroom learning comes from a combination of textbook information and outside information from the teacher. It is necessary to take notes in class because not all of the information you will learn will come from textbooks. Consequently, in high school, college, and graduate school classes, you will "take notes" or jot down information for yourself to study at a later date.

In today's day of changing and transforming technology, people are taking notes in various methods. Many people still take notes in the old fashioned method of shorthand (pen on paper). Others record lectures and listen to them at later dates, jotting down the information they believe to be important. And, now students are bringing their laptops to class and typing directly into their computers.

• Shorthand

Shorthand note taking is still the most popular and foolproof method of taking notes. Students bring pens, pencils, and paper (notebook ruled paper) to class and listen to the teacher lecture. They write down important information in specific codes that they understand. Handwriting becomes illegible to everyone but the student. Eventually, students re-write and copy their handwritten notes into legible copies.

• Recording

While discouraged, this method of note taking is prevalent in schools. Students sit in class to listen and soak in as much information as possible. They bring in a mini recording device and tape the lecture (as discouraged as this practice may be). Later, they listen to the lecture and slowly write down the important facts.

• PowerPoint Presentations

Lucky for students, some professors now utilize the PowerPoint functions on their computers to give lectures. Notes are given directly to the students, as the PowerPoint presentation serves as an outline for the lecture. If your teacher gives you a printed copy of the presentation (an outline for the lecture), use it as your baseline for note taking. Write little facts given in lecture directly on the outline provided.

• Laptops

While laptops in class are not especially prominent in high school, they are growing in college, and are ubiquitous in graduate school coursework. Students bring laptops directly to class and take notes on their computers. The benefits of note taking on computers is that many people type faster than they can hand write, and consequently write down more notes (and take in more information). Another benefit of this type of note taking is that the notes will be legible later on when you study your notes.

If you are unsure as to what information to write down (in hand or on a computer), then simply ask your teacher. Generally, the teacher will tell you if information is important for you to write down. If the teacher does not tell you, then you should not write down everything said in class. It will be virtually impossible to write down everything said. Therefore, you must write down just the bare minimum. You will know what is important to write down because it will be written on the board, on a transparency, or the teacher will tell you. It is far better to sit in class and understand what is being discussed, then try to write down every word from the outside. You may look at your notes and understand nothing.

Beware! do you have any of this habit?

Most Common Bad Study Habits

This section should be pre-empted by noting that everyone has a different study habit. It is important to find your personal best way to study, as you may hate music, while others love it. The following list is a generalization of all problems that students have encountered while studying. Some may apply to you, while others not. Either way, we have provided an explanation and "fix" to the problem.

1. Studying with Friends
• Explanation: While fun, sometimes you may lose out on quality study time by socializing.
• Fix: Find one good study-buddy if you like group studying. Otherwise, "just say no" when everyone wants to study together.
2. Too much Music
• Explanation: Noise and music can interfere with the brain's abilite to comprehend new information. It can also distract you from focusing on the material at hand.
• Fix: If you need music in the background, find a specific type (usually classical) that works well for you. Don't keep changing it around. When there are no lyrics, then it is easier to focus on the words on the paper in your hand.
3. Bad Environment
• Explanation: A poor study environment can ruin all quality time. If you are uncomfortable at a chair, desk, room, the temperature is too cold or too hot, you will be unsuccessful studying.
• Fix: Test out different sites until you find the best place for you. It may be the library, it may be your room, your bed, your best friend's backhouse. Who knows? Find what works best for you and stick with it.
4. Last Minute Cramming
• Explanation: While many people swear by the cramming method, it is ultimately terrible at long term knowledge retention and can cause undue stress.
• Fix: Study for days up until the test. Or, if you do prefer cramming, try cramming two nights prior to the exam so that the final night will not consist of stress. Rather it will be a night for review.
5. Eating
• Explanation: Eating too much food during studying can disrupt retention of material. It can also take too much time away. You may want to snack lightly during studying, but not eat enormous meals.
• Fix: Keep a small bag of snacks by your study area. You won't have to leave the area just to pick up food when you get hungry.
6. Drinking
• Explanation: Drinking is a double-edged sword. Never drink alcohol while studying. However, it is important to stay awake and hydrated.
• Fix: Have a glass of water (or soda with caffeine) by your side. Be very careful not to spill it onto your books and papers.
7. Working in your Bed
• Explanation: While it may be comfortable, your bed can also sooth you to sleep instead of study.
• Fix: Sit at a desk in your room instead of on your bed. Do not study on your bed late at night, as you will be tempted to fall asleep.
8. Multi-Tasking
• Explanation: Many people are able to multi-task, meaning they can do several different things at once. This can be good for daily tasks. When it comes to studying, you may not retain as much material as if you were to focus purely on one task.
• Fix: Before a big exam, drop everything else for at least 24 hours and focus purely on the studying. When it is complete, you can return to your multi-tasking.
9. Studying during a commute
• Explanation: Many people enjoy reading on a train, bus, or car to work and school. These environments are wonderful for light reads, but not necessarily for intense studying.
• Fix: Use the commute (if you have one) for light studying, such as memorization, repetition, and review. Do not use this time to learn new information.
10. Outside Stress
• Explanation: It is inevitable to allow outside problems into your study world. They exist and cannot be turned off light electricity.
• Fix: There is no perfect way out of eliminating outside stress to a study area. The best advice we can give you is to find a location that eliminates all superficial stress enough that will allow you even a few hours to focus on writing, studying, reviewing.

