Chapter 102. Part 2: Preparing to Study

Read the following questions and choose the answers that most fit you.

Question

1. Do you understand the importance of critical thinking?

   A.

   False claims are everywhere you look. It’s really important to learn how to analyze evidence by thinking critically and to arrive at logical conclusions.

   B.

   Some things can be debated, but I know others are absolutely true.

   C.

   Why do I need to learn more about critical thinking? I’m already pretty critical.

2. Why do you think professors assign readings for your courses?

   A.

   So that they can refer to readings in class and help students expand their knowledge.

   B.

   So that we have something to talk about in class and they can test us on it.

   C.

   So that they can keep students busy.

3. How do you prepare for class beforehand?

   A.

   I read the assigned materials and go over my notes from the previous class.

   B.

   I sometimes glance at the syllabus to see what we’re covering, but that’s all I do.

   C.

   I just get out of bed and show up for class.

4. Do you know what study strategies and memory techniques work best for you?

   A.

   Definitely. I use a variety of methods, but the best way for me to study and remember information is to study in a group.

   B.

   I’ve been trying out different techniques but haven’t found the right one yet.

   C.

   I don’t have any particular techniques for studying and remembering.

5. When do you begin studying for a test or exam?

   A.

   I study as I go along so that I don’t have to cram. A few days before the exam, I review all my notes and reading.

   B.

   I try to keep up with my reading and reviews, but I still do last-minute cram sessions.

   C.

   I learn best under pressure, so I wait until the night before the exam.

6. When doing research for a paper, how do you decide what resources you should use?

   A.

   I use databases to find scholarly articles. I also use library catalogs and ask librarians for help. When I do online research, I’m careful to evaluate sources.

   B.

   I keep meaning to go talk to a librarian. I’m pretty good at doing research online and identifying reputable sources, but I can’t seem to find enough material to use for my papers.

   C.

   If I find it online, it’s fair game.

You chose mostly A's. This indicates that you know a great deal about doing well in college. Keep up the good work and continue to build your skills!

You chose mostly B's. This indicates that you may have some understanding but may need to improve your skills. This book and this course can help you do just that.

You chose mostly C's. This indicates responses mean that you may need to think more deeply about how to be a successful college student. This book and this course can help you do just that.

You chose all A's. This indicates that you know a great deal about doing well in college. Keep up the good work and continue to build your skills!

You chose all B's. This indicates that you may have some understanding but may need to improve your skills. This book and this course can help you do just that.

You chose all C's. This indicates that you may need to think more deeply about how to be a successful college student. This book and this course can help you do just that.

You chose an equal number of A's and B's. In order to interpret your results, consider the following:
 
(A) responses indicate that you know a great deal about doing well in college.
(B) responses indicate that you may have some understanding but may need to improve your skills.
 
Because you chose responses of multiple types, this likely means that you find some areas more challenging than others. That's okay! As you continue reading the chapter, you'll strengthen your study skills and learn many new strategies to help you succeed.

You chose an equal number of B's and C's. In order to interpret your results, consider the following:
 
(B) responses indicate that you may have some understanding but may need to improve your skills.
(C) responses indicate that you may need to think more deeply about how to be a successful college student.
 
Because you chose responses of multiple types, this likely means that you find some areas more challenging than others. That's okay! As you continue reading the chapter, you'll strengthen your study skills and learn many new strategies to help you succeed.

You chose an equal number of A's and C's. In order to interpret your results, consider the following:
 
(A) responses indicate that you know a great deal about doing well in college.
(C) responses indicate that you may need to think more deeply about how to be a successful college student.
 
Because you chose responses of multiple types, this likely means that you find some areas more challenging than others. That's okay! As you continue reading the chapter, you'll strengthen your study skills and learn many new strategies to help you succeed.