EC Sample Paragraph G
Sample Paragraph G - “The Best Way to Study”
Prof. Judith Alkema
Word Count: 315

Many university students believe that the best way to get a high grade on a test is to study hard for it - often by ‘cramming’,  staying up late the night before and trying to memorize as many facts as possible - but that’s just not true!   Studies show that there are many better ways to retain information than by cramming: for example, taking good notes, reviewing throughout the semester, and getting enough sleep and nutrition.  First, an important step many students overlook is proper note-taking.  You shouldn’t try to write down everything the professor says, word-for-word.  Rather, as your professor is speaking, you should think about the main ideas and concepts.  It’s important to write them down in your own words, because that helps your brain remember them better during the input stage.   Second, you should look at your notes regularly during the course, not just before an exam.  You can rewrite them, ask yourself questions, or even doodle pictures to boost your recall of the information.   And thirdly, you definitely shouldn’t stay up all night and skip breakfast before an exam.  Many students think the extra time to memorize will help them, but science says they are wrong.   In fact, your mind will be clearer if you have had a good night’s sleep, and if you eat a small meal so that your body has energy for the start of the day.   Many studies have been done over the years to demonstrate the truth of these claims, but why don’t you try it for yourself?   Practice better note-taking in the next lecture you hear, re-read those notes a week later, then go to bed at a reasonable hour the night before an exam, and have at least a piece of fruit or bowl of cereal the next morning.  You’ll find that your head and memory are clearer - and who knows - you might even get the bonus question right! 


Sample Paragraph G: Structure Questions [Opinion]
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• Where is the topic sentence? 
  
  
• What is the topic of this paragraph?
  
  
• This is an opinion paragraph. What is an opinion?
  
  
• What is the writer’s opinion in this paragraph?
  
  
• What reasons does the writer provide to support her opinion?
  
  

• Look at the sentences that start each supporting point of the paragraph.
  What transition words tell the reader that there is a new idea?
  
  
• How long is the conclusion section of this paragraph?
  
  
• What suggestion does the author give as part of the conclusion?
  
  
• Compare the topic sentence and the conclusion. Which one is stronger?
  
  
• How many times was the pronoun “you” used in this paragraph?

Sample Paragraph G: Skill Questions

• Circle any words you don’t know. You may add these words to your vocabulary workbook. 
  
  
• Find and underline one compound sentence and one complex sentence. Write “CD” and “CX” in the margin of the page. 

Sample Paragraph G: Content Questions

• Do you believe ‘cramming’ is the best way to study?
  
  
• Do you cram, even if you don’t agree it’s the best way?
  
  
• How often do you eat breakfast on school days?
  
  
• Do you think doodling, or drawing simple pictures to illustrate your notes, could be an effective way to study for you?
  
  
• Who sleeps the most hours among your classmates?  Who sleeps the least?
  
  
• Do you like bonus questions, or do they make you feel more stressed?