use the majic

Using Flash Cards to Remember Information

Flash cards are a powerful tool that can help you remember information such as the meanings of vocabulary words, mathematical formulas, history facts, and the correct spelling of words.

Here are some strategies to help you get the most benefit from using flash cards.

1. Make flash cards as you learn and study.
   Carry a stack of blank cards with you (3" x 5" size works well). Whenever you come across a piece of information you want to remember, write the information on a card. Organize your cards into decks, one for each subject or topic. If you place cards for different subjects or topics in the same deck, you will only become confused.
2. Use both sides of a card when appropriate.
   For example, when learning a new vocabulary word, write the word to be learned on the front of the card and a short two or three word definition on the back of the card. For a historical fact, for example, you might write "George Washington" on the front and "first U.S. president" on the back. Flip the cards over from time to time. Sometimes you will see "George Washington" and will have to remember that he was the first president of the U.S. Other times you will see "first U.S. president" and will have to remember that it was George Washington. Doing this will strengthen your recall of the information.
3. Use flashcards in several different colors.
   Use colors as cues to help you recall a distinctive characteristic about the information on a flash card. For example, if you are using flash cards to remember vocabulary words, use a different color for words that have different connotations. Positive words such as delightful, excellent, and nutritious could go on green or blue cards. Negative words such as resentful, suspicious, and threatened could go on red or yellow cards. You can use neutral colors such as white or tan for words that are neutral (words that are not positive or negative). The particular colors you choose don't matter as long as you are consistent in their use.
4. Illustrate the cards.
   Draw pictures on a card or cut pictures from a magazine and paste them on the card. The more you work at making a card distinctive and interesting, the easier you will find it to recall the information on the card.
5. Don't put too much information on any one card.
   The biggest mistake students' make is putting too much information on a single flash card. Each card should contain just one piece of information.

6. Carry your cards with you.
   Review your cards whenever you have a chance. For example, you can review your cards while eating a meal, riding on the school bus, waiting on a line, during long trips, in bed before you go to sleep, and so on. Make reviewing your cards a daily habit like brushing your teeth or taking a shower.
7. Change the order of the cards frequently.
   Shuffle the cards each time you review them. Questions on a test about the information on your cards may come in any order. If you always study the cards in the same order, it will be difficult for you to remember a piece of information when it is not in the order you studied.

Flash cards are easy to make, easy to use, and are a great tool for remembering information.

Remebring the lessons jsut turned easy

Using Pegwords to Remember Information

The pegwords strategy is a good strategy to use when you must remember a number of things such as five reasons we should conserve energy. Pegwords are words that rhyme with number words. Each pegword is substituted for a number word and is then associated with the information to be remembered.

You can use any word as a pegword as long as it rhymes with a number word. Below are suggested pegwords for the number words one through ten. You can substitute your own number words. Nouns and verbs are best to use as pegwords because they are easy to associate with information to be remembered.

