How to Make Your Writing More Interesting, By Myriah Strivelli

Do you feel like your writing could use a make-over? Keep reading to learn a few tips about how you can make your writing more exciting. 

To avoid monotony in your writing, include various types of sentences to spice things up. Short sentences can be powerful, concise, and to the point. Yet if you include too many short sentences, this could cause the work to sound choppy. To make short sentences longer, consider combining two sentences with a coordinating conjunction or linking two sentences with subordination. Long sentences can be used to incorporate a lot of information. Yet if you include too many long sentences, the work could become hard to follow. To add rhythm, include a balance of short and long sentences in your work (Weber and Brizee). 

When you find too much repetition in your writing, consider using synonyms. Word document programs have a thesaurus feature, which can be helpful. You may also use a traditional thesaurus or an online thesaurus. This is also a wonderful way to learn new words! Before you use a new word, make sure that you understand the meaning of the word and that it is used appropriately.

If too many sentences in your writing start with the same words, then you might want to explore different ways to craft a sentence. Too much repetition can make your writing become tedious and bland. Experiment by varying the words you begin each sentence with. For example, try beginning a sentence with an adverb, a dependent clause, a gerund, a preposition, or an adjective (Weber and Brizee).

Lastly, always read your work out loud to make sure that it makes sense to the reader. This will help you find errors and ways that you can make the writing flow better. Alternately, you may also want to try reading it aloud to someone else or ask someone else to read it aloud to you.

Remember, the more you practice writing, the more your writing will improve. I hope this article has given you new ideas for how to jazz up your next paper.

Works Cited

Weber, Ryan and Allen Brizee. “Strategies for Variation.” The Writing Lab and the OWL at Purdue and Purdue University, 2013. Web. 9 Dec. 2014.

Hartsook, Fred. “Mary Pickford Writing at a Desk.” From http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File%3AMary_Pickford-desk.jpg [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons 1918. Web. 9 Dec. 2014. 

Critical Thinking Skills in Reading, By Carla Woody

Finding the Facts, Main Idea and Details:

The main idea is the most important idea in a paragraph or passage; look for this in either the first or last sentence of the paragraph.
   
Supporting details give you more information about the main idea, such as who, what, when, where, how much and why.  They may include reasons, facts or statistics, examples, anecdotes, how-to steps and expert testimony.

Making Inferences:

This means using facts that are stated to figure out a meaning that is not stated directly.  To make inferences, look at the supporting details, then figure out what they all relate to.

Inferences are often found in fiction; rather than stating ideas about characters and events, authors often hint at them.  As a reader, you can piece clues together to make sense of characters and figure out the point of a story.

Drawing Conclusions:

In its simplest form, a conclusion is the logical outcome of a general statement, plus a specific example.  Both the general statement and the example must be true for the conclusion to be true.  If either one is false, then the conclusion is not true.  One reason general statements are often false is because they tend to start with all, every, or only.    

In a larger sense, drawing conclusions means combining what you read with what you already know to figure out the meaning of a piece of writing.  Drawing conclusions is similar to making inferences, but it adds another element.  If making inferences involves reading between the lines, drawing conclusions involves reading beyond the text, bringing in your own experience.  Drawing conclusions tests your ability to reason.

Recognizing Context Clues:

Context clues are the words and sentences around a word that provide clues to its meaning.  Even when you can figure out a word from its context, look it up in a dictionary to verify the meaning.  The dictionary will also give you information such as the origin of the word and its pronunciation.

Summarizing and Paraphrasing

Summarizing means providing the main idea and major points of a reading (examples: essays, articles, chapters). It will be always be briefer than the original.

Paraphrasing means restating, in your own words, a passage, a paragraph, or brief reading selection. It too is usually briefer than the original selection.

Identifying Facts and Opinions

A fact is a statement that can be proved.  An opinion is a statement that expresses feelings, beliefs or personal judgments.  A generalization is an opinion that allows for no exceptions.  Watch for words such as think, believe, best, worst, wonderful, should, always, never to identify opinions and generalizations.

