Confusing Pairs of Words

Many pairs of words sound alike or nearly alike, but each has a different meaning. For example, affect means to influence something, while effect means the result of something. Words like these can be easily confused with each other.

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Description context clue

The author includes one or more descriptions to help the reader understand the meaning of a word. In the following example, descriptions of President Kennedy as having charm, enthusiasm, and a magnetic personality help the reader understand the meaning of "charismatic."

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Writing a Five Paragraph Essay

As you progress through school, you will be required to write essays. An essay is a written composition in which you express a certain idea and back it up with statements that support the idea. Most frequently, you will be required to write your essay in a five paragraph essay format.

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Definition context clue

The author includes a definition to help the reader understand the meaning of a word. In the following example, "tainted" is defined as having a disease.

The people of the town were warned not to eat the tainted fish. The local newspaper published a bulletin in which readers were clearly told that eating fish that had a disease could be very dangerous. This was especially true for fish caught in Lake Jean.

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Antonym context clue

The author includes an antonym to help the reader understand the meaning of a word. An antonym is a word that means the opposite of another word. In the following example, the antonym "eager" helps the reader understand the meaning of "reluctant."

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Synonym context clue

The author includes a synonym to help the reader understand the meaning of a word. A synonym is a word that means the same as or nearly the same as another word. In the following example, the synonym "pity" helps the reader understand the meaning of "compassion."

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Useful Spelling Rules

Correct spelling is very difficult for many students because the spellings of many words do not follow rules.

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A Word Identification Strategy

From time to time while reading you will see a word you cannot identify. It may be a word you think you know but cannot identify, or it may be a word that is new to you. When this happens, you should use a word identification strategy to identify and say the word.

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Spelling Long Words: The Syllable-Building Strategy

A long word is a word that has more than one syllable (i.e., multisyllabic). A syllable is a word or part of a word that is spoken with a single sound of the voice. Using the Syllable-Building Strategy will help you spell long words such as democratic.

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Writing Techniques

Writing is an important form of communication. Good writers use different writing techniques to fit their purpose for writing. To be a good writer, you must master each of the following writing techniques.

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Ten Steps to a Good Research Paper

To write a good research paper, you must be specific about your topic, know what you want to say, and say it effectively. Following these ten steps will help you write a good research paper.

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Transition to College

Deciding to go to college is an important decision in your life. Getting admitted to college is a significant accomplishment. Succeeding in college is an even more significant accomplishment.

There are many differences between high school and college. Because of the differences, students often find the transition from high school to college to be very challenging. In fact, one out of every three students who enter college does not complete his or her freshman year.

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Get Involved in Campus Life

There is a lot more to college than just classes. A college campus is an exciting, dynamic environment that can provide you with many opportunities for enhancing your college experience.

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Student Loans

The federal government provides education loans through banks and other financial institutions. To be considered for these loans, you must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The government uses this application to determine your eligibility based on financial need. Here are the three types of loans provided by the government.

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Grants or Scholarships

Grants and scholarships are great because the money they provide does not have to be paid back. Some grants and scholarship are need-based. This means that they are awarded on the basis of financial need. Other grants and scholarships are merit-based. This means that they are awarded on the basis of special skills, abilities, or achievement.

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Choose a Professor Carefully

In college you get to select your schedule of classes. Most classes offer more than one section so that you can choose not just the day and time, but the professor who is teaching that section. Often you will find student ratings of professors on the Internet. You can get even more feedback by talking to other students. Try to choose a professor who demonstrates the following characteristics.

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Make Good Use of the Library

You are going to spend a lot of your time in college at the library. Take full advantage of this major resource.

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Work With Your Advisor

As a student you will be assigned a faculty advisor to help you with both academic and career issues. It is up to you to get the most out of this guidance.

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Manage Your Money

There are many ways to spend money in the college setting for other than education purposes. Take steps to ensure that you do not waste the money set aside for your college education.
Set a budget and keep to it.
Be careful about your use of credit cards. Don't overspend. Pay balances promptly to avoid high interest costs.

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Get Financial Aid if Needed

College is expensive. Even if you attend a public college or university and live at home, you still must pay for tuition, fees, and books. There are many sources of financial aid that can help you meet the high costs of college. Become aware of and pursue these sources.

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Stay Physically and Emotionally Healthy

You will need to be at your best to succeed in college. This means taking care of your body and maintaining a good frame of mind.

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Planning for College

Begin following a college preparatory program. Earn the credits you will need for college admission later on.
Begin getting involved in extracurricular and volunteer activities. College admission officials value this participation heavily.
Begin exploring your career preferences. This will influence your later choice of a college and a major.
Work hard to achieve high grades. Your GPA will be an important factor in the college admission process.

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Have Clear Goals

College success requires commitment and a lot of hard work. You must be very certain about the importance of a college education.

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Tips for Choosing a College

Choosing the right college can be a difficult task. There are thousands of colleges and universities to choose from and many are worthy of being considered. Here are some tips that can help you select the appropriate college.

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