Number Word	Pegword
one	run
two	shoe
three	tree
four	door
five	dive
six	fix
seven	heaven
eight	gate
nine	sign
ten	hen

Here are the steps to follow to use the pegwords strategy.

1. Think of the first piece of information to be remembered.
2. Think of the pegword for the number word one. The pegword for one is run.
3. Form an association in your mind between the pegword one and the first piece of information to be remembered. Create a picture in your mind of this association.
4. Repeat steps 1-3 for each additional piece of information to be remembered. Use the pegword shoefor the second piece of information, tree for the third piece of information, and so on.

Here is an example of how the pegwords strategy can be used to remember three important reasons for preserving forests.

1. Forests provide food for animals.
The pegword for one is run. You could create a picture in your mind of a rabbit running to a bowl of food. Later, when you try to recall the reasons for preserving forests, the number word one will trigger the pegword run, and you will recall the picture of a rabbit running toward a bowl of food. You will thereby remember that one reason for preserving forests is that forests provide food for animals.

2. Forests provide shelter for animals.
(two/shoe). You could create a picture in your mind of a chipmunk living in a shoe.

3. Forests provide lumber that is used to build homes for people.
(three/tree). You could create a picture in your mind of stacks of lumber lying on the ground next to a partially built house.

The pegwords strategy lets you use your imagination to remember information.

Trouble remembring lessons? here is another way

Loci Strategy

The word loci is the plural form of locus, which means place. The loci strategy is based on your familiarity with a place, such as your home. The strategy helps you remember lists of items through organization, visualization, and association. It can work well for you if you are good at visualizing (picturing) things in your mind.

Here are the steps in the loci strategy along with an example. In this example, one of the items you must remember is "nature."

First, identify a place with which you are very familiar. In this example, you decide to use the kitchen where you live as the place.

Second, visualize that place and its features in your mind. In this example, one of the features you visualize is a coffeepot on the kitchen stove.

Third, associate each item to be remembered with a particular feature of that place. In this example, to remember "nature," you visualize a plant growing out of the coffeepot. The more unusual your association, the more likely you are to remember it.

Fourth, visualize each feature of the place and the association you formed for an item to be remembered. In this example, by visualizing the coffeepot with a plant growing out of it, you will remember the item "nature."

To complete this example, here are the other items you must remember: pigeon, somersault, invasion,lemon, and puddle.

Here are the associations with features of the kitchen you could visualize to help you remember the items:

• pigeon - visualize a pigeon landing on the table.
• somersault - visualize a clown somersaulting over a chair.
• invasion - visualize ants invading and swarming all over a slice of bread on the kitchen counter.
• lemon - visualize lemons floating in a pitcher of lemonade in the kitchen refrigerator.
• puddle - visualize the kitchen sink overflowing and forming a puddle of soapy water on the floor.

To remember the entire list of items, visualize each kitchen feature and the association you created for it.

The loci strategy was invented by the ancient Greeks. It remains just as useful today as it was long ago.

Facing difficulty in writing essays?

How to Write an Essay

Essays are sometimes the most daunting assignments in school (and later on in the professional world). To students, the phrase runs, "You either have it or you don't." Writing skills. Some people can take an hour to write a masterpiece, while others slave over a page assignment for weeks.

While they may be terrifying, they are manageable, controllable tasks that anyone can accomplish. There are just a few steps to take and you will find yourself complete with essay in hand and time in the future.

Essays come in many forms: standard Five-Paragraph essay, Compare-Contrast essay, Application essay, Research/Term paper, Essay Exam, and so on. Many teachers and professors will design a specific essay questions for you, that you will then have to answer in their designated fashion.

Regardless of the style, follow the following general steps and you will be able to write an essay of any sort. Writing is not a simple deed. However, as opposed to tests, you will not be forced to memorize data for a single hour. Rather, you can research and formulate your own thoughts, expressing your knowledge in a personal way. This latter example is a major reason many people prefer essays to other forms of factual testing.

1. Read and comprehend the essay topic/question

Reread the question several times to make sure you truly understand what it is asking. People often write an essay that has nothing to do with the topic. Discuss it with your teacher or other students.

