The eNotes Blog 3 Tips to Overcome TestAnxiety

3 Tips to Overcome TestAnxiety For many of you end of year finals are here, or if not, theyre lurking behind the next corner. If this thought makes your stomach drop or your  palms sweat, we have some helpful tips for working past your test anxiety and getting the grade you deserve. Read on, and good luck! Its time for that final push before the end of another school year. Whatever form they might take SATs, ACTs, midterms or finals exams are just around the corner, and no matter how well youve prepared you  still  get those test-day jitters. If this sounds like you, dont fear! Here are three study tips to help you calm your nerves before your next test or exam Dont cram before your test. You should begin studying for your exam well in advance of D-Day. Some review the night before is wise, but leaving your studying until the last minute can turn any nervous test taker into a nervous wreck. Instead, finish early the night before and move on to the next step below.   Practice meditation. You dont have to be a yogi to meditate; meditation is simply the act of clearing the mind of external, nagging thoughts. You probably practice meditation throughout the day without even realizing it! Now try it consciously by breathing deeply, relaxing your body one muscle at a time, and emptying your thoughts of exam stress.  A recent study  also shows the positive effect meditation can have on grades, which means this tactic can not only help you to relax, but to actually improve your score as well. For help with how to relax your body and empty your mind, try listening to  this guided meditation  specifically for students. Follow these steps the night before your exam and not only will you have a great nights sleep, but youll be calm and set for your big test too. During your test its easy for nerves to give way to panic. But if you go down that route, you could spend half your time fretting over questions instead of actually answering them. Try to keep yourself grounded in the exam itself by focusing your concentration on one question at a time. To build up your confidence, you may want to answer easier questions first before moving on to more difficult ones. And of course, begin your exam by skimming through as much of the test packet as youre permitted to. This will give you a good idea of how to manage your time wisely. And if it gets tough, remember: just breathe. You know the material, so dont let shaky nerves hold you back from the grade you deserve! Here are five more quick tips and tricks to remember on test day: Dont worry about how quickly other people finish their tests, and dont be afraid to take your time. Rushing isnt necessarily a sign of competence. Taking a Math or Science test? Write down important formulas you may need to remember during the test in a margin. For tests in other subjects you can also use this trick for important dates or definitions that are easy to forget. Exercise in the days leading up to your exams to reduce stress. Dont forget to read the directions for every test section before you begin! Show up to the test site early so you dont have to stress about possibly being late. Good luck with finals!

