New Approaches to Studying for Exams

Studying for exams can be frustrating and it sucks! Most people dread exam time due to the high volume of studying that comes along with it. Studying is usually very boring, but it does not have to be. Exploring new ways of studying can be beneficial to help pass time and make studying easier. Switch up your studying methods by trying the following:

1. Create a game. Games make time pass by easier, and they also make studying a lot more entertaining. Some games that are great for studying are memory, Jeopardy, Bingo, Family Feud, and many more. In order to set these games up, all you have to do is download the game template, and enter the information you would like the game to test you on. Then study away!
 

2. Try creating study groups. Often teaching information to someone else is a very helpful way to study. It also lets you know what information you do not know or that you need to review.


3. Try creating graphic organizers. Graphic organizers can serve as a visual aid for some people and for others it helps them to organize the momentous amount of information they have learned over the course of the semester. This method is very useful in subjects such as history or biology, since there are many time periods or bodily processes to know.


4. Try creating a Quizlet. Quizlet is great online studying software. This website has games, flashcards, and computer-generated tests. All you have to do is enter in the information you would like it to test you on. Then the software does the rest of the work by generating tests and games. It even gives you a diagnostics telling you what information that you tend to have problems with. This method is great for any course that has a lot of factual information.
 

5. Try studying with music. Music relaxes me, helps to pass time by, and it helps me to focus on the topic; however, be careful with the type of music you study with. For some people it may be a little difficult to study with rock, rap, or some other boisterous music in the background. Try soothing and relaxing music such as jazz, R&B, or something a little slow, but not too fast.

Remember that when you are studying not to over-work yourself. It’s not good to study in one setting for hours, so make sure that while using these different studying methods to take breaks in between to get the best results. Just simply take coffee breaks, stretch, or run in place. Good luck on those exams!

"Politics Doesn't Affect Me."

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There have been many crazy things that I have heard in my life. One of the crazier things I have heard is, "Politics don't affect me. That's why I don't vote." Any person who makes this statement is obviously out of touch with society. Just take a look around you:

• Example 1:The taxes removed from your check do not just magically disappear. There are laws set in place that say how much of one's check will be given to the government.

• Example 2: Why do you think the minimum wage in South Carolina is $7.25 an hour? Just because companies want to pay their workers this amount? No, it is because politics played a role. The law says that anyone who is working in South Carolina be paid at least $7.25 an hour to help prevent employers from taking advantage of employees, and so that employees can live off of their wages.

• Example 3: Why do you think poor people are able to visit the doctor anytime? It is because of Medicaid. If a politician had not proposed a bill for medicaid, people who could not afford health insurance would not be able to go to the doctor whenever they needed to.

These are just a few examples of how intertwined our daily lives are with politics, and as a result, all Americans should become informed on the different issues in America, in order to become educated voters. Many people die for the right of freedom of expression; however, it is sad that many Americans do not appreciate the right to be able to take part in our government.