2. Research the topic

Go to the library, internet, read some books, look over your notes. Hone in on the specific question at hand and read information pertaining to it.

3. Write an outline

As elementary as it seems sometimes, outlines are the scaffolding for all successful writing. It does not have to be a formal outline, but just sketch out the order of your essay in some method that you understand.

4. Write a thesis statement

The thesis statement is the foundation of your essay. Write that one sentence that argues the point, the debate, the crux of your essay. It will be the final sentence of your introduction and the starting point for the rest of the writing.

5. Write the paper

Just write. It does not have to be a masterpiece as you write that first draft. Just get something on paper that you can eventually mold into a final product.

6. Edit the paper for content

Edit the paper to make sure you are staying on target, following your thesis, and have enough supporting evidence to prove your thesis.

7. Edit the paper for grammar

Give your essay a quick look solely for grammatical problems (spelling, punctuation, transitions, and so on).

8. Have someone else read over the essay

Even the most accomplished writers have editors. Sometimes you can become "immune" to your own writing and are unable to see what makes sense and what does not make sense. Let someone else read over it to make sure that your argument is cohesive.

9. Print the paper

Printers can sometimes distort your paper, no matter how well written. Print it out a day or so in advance in order to take care of any last minute errors.

10. Turn it in!

Stop making mistakes in your essayes

Most Common Mistakes in Student Essays

Fret not, for we've all been there. We've all gotten back essays with red marks strewn across them. Everyone makes mistakes. Even professors. Students, writers, and teachers all need a little reminder of what not to do. So, we've compiled a list of the top ten mistakes made in student essays. You may relate to some, and not to others. Regardless, these are the most "popular" errors and little ways to avoid them in your next paper.

1. No thesis
• Explanation: As simple as it seems, most people often neglect the single most important sentence in the entire essay. A thesis is your basic argument — your "tag line." If you could sum up the debate in your essay in one sentence, this would be it: the thesis.
• Fix: While there are always exceptions to the rule, it is advisable to place your thesis statement at the end of your introductory paragraph. It should consist of the general argument and the ways (evidence you plan to use) to prove it.
2. No conclusion
• Explanation: People sometimes stop writing an essay before it ends. A summary (or denouement) is always required in essay writing.
• Fix: Very simple. You do not need to add anything new (although you can) to this paragraph. Just add an extra small paragraph to the end of your paper summarizing what you have just said. Essentially your introductory paragraph more complex.
3. No evidence
• Explanation: The evidence in essays is with documentation, research, quotations. An essay without evidence proves absolutely nothing and will become pure opinion. Evidence makes fact. Think of yourself as a lawyer and bringing in specific items to prove your point in a court of law.
• Fix: Go to the library. Look on the internet. You must have at least one piece of evidence (quotation, paraphrased idea) from a book, article, documented source, for each idea you try to prove.
4. Misuse of commas
• Explanation: People use commas in different ways. They are generally used in series of nouns and to separate to clauses in a sentence. If this confuses you, then seek out a grammar book or ask your professor/teacher for help.
• Fix: Find a grammar book (we recommend STRUNK AND WHITE). Look through your essay purely for commas. If you are looking at your text for nothing more than commas, then you are sure to take out unnecessary commas and put in necessary ones.
5. Plagiarism
• Explanation: Plagiarism is when you take another person's writing, fact, text, and use it as your own. Unfortunately, some students do this purposely, while others accidentally fall into the trap.
• Fix: Always, always, always cite your facts! Document any quotation and all facts you use in your essays with either footnotes or internal documentation. Do not make the mistake of forgetting to cite information that you have paraphrased. Sometimes (with picky professors) this can be considered plagiarism, too.
6. Spelling errors/Typos
• Explanation: This is pretty self-explanatory. Often, people leave spelling mistakes in their essays (which can be typos, but not necessarily), and lose easy points.
• Fix: Do not simply use your computer's spell-check feature, as it often overlooks words. Do a read-through of your essay just for spelling.
7. Punctuation problems
• Explanation: People also encounter punctuation problems often in essays, which includes semi-colon, colon, period, misplaced participles, etc.
• Fix: Read through your essay solely for punctuation. Make sure you end every sentence with a period, exclamation mark, or question mark in the correct place.
8. Lack of transitional phrases
• Explanation: When new paragraphs begin, they always need a transition, or a sentence ending the previous idea and leading into the next.
• Fix: Go through your essay and look at beginning of each paragraph. Read the paragraphs as independent mini-essays. If they make sense alone, they probably have a transition. If not, add just a simple sentence introducing the idea.
9. Lack of structure
• Explanation: Essays, like buildings, need structure. They need a beginning, middle, and an end. In the middle, they need substance.
• Fix: Create an outline for your essay. Follow it!
10. Repetition
• Explanation: When an essay discusses the same idea in every single paragraph, it borders on boredom and repetition. The writer obviously has little to say (and probably has done little work).
• Fix: Make sure each paragraph has a different focus. Use your outline to guide you.