Tips for Natural Resource Students, by Charlie Faires

I will never forget my first day in Haywood Community College’s dendrology class as a first year wildlife and forestry student. The professor handed each student a list containing over 100 tree species that we would have to identify, and, upon closer inspection, I quickly noticed that beside each listed tree species, there were one or two very strange looking words. In fact, these words were so strange they seemed like another language! Oddly enough, they were - Latin, to be precise. Shortly after I noticed these odd “words,” the instructor then explained these were the “scientific names” of the tree species, which we were required to memorize for class. And, yes, they had to be spelled correctly.

If you are a natural resources student, I am sure, at some point in time, you have had similar experiences in your education. In the beginning, as a wildlife or forestry student, you probably feel or felt overwhelmed and pretty confused.  Learning how to identify trees is hard enough as it is, but learning the Latin name, too is even harder! Although it might seem nearly impossible in the beginning, trust me; it’s not. All it takes is a few cool study tricks, some determination, and a little faith the size of a willow oak (Quercus phellos) acorn, which is the smallest acorn, by the way.  

First, study tricks

Make flash cards! Use colorful index cards and different types of colored pens or pencils. Research has shown that colors will stimulate the brain and help you process the material you are studying. It might sound strange, but science doesn’t lie. So use colors!

Once you have made your flashcards, take time to review them every day. Make a habit of flipping through them before you fall asleep and just after waking up. Studies have shown that sleeping after processing new information greatly increases retention. And, when you wake up, you will see the results immediately, which is always encouraging. It doesn’t hurt to carry the cards around in your pocket throughout the day. When you are waiting in line at the coffee shop or waiting for your next class to begin, take a moment to flip through them. This is a great use of idle time in the day and is much more productive than flipping through your smartphone. In time, the flash cards will help, trust me.

 If you think there might be a better alternative, come to the tutoring center, and we will figure out your own unique studying style. Everyone is different, and there are countless approaches to learning. So don’t get discouraged if, after trying, a method isn’t for you.

One last thing, get tutoring! People sometimes joke and refer to learning trees and plants as being like a “wall of green,” meaning everything looks the same. This was certainly true for me, so I got a tutor, and it helped tremendously! As I said before, in the beginning it can feel really overwhelming and confusing, so take the time to let a tutor help you adjust. It will give you much more confidence going to class, and it is a really fun way to study! Make it a regular part of your schedule to attend tutoring at least twice a week. Even f you only tutor for thirty minutes, you won’t regret it.

Determination!

“Most people say that is it is the intellect which makes a great scientist. They are wrong: it is character.”

-Albert Einstein

Alright, you have your flashcards and are attending tutoring sessions regularly, so make sure you hang in there! When you have a good schedule and rhythm going, it can get really easy to make excuses to not remain disciplined. Or, maybe despite all your hard work, your grades still haven’t been improving. Either way, don’t let this bring you down! Just like Einstein’s quote above, it isn’t your intellect that will help you succeed; it is your character, so stay determined! No matter how discouraged you might get, make it a habit to keep studying. Communicate with your instructors about your concerns, they want to help, but won’t know unless you ask. If you remain determined and keep a positive attitude, you can succeed. Don’t let it anyone tell you otherwise.

Willow Oak Acorn

When you enter Haywood’s campus each day, have you ever noticed the beautiful, enormous trees planted on both sides of the road? Those are willow oaks (Quercus phellos), which are one of my favorite trees. Despite having one of the smallest acorns, willow oaks grow into one of the most beautiful, enormous trees, which is why they are planted all over the United States. Next time you enter Haywood’s campus, notice the willow oaks and remind yourself that they were once a very tiny acorn. Understanding dendrology or botany won’t come overnight, so have some faith, maybe the size of a willow oak acorn, and you will be amazed at what can happen!

Four Ways to Become a Lifelong Learner By Myriah Strivelli

“Intellectual growth should commence at birth and cease only at death.”

― Albert Einstein

Studies show that those who actively pursue knowledge throughout their lives are more likely to be healthy, wealthy, and happy (Moeller). Here are four ways you can increase your knowledge:

1) Learn beyond the typical classroom setting 

Did you know that there are thousands of free online courses that are offered from prestigious schools such as Yale and Columbia? Open Culture is one website in which you can access over 1,000 college-level non-credit courses, audiobooks, e-books, and more, free of charge!