5 Ways to Reduce Use of Prepositions

5 Ways to Reduce Use of Prepositions 5 Ways to Reduce Use of Prepositions 5 Ways to Reduce Use of Prepositions By Mark Nichol Prepositions, words that indicate relations between nouns, pronouns, and verbs (mostly small ones like for, in, of, on, to, and with but sometimes more substantial, as in the case of beneath or between), are often integral to a sentence, but writers can clutter sentences by being overly dependent on them. Here are five strategies for minimizing the number of prepositions you use: 1. Eliminate Prepositions by Using Active Voice Shifting from passive voice to active voice, as in the revision of â€Å"The watch was obviously designed by a master craftsman† to â€Å"A master craftsman had obviously designed the watch† takes a preposition out of action. (But take care that the inversion of the sentence structure doesn’t incorrectly shift emphasis or diminish dramatic effect.) 2. Substitute an Adverb for a Prepositional Phrase In the writer’s toolbox, adverbs are stronger tools than prepositional phrases. Revision of the sentence â€Å"The politician responded to the allegations with vehemence† to â€Å"The politician responded vehemently to the allegations† strengthens the thought and deletes the weak preposition with. 3. Use a Genitive in Place of a Prepositional Phrase An easy test to help reduce the number of prepositions is to search for the genitive case, or a possessive form: If a sentence could use the genitive case but doesn’t, revise the sentence. For example, â€Å"She was disturbed by the violent images in the movie† gains more impact (and loses a preposition) by reversing the sentence’s subject and object: â€Å"She was disturbed by the movie’s violent images.† (Combine this strategy with a shift from passive voice to active voice, and you jettison two prepositions and further strengthen the statement: â€Å"The movie’s violent images disturbed her.†) Another use of this technique is to revise a phrase including a reference to a location within a location, as in â€Å"the Museum of Modern Art in New York City,† which can be more actively and efficiently rendered as â€Å"New York City’s Museum of Modern Art.† 4. Omit Prepositions by Eliminating Nominalizations Writers and editors aid clarity and conciseness by uncovering nominalizations, otherwise known as buried, or smothered, verbs. In doing so, they also negate the need for a preposition. For example, the sentence â€Å"Their attempt to provide a justification of the expense was unsuccessful,† simplified to â€Å"Their attempt to justify the expense was unsuccessful,† not only transforms the verb+article+nominalization clump â€Å"provide a justification† into the streamlined verb justify but also makes of unnecessary. (I originally wrote â€Å"but also makes the use of of unnecessary,† but then deleted the superfluous phrase â€Å"the use of† and thereby deleted a preposition.) 5. Delete Prepositional Phrases Prepositional phrases (preposition+article+noun) provide context, but they’re not always necessary. In a sentence like â€Å"The best outcome for this scenario would be an incremental withdrawal,† note whether the meaning is clear without the phrase, and if so, strike it out: â€Å"The best outcome would be an incremental withdrawal.† Want to improve your English in five minutes a day? Get a subscription and start receiving our writing tips and exercises daily! Keep learning! Browse the Grammar category, check our popular posts, or choose a related post below:75 Synonyms for â€Å"Angry†Dawned vs. DonnedEach vs. Both

Training and Development Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Training and Development - Essay Example It contributes greatly in the future of any business concerning with its performance as well as its productivity. This paper highlights the challenges of identifying training needs and importance of clear and measurable objectives. Moreover this paper also entails the role of adult learning principles in time of planning implementation strategies and the impact of workplace environment on the transfer of training. The Challenges of Identifying Training Needs In this essay, it is clear that the related case studies i.e. ‘Developing a training package at Westcan’ and ‘Meeting organisational politics’ demonstrated certain challenges related with identifying the training needs. The challenges of identifying training needs of related the cases are as follows: Lack of Training Packages As per the case studies, the one of the major challenges related with identifying the training needs can be attributed with the lack of training packages. In relation to the case ‘Developing a training package at Westcan,’ it has been identified that although the managers were enthusiastic about the training but due to the lack of adequate funds with Westcan Hydraulics, it was not possible for to offer training to the managers. Correspondingly, it can be argued that without adequate funds, it is quite difficult to identify and assess the training needs (Blanchard & Thacker, 2007). ... Hence, such inability of top level managers can be considered as another challenge in the course of assessing the training needs (Blanchard & Thacker, 2007). Decision Makers In the case of ‘Meeting organisational politics,’ it can found that an John a professional working in the department of training proposed for interpersonal skill program for the section manager to develop interpersonal relationship but no one in the organisation take a vast decision for this program. Hence, lack of decision making initiatives also serves as a serious challenge for the assessing the training needs (Delahaye, 2011). Support of Management The most important challenge of identifying training needs can be associated with the degree of support from the management. Without proper support from the management, it is relatively difficult to identify the training needs. Similarly, the analysis of the case ‘Meeting organisational politics,’ it was found that when John asked the mana gement about the development programs in interpersonal relations for the section manager, the assistant director was reluctant to support the program which acted as a barrier for undertaking proper training need assessment (Delahaye, 2011). The Importance of Clear and Measurable Objectives It has been ascertained from the analysis of the case i.e. ‘A training experience’ that clear and measurable objective of the training and development objectives is essential requirement attaining favourable outcome. It has been identified that clear and measurable training and development objectives facilitates organisation to design its training program in the most influential manner (Clifford & Thorpe, 2007). Reduces Training and Recruitment Costs Another importance of clear and measurable