Having trouble Remembring lessons? here you go

Using Acronymic Sentences to Remember Information

Creating an acronymic sentence is a good strategy to use when you have to remember information in a certain order. An acronymic sentence is a sentence that is created using the first letter of each piece of information to be remembered.

Here is how to create an acronymic sentence.

• Write each piece of information you have to remember.
• Underline the first letter of each piece of information. If there is more than one word in a piece of information, underline the first letter of the most important word.
• Write a sentence using words that begin with the underlined letters.

"My (Mercury) very (Venus) earthy (Earth) mother (Mars) just(Jupiter) served (Saturn) us (Uranus) nine (Neptune) pizzas (Pluto)" is an acronymic sentence that students through the years have used to remember the order of planets around our sun, from closest to furthest. If you accept recent evidence that Pluto is not a planet, you can use "My very earthy mother just served us noodles."

Here are the five most populous cities in Indiana shown in order from highest to lowest: Indianapolis, Fort Wayne,Evansville, South Bend, Gary. Here is an acronymic sentence you can use to remember these cities in the order shown.

"Insects from everywhere seem gross."

Try to form an acronymic sentence that is funny or has a personal meaning for you. You will find the sentence easier to remember if you do this. When you remember the acronymic sentence you create, each word in the sentence will help you remember the piece of information it represents (for example,"Insects" represents "Indianapolis").

Creating acronymic sentences is an effective and fun way to remember information.

Financial Aid

Like everything else, the cost of college keeps going up. Fortunately, there are various forms of financial aid that can help you meet these costs. These fall into three basic categories.

1. Grants or Scholarships

Grants and scholarships are great because the money they provide does not have to be paid back. Some grants and scholarship are need-based. This means that they are awarded on the basis of financial need. Other grants and scholarships are merit-based. This means that they are awarded on the basis of special skills, abilities, or achievement.

In effect, grants and scholarships are "money for the asking." But you have to know how to find them first. Here are three things you should do:

• Talk with your high school guidance counselor. He or she will know about national, regional, and local grants and scholarships.
• Contact the financial aid offices of colleges to which you are applying for admission.
• Check with your parents’ employers to see if they provide grants or scholarships to the children of their employees.

2. Student Loans

The federal government provides education loans through banks and other financial institutions. To be considered for these loans, you must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The government uses this application to determine your eligibility based on financial need. Here are the three types of loans provided by the government.

• Federal Stafford Loans. These are fixed-rate loans for undergraduate and graduate students who are attending school at least half-time. The loan can be used to pay tuition and other school expenses. The interest rate is low, and the loan does not have to be repaid while you are enrolled in school.
• Federal Graduate PLUS Loans. These loans allow you to borrow up to the full cost of your graduate education (less any money you may be receiving from Stafford loans). No payments are required as long as you are attending school at least half-time.
• Federal Parent PLUS Loans. These loans allow your parents or guardians to borrow up to the cost of your education at a low fixed-interest rate.

3. Work-Study

Work-study consists of federally subsidized employment opportunities. The work is typically on campus or with nonprofit organizations off campus. Work-study opportunities are usually awarded on the basis of financial need.

College is expensive. But there is help. IMPORTANT: Meet all application deadlines - there are no exceptions.

