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May 2012

Sylvan Learning of Woodridge Newsletter
630-968-8474 

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SAT/ACT® Tests 

12 Steps to Success  

 
More than three million college admissions tests are administered each year, making the SAT and the ACT® two of the most important exams that a high school student will ever take. To ease the pressure off testing and achieve the best results, Sylvan is offering a 12-step guide to help high school students prepare for the SAT and ACT® exams, often considered the gateway to college acceptance. 
 
1. Take the tests in the spring of junior year or fall of senior year of high school.
 
2. Know the instructions for each section before beginning the test, you won't have to waste time reading them during the exam.
 
3. If you don't know a test answer and can't eliminate any incorrect answer choices, skip the question and only go back if time permits. For the ACT, remember to go back and take a guess on any unanswered questions, since there's no penalty for incorrect answers.
 
4. Never leave an easy question blank. Easy questions have easy answers.
 
5. Read, read, read. Read the questions and answers critically.
 
6. Eliminate answers. If you can eliminate at least two incorrect answers, you generally increase the probability of guessing correctly.
 
7. Save your time. Don't spend too much time on any single question. Make sure you have enough time to answer as many questions as possible, in order to rack up as many points as possible.
 
8. Focus on what the question is really asking. If you don't fully understand the question, finding the correct answer is going to be tough.
 
9. Rushing only hurts you. Work at a good pace and keep track of the time remaining for each section. Enter the exam with confidence.
 
10. End each section by reviewing. If time permits, revisit the questions you didn't answer.
 
11. Don't try to cram for the SAT ACT overnight. Proper preparation takes weeks, even months, of review.
 
12. Register for a SAT/ACT prep class at least eight weeks before the testing date to gain extra studying assistance and additional confidence.
 
To find more information on how Sylvan can help your teen develop the confidence to score higher on test day, visit us online at: www.sylvanwoodridge.com.
 

How to Avoid Email Slang in School Work

Plz practice your writing B4 U head bak 2 school. C U in a few wkz.

 

Millions of children (and adults!) use abbreviated "texting" language to chat with friends, make weekend plans and stay in touch with out-of-town relatives via email, Twitter and Instant Messaging (IM). As students prepare for the end of the year in a few weeks, it is important that this informal writing style of shortened words, improper grammar, lack of punctuation and use of "emoticons," such as smiley faces and other keyboard-created graphics, does not become a habit while writing.
 
Here are a few tips that parents can use to help children boost their effective writing skills and to avoid IM, Twitter and email style language making its way into schoolwork:
 
* Talk to children about using different writing styles to communicate with different audiences. Describe the importance of personalizing messages and why it's important that students know their audience. While it's okay to close a letter with C ya" to a friend in an IM, it is not okay to include this slang in homework assignments. Remind them that formality is required in school.
 
* Have fun with writing. Provide children with enjoyable ways to practice their writing. Involve your child with writing grocery lists, thank you notes, dates on calendars and messages.
 
* Review schoolwork for IM and email-style language. Encourage your children to write properly and take time to carefully review assignments several times before submitting them to the teacher. Review your child's homework to ensure he or she is not using shortcuts or slang.
 
* Talk with children to establish ground rules for using IM, Twitter and email. Work with your child to develop a plan for using IM and email to make sure other responsibilities, such as completing homework and chores, are met before going online to chat with friends. Discuss time limits with your children and ensure they are kept. Consider putting your family rules in writing and posting them near the computer.
 
* Create a writing zone. Whether writing on a computer or with a notebook and pencil, it's important that your child has a well-organized place to write. Set up an area in your home for writing- a desk or table with a flat surface and good lighting. Make sure the area is free from potential distractions and that writing tools, including a dictionary, paper and pens, are at your child's fingertips.
 
Save up to $219
Avoid Summer Learning Loss and plan ahead for summer!  Save up to $219 in the month of May.  we will rebate your May test Fee of $95 at point of enrollment.  we will rebate an additional $124 after the first 36 sessions of our programs. Call us at 630-968-8474 or email us at contactus@sylvanwoodridge.com
Offer Expires: 05/31/2012  Offer valid only at Sylvan Learning of Woodridge  Not valid with any other offer.