Also, HCC offers many continuing education courses for career enhancement, personal enrichment, and special interests. These classes provide a fun way to meet people and learn new skills for a reasonable cost. They offer courses in allied health, creative arts, public safety, special interests, and more. Look at the continuing education schedule on the HCC website to find out more information! (Workforce Continuing Education).

Check your local newspaper for free or low cost activities. You may want to join a group, such as a book club, a Spanish club, or a church. Click on this link to view a list of student organizations at HCC. (Student Clubs and Organizations).

2) Always have reading material on hand

There are most likely many times throughout the course of your day when you have extra time to squeeze in some reading, such as when you are waiting in line at the grocery store or stuck in traffic. Read a variety of materials including magazines, blogs, comic books, books, newspapers, fiction, non-fiction, and poetry. Take advantage of the library for free resources. Improve your vocabulary by learning the meaning of new words. When you come across a word you don’t know, look it up!

3) Write a bucket list of things you want to learn

Write a list of things you would like to learn in your lifetime. This will give you goals and help you understand yourself better. Choose one or two priorities to work on at a time, as to not overwhelm yourself. Create a timeline, and break it up into small steps to reach your goals. Be realistic with yourself to avoid disappointment. 

4) Surround yourself with others who are passionate about scholarship

It is a great privilege to associate with people who actively seek knowledge. When you surround yourself with intelligent people, you will be challenged to succeed to a higher level. Being around those who have room to grow will also be fulfilling, as you can help them along their learning path. Keep up with the news and current events, and you will always have something to converse about. Lastly, stay tuned with the Learning Support Services blog and Facebook page to read informative articles and to connect with a scholarly community.

Please share some of your favorite ways to incorporate learning into your daily routine!

Works Cited

Moeller, Philip. “Why Learning Leads to Happiness.” US NEWS & WORLD REPORT. April 10,

            2012. Web. 9 October, 2014.

Open Culture. 2006-2014. Web. 9 October, 2014.

“Student Clubs and Organizations.” Haywood Community College. 2003-2014. Web. 9 October,

            2014.

“Workforce Continuing Education.” Haywood Community College. 2003-2014. Web. 9 October,

            2014.

Tips on Studying for a Math Class By Sarah Carothers, Haywood Community College Math Tutor

How to Study in Class

• Review concepts learned in previous math classes before beginning a new one.
• Don’t put off homework and avoid missing class. Most classes are easy at the beginning of the semester since teachers take time to review concepts from previous classes.
• Read the textbook and review previous lecture notes before lectures.
• Set multiple hours aside each week to study.
• Copy examples instructors write on the whiteboard into your notes. List the step-by-step process required to solve these problems.
• Complete practice problems listed in the textbook.
• Memorize formulas.
• Get assistance when needed from your teacher or a tutor.

Math Homework

• Complete homework assignments immediately after class since lecture concepts will remain fresh in your mind. Set time aside each day to work on math homework. Students often make the mistake of procrastinating math homework until the weekend.
• Review lecture notes and work through example problems from class.
• Organize study groups with classmates.
• Receive help from tutors.
• Don’t move onto a new set of problems until you fully comprehend the ones you’re currently working on.
• Complete all assigned homework problems and complete extra ones if time permits.
• Thoroughly read word problems. Students often miss word problems on tests because they neglect to carefully read instructions.
• Draw visual aids and diagrams to understand confusing or complicated word problems.

Studying for Math Tests

• Study hard throughout the semester. Many students become over confident after earning high grades on easy tests.
• Thoroughly understand underlying concepts since word problems are often presented confusingly to test understanding.
• Participate in review sessions organized by teachers or classmates.
• Memorize mathematical formulas.
• Work through problems missed on quizzes.
• Prepare for tests by studying textbook practice tests, reviewing lecture notes, and working through various types of problems. If possible, obtain practice tests from previous years.
• Since most tests are timed, practice timed problems.

Taking Math Tests

• Do not neglect sleep the night before test day. Grogginess affects mental processing.
• Write formulas in test margins immediately after receiving the test. Complete simple problems first to save time for more difficult ones.
• Don’t become discouraged while working through difficult problems. Follow the step-by-step process you practiced while studying. Always show your work since professors often give partial credit.

What to Do After a Math Test

Review missed problems once your test is returned to you. Re-work through missed problems since final exams are typically comprehensive.