Succeeding in College

Just as in elementary school through high school, your success in college requires high motivation and effort, strong study skills, effective time management, and good test-taking strategies. These areas are covered in other screens here at www.how-to-study.com. But college success requires much more. Once you move from high school to college, you will generally find that students are more motivated and competent than in high school; teachers are more demanding; the work is more difficult; and students are expected to be independent. Further, if you are living away from home for the first time, you will have many new experiences.

Here are some ideas that will help you succeed in college:

Have Clear Goals

College success requires commitment and a lot of hard work. You must be very certain about the importance of a college education.

• Be clear about why you are going to college.
• Establish specific goals you wish to accomplish.
• Know what it will take to reach these goals.
• Be certain your goals are consistent with your interests and abilities.
• Be flexible - change your goals if needed based on your experience as you progress through college.

Get Financial Aid if Needed

College is expensive. Even if you attend a public college or university and live at home, you still must pay for tuition, fees, and books. There are many sources of financial aid that can help you meet the high costs of college. Become aware of and pursue these sources.

• Consider all possible sources of financial aid in addition to your college's financial aid office.
• Meet all deadlines for submitting applications and documentation.
• Respond quickly and completely to all requests for additional information.
• Be persistent in following up your application.
• If you do receive financial aid, meet all requirements to keep and continue your aid.

Manage Your Money

• There are many ways to spend money in the college setting for other than education purposes. Take steps to ensure that you do not waste the money set aside for your college education.
• Set a budget and keep to it.
• Be careful about your use of credit cards. Don't overspend. Pay balances promptly to avoid high interest costs.
• Open a checking account and carefully monitor your balance.
• Keep your cell phone under control. Those minutes and fees can really add up.

Stay Physically and Emotionally Healthy

You will need to be at your best to succeed in college. This means taking care of your body and maintaining a good frame of mind.

• Get enough sleep.
• Don't rely on coffee and drinks that contain high doses of caffeine to provide you with energy. Foods such as pasta, peanut butter, non-sugar cereals, and fresh fruit are healthy alternatives to provide the energy you need.
• Avoid junk foods. Fast food is convenient but usually not good for you.
• Use the services of the student health office. These services typically include emergency treatment, low cost examinations, and low cost or free medication.
• Use the services of the counseling office. The professionals there can help you overcome feelings of loneliness, depression, and anxiety.

Choose a Professor Carefully

In college you get to select your schedule of classes. Most classes offer more than one section so that you can choose not just the day and time, but the professor who is teaching that section. Often you will find student ratings of professors on the Internet. You can get even more feedback by talking to other students. Try to choose a professor who demonstrates the following characteristics.

• Maintains adequate office hours.
• Provides constructive feedback.
• Adapts to different styles of learning.
• Grades fairly.
• Is highly competent in the subject being taught.
• Establishes clear and reasonable requirements.
• Provides a positive learning environment.

Work With Your Advisor

As a student you will be assigned a faculty advisor to help you with both academic and career issues. It is up to you to get the most out of this guidance.

• Know your advisor's office location, schedule of office hours, and contact information.
• Schedule an appointment with your advisor at any time you have problems that affect your academic performance.
• Consider your advisor's ideas when selecting your major or at any time you are considering changing your major or career goals.
• Have specific questions in mind whenever meeting with your advisor.

Make Good Use of the Library

You are going to spend a lot of your time in college at the library. Take full advantage of this major resource.

• Get to know the resources of the library as soon as you get to college.
• Learn to use its computer resources and card catalogs.
• Make good use of its equipment such as copy machines, microfiche readers, production facilities, etc.
• Check out its quiet study areas. Sign up for their use if required.

Get Involved in Campus Life

There is a lot more to college than just classes. A college campus is an exciting, dynamic environment that can provide you with many opportunities for enhancing your college experience.

• Join a student organization that is consistent with your interests. You will find many organizations from which to choose.
• Join a club in your major. This can not only help you in your studies but can provide contacts that may be very useful in your future career.
• Join an intramural team. This is a great way to keep yourself in good physical shape and make new friends.
• Attend social events. Your college experience should not be all work and no play.

Yes - success in college takes effort. But this effort will provide benefits to you throughout your life. The ideas presented above can help you to make your college experience a successful one.