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Preface - A concise book on studying and taking examinations has a distinct place in today's competitive world. The many fine, lengthy books which describe these subjects are often too rich a fare for today's rapidly moving young people. The shorter books I have seen are chatty enough, but with a pro­fusion of do's and don'ts largely unsupported, and an air that implies, "If you'll just do these fifty-seven things, everything will be all right." Nearly all books — long or short — leave a regrettable void when it comes to flexible adaptations to suit the variations of individuals, except some which are textbooks for full-dress courses. Worse still, most of them are unfortunately silent when it comes to "Why?"

Introduction - As a teacher and advisor for many years, the writer is convinced that most young people earnestly and sincerely want to learn, but they simply do not know how to go about it, or uh) they are expected to learn the things they have to.

The idea of "pushbutton control" has spilled over into some areas where it does not apply. What is wanted is an easy way to pass examinations. What is hoped for is some simple "short-cut" to learning.

1. The Big Picture - First and foremost in studying and exam-taking are the incentives which drive or motivate us toward a goal. Incentives can be roughly divided into two classes: rewards and threats (or rewards and punishments). Basically, we react toward pleasant things and away from unpleasant ones. If you are "lacking in motivation," or, more correctly, low in motivation, it means that you have not reacted enough toward the rewarding side of study or away from the fear of failure in a way that brings out your best self.

2. Techniques of Studying - At the start of the year line up your work on a schedule of day-to-day routine. If you stick to the routine for several weeks, you may be able to experiment a little and relax the routine. But to start with no routine and then try to tighten up the loose strings produces hardship. Much damage may be done by then.

3. Examinations - Anyone who has skipped over the first pans to reach this section will get nowhere. Studying and taking exams are too closely related. Starting here would be like the man learning to walk the tightrope who read the directions and placed his left foot on the rope;, and then the right, and then fell flat on his face. He skipped over the part about first keeping his bal­ance. There are no short-cuts to prosperity in the business of self-education.

4. Thinking Process - Books have been written, and will continue to be written, about the thinking process, and it cannot be presumed that the subject will be given adequate treatment in these few pages. Yet a general introduction may serve as a point of departure that will help you. Here is a case where some information, however incomplete, is better than none at all.

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