Gregory of Nyssa Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Gregory of Nyssa - Research Paper Example Gregory was born in a saintly family, during A.D. 335, being the third son, with two brothers and three sisters. He was the younger brother of the great St. Basil. As he got his education at home, he did not have much interaction with the outside world, during his early years. While he visited the Chapel for the Mother’s Convent, to attend to the services conducted in honor of ‘Forty Martyrs of Sebaste’, he got a dream where the martyrs ridiculed him for not getting baptized. Accordingly, he agreed for the baptization, at his adult age, and determined to become a reader also. Gregory followed the profession of teaching, before finally joining the monastery in Pontus, as his brother and friend Gregory of Nazianzus pursued him to do so. While reading the Holy Scriptures, he also wrote many descriptions about the natural beauty. Bishop of Nyssa Gregory was appointed Bishop of Nyssa in A.D. 370. However, he faced difficulties, as he believed in Orthodox faith. In addi tion, due to his defense of ‘The Holy Trinity and the Incarnation’, Arian and Sabellian authorities targeted him. The prosecution sent him summons to appear before the Synod of Ancyra, for misuse of church funds and being improperly ordained. He got very upset with such allegations and fell ill. His brother Basil made efforts to clean his tarnished image and was successful in getting the Synod of Bishops declare him innocent, as he was not fit to travel to Ancyra for attending the trial. However, his opponent arranged for trial at Nyssa, while Gregory refused to attend it. Finally, he was banished and deposed in the year 376. He had to change his residency many times, as he was subjected to harassment and cruelty at many places, which resulted in his despondency. However, the death of Emperor Valens in 378 changed his fortunes as the succeeding Emperor declared that all orthodox bishops must be allowed to return to their positions. Gregory went back to Nyssa and was wel comed there. Gregory succeeds Basil After the death of his brother Basil, whose funeral was preached by Gregory, he succeeding Basil and followed the Nicene Faith vigorously. Later he went on pilgrimage to Arabia, Babylon and Jerusalem, as the Emperor provided him the required carriages. Gregory’s death He died in the year A.D. 395. However, his legacy as the aggressive defender of Orthodox Faith and great teacher earned him acclaim as ‘Father of Fathers’ and ‘Star of Nyssa’. His faith in all religions and unknown destiny is expressed in his words,†all religious truth consists in mystery†.(Heroes of Fourth Century) Life of Moses The book is a treasure for Christians, as it deals with the virtue and perfection detailed in Christianity. This fourth century scripture by Gregory of Nyssa was originally written in Greek. English and French translations of this book are available today. As the book has two parts, first part details the ‘h istory of Moses’ in 77 paragraphs and the second part deals with the ‘contemplation on life of Moses’, in 321 paragraphs. Explaining a few excerpts The book has referred to verbal roots, as showing affection or having a friend. This has been mentioned in the book as a meditating tool to overcome physical and mental struggle. Another excerpt is regarding ‘Horses are eager to run’. This refers to the human nature of being over-zealous and always busy like winning in a racecourse. (The life of Moses) Referring to a child being given an ark, it details that the ‘ark’ is for crossing the stream safely. The ‘ark’ is the education that the child must have to fight the challenges of life, as it holds the child above the waves of the stream. Virtue is the ‘ark’ shaped carriage for human beings to fight the struggles and it can be acquired through education and patience. (The life of Moses) Contributions in spirituality G regory of Nyssa has contributed to the Christianity in giving us the holy script called, ‘

The trend today among youths Essay Example for Free

The trend today among youths Essay Question 2: The trend today among youths is to own the latest technological gadgets such as mobile phones and other devices. Is this a healthy development among young people? Give your opinion. You should write at least 350 words. In this modern world of ours, technological devices such as mobile phones and other gadgets are no longer foreign to us. Most of the young people today are treating these luxuries as a necessity as they compete to own the latest devices, leading to the adults’ questioning whether this is a healthy or an unhealthy development for youths today. In my own humble opinion, this issue will be a never-ending argument because it solely depends on the user itself to determine their purpose of using these devices. Thus in this essay, this issue can be discussed in terms of both healthy and unhealthy development and some recommendations. Firstly, with these newest devices, young people can access information wherever there are with just a touch of their fingers. This can help to expand their knowledge about the current issues of our world which will be a key role to take their mind to a higher level. They can also use these facilities to help them in their studies. All of these can help our country to produce more intellectual people which indeed is a healthy development by contributing to a more productive nation. In the old days, we had to do a lot of work and research in order to finish our school assignment, which is time consuming and tiring. Now we can obtain any information we need for our assignment without having the need to go to the library anymore. This can help the students to save more time for them to do other things. Furthermore, students can also increase their efficiency of work. The government also supports this by launching the ‘Wireless Village’ programme so that both rural and urban people can access the internet without having to subcribe to any internet packages. Overall, students can perform better and become more productive in their work, so this is certainly a healthy development. Moreover, young people that chase after these latest technological devices can help to strengthen the country’s commerce through the constant supply and demand of gadgets. This can help the government to focus more on developing this technology or subsidising companies in this industry as it can guarantee good profits. Besides, in line with the previous years’ budgets, the government is giving out ‘smart phone rebates’ to citizens above the age of 21. All of this can help to improve our economic level and lead to a more developed country, therefore another sign that it is a healthy development. On the other hand, this trend to own the latest technology devices could lead to a waste of money. Even though these devices are useful to us, but the fact is that most young people are chasing the latest devices regardless of cost. Mind the word ‘latest’ as they only want the latest edition that is being released in the market almost once per year for different brands such as Samsung and Sony. In order to keep up with the trend, these young people are willing to waste their money or more accurately their parents’ hard-earned money. Instead, they could use the money for better purposes like buying books or stationery. Furthermore, as time goes by, they might eventually become ungrateful for what they already have and keep nagging for new gadgets. This is unhealthy as it breeds materialism. In addition, if one did not have proper discipline within oneself while using these devices, one will easily become a victim to various addictions such as social networking and games. This can cause the young users to become distracted and greatly decrease their work efficiency. As for students, their performance at school might become affected. To add to the matter, young people can easily access inappropriate content such as porn and violent materials at a young age, unsupervised. All of this can retard their mind’s growth and become influenced by negative things. In the end, these devices become a bane to them instead of a boon to the development of society. Hence, for us to fully utilise the advantages of technology, I humble share some of my recommendations. Firstly, parents play a big role as they  spend the most time with their children thus they should watch strictly over their children’s usage of these devices per day by limiting it. Next, the government can work on preventing or blocking many harmful websites in our country so that young people have no access to it. In conclusion, I believe that in the end, it depends on the user itself whether to abuse or to use the devices to their disadvantage or advantage. We can draw an analogy from guns – used by the police it enforces the law; by a criminal it abets the crime. It would be illogical to put the gun in jail instead of the person who pulls the trigger. Similarly, it is we ourselves that click the mouse or swipe the screen of our gadget so we must use it responsibly to contribute towards a happier and healthier development in society today.

Borges and Bertolucci :: essays papers

Borges and Bertolucci There are a number of differences between Bernardo Bertolucci's movie "The Spider Stratagem" and the story on which it is based, Jorge Louis Borges' "The Theme of The Traitor and The Hero;" however, overall Bertolucci does a pretty accurate portrayal of the essence, at least, of Borges' story. Besides changing the "setting" of the plot, there is also much more information relayed in the movie. This is very much due to that the story is simply a suggestive piece, while the movie had to fill in all of the blanks. In the movie, Bertolucci had to add characters, motivations, and many vast details that are left out of the story. To begin with, Borges is very vague in his ideas on the semantics of his story. He begins filling in the details somewhat with the story taking place in Ireland†¦. But Borges himself says that this is simply, "(for narrative convenience)." (Borges 72) Borges then expands on his idea within an Irish backdrop†¦ Bertolucci keeps the story intact, and simply transplants it to Italy in the twentieth century. The names are all changed; but that is because Borges chose Irish names which would not work in the new setting. The entirety of Borges' story is written in vague possibilities of ideas. He uses "for example" a number of times throughout the story and only offers these examples to give the reader an idea†¦ not the actual plot. It is more the plot than the setting which concerns Borges†¦ and Bertolucci does exact Borges' plot with his movie. At the beginning of the story, Borges says that our narrator is writing an autobiography of his great-grandfather, the hero. However, in the movie, Bertolucci's narrator is summoned to his father (not great-grandfather)'s hometown by his father's ex-mistress. (Borges does not mention an "ex-mistress.") He has no interest in knowing about his father. It is only in concern of the health of this ex-mistress that he actually chooses to stay. (She has a propensity for fainting on cue.) It is for her that he actually undertakes the pursuit of the truth of who the traitor was that caused the death of his father, as opposed to in Borges' story where the narrator undertakes the truth for the purposes of his biography. Bertolucci had to take some artistic licenses with character motivations in order to make the movie's pace keep going.

“Imagining the Immigrant” by John J Savant Essay

A Rhetorical Analysis of â€Å"Imagining the Immigrant† by John J Savant According to the emeritus professor, John J Savant, imagination is centripetal, a discipline contemplation of reality that takes us beneath appearances and into the essence of what we contemplate.(374 ) In Savant’s essay, he was ,generally speaking, towards an audience to the people of our country and also the government. .The essay focuses on the importance of immigrant laws in guarding the right of immigrants in the United States. Savants successfully expresses his ideas and problems in this essay by using the rhetorical appeal of pathos, the call to the audience’s emotions, and to also gain support from the crowd and connect them to the issues he acknowledges on an emotional level. Savant effectively makes use of pathos throughout his introduction and captures the reader’s attention from the beginning by saying, â€Å"Great detectives, we are told, are able to think like criminals. Similarly, effective therapist learn to enter into the fantasies of their patients† (374), immediately appealing to â€Å"emotions†. He felt that most individuals can relate to his saying because it all has to do with our own imagination on how we think of certain things- being able to put themselves in someone else’s shoes. He mentions those stories about Eusebio and Marta who are living in poverty. Yet, mostly everyone knows there are real lawbreakers in our presence, and they are not alone. Savant overemphasized during this part of his essay, which makes his audience feel manipulated. He made no real argument; it was all based on his passion and imagination. The target audience is mainly towards the government and the people of our country. He wants the reader to think outside of the box, putting themselves in his/her shoes. â€Å"If we are not to betray the dream, we simply must imagine better† (375). At this point, his audience does not feel influenced, and he failed with where his argument was going. He wants his audience to imagine, imagine, Imagine, which makes it hard on the reader because he did not give enough argument as to why imagination in America is the cause of its downfall. John Savants purpose of this essay was to encourage the reader to be more open-minded when it comes to illegal immigrants. As a nation, he felt they should be able to balance the difference between moral and legal issues and to be able to come together in order to create something perfect. His purpose was to get them to understand, are they able to get past venerable logic to discover, grasp, promote morally required options, demanded in loving their neighbors. To sum up, Savant could have made his essay stronger than what it is. His argument was not strong enough in order for his audience to fully get where he is coming from. He over exaggerated in some parts of the essay making it seem like he wants them to feel sympathy. Savant was very big on imagination, not real life issues. He made no argument based on reality, historical situations, the economy, or even the government, it was all based on his own imagination and emotion.