| How to Improve Your Grades Posted: 13 Jan 2022 08:00 AM PST It's disappointing when your grades are lower than you want them to be, but don't get discouraged! It happens to almost everyone at some point. If it's early enough in the term, you may even be able to get a better grade in the classes you're struggling in now, but even if not, you can apply these tips to help you do better in your next course. Just keep trying—when you find the study habits that work best for you, you're almost certain to see it reflected in your grades! [Edit]Change up your study space. - Your grades might be suffering because of your study style. Everybody has their own way to study—some people like some music in the background while some need it to be totally quiet, for instance. If you're having trouble retaining what you're learning, switch up your study area and see if that makes a difference! Try studying in a different room, for instance, or head to the library and see if you prefer that.[1]
- Pay attention to what distracts you while you're studying. Do you find yourself shifting in your chair a lot? It might help if you move to the couch. Does your sister always try to talk to you while you're doing your homework? You might ask your mom if you can lock your door while you study.
- You need to have a productive environment to study in. Your study environment should be free of distractions, so turn off your cell phone, clear your desk, and ask your friends or family member to respect your space.[2]
- In general, it's best to keep your study area consistent from day-to-day, but it's okay to change things up while you're figuring out what works best for you.
[Edit]Try new learning strategies. - Mix up how you see, hear, and process what you're studying. When you're tackling something new, for instance, you might start by reading the chapter to yourself, then read it again out loud. Then, you might follow that by writing a summary of the text or creating flash cards. That way, your brain can process the information in a variety of different ways, and it might be easier for you to remember it.[3][4]
- Educators used to think that people tend to have one learning style that works best for them—that you might be more of an auditory, visual, or kinetic learner, for instances. However, we now know that most students learn best by seeing information in a variety of different ways!
[Edit]Rewrite your notes each night. - Copying them again will help you remember what you learned. Take some time after school to read through the notes you took that day. Write them out again, expanding any shorthand and filling in any concepts you might need to remember later. Keep your expanded notes in a separate notebook, then use this notebook as a detailed study guide when you're studying for your exams.[5]
- Try to connect what you learned that day to things you've already learned. Making these connections will help you really understand the topic on a deeper level.
- If you have any questions, write them in your notes as well. Then, go back and try to find the answers in your textbook. If you can't find them, bring them to class the next day and ask your teacher.
[Edit]Don't cram for tests. - Study a little at a time throughout the semester, instead. It can be hard to motivate yourself to study for a test way in advance—especially if you feel nervous about the material. However, procrastinating is only going to make it worse. Once you've finished rewriting your notes and doing your homework each evening, spend a little extra time reviewing what you've already learned during the school term. That way, you'll keep everything fresh in your mind, and preparing for exams won't be so overwhelming.[6]
- Try making your study time interactive by making flash cards, taking practice quizzes, or using mnemonic devices to help you memorize tricky lists.
[Edit]Take breaks while you're studying. - Get up and move around at least once an hour. When you're studying, at some point all that information can start to feel like it's running together. You might feel like you need to push through instead of taking a break, but in fact, your brain needs a little bit of time to process what you've learned! Set a timer or keep an eye on the clock, and every 50 minutes or so, get up and move around for about 10 minutes.[7]
- This is a great time to get a snack and do some stretching!
[Edit]Take your time during exams. - Read through each question carefully. Take a few deep breaths to steady your nerves before you get started.[8] Then, read through the test. If you aren't sure you'll have time to finish the whole thing, go through and answer the questions you're most confident about first. Then, go back and take your time answering as many of the remaining questions as possible.[9]
- Don't let nerves get the best of you when it comes to exam time—you've been preparing for this!
- If any of the questions seem confusing, ask your teacher for help!
[Edit]Practice writing organized essays. - This can help if exams are bringing your grade down. If you find it easy to recall things like dates and definitions but you really struggle with essay questions, you may need to think more about how to organize them. Spend about 5 minutes sketching out a quick outline—focus on 2-3 main points, and include a few details to support each of those points. Then, stick closely to your outline as you answer the question so you don't go off-topic.[10]
- Essay questions can account for a huge part of your exam score in some classes, so it's worth taking the time to improve them!
- Try finding a few sample essay questions online or in your textbook and answer them on your own time to get comfortable with them before your test starts.
[Edit]Always do your homework and turn it in on time. - Make time every night for homework, even if you're busy. Homework can make up a big part of your grade—and that's not the only reason it's important. Doing your homework helps reinforce what you learned during class, so it can actually help you improve your grades on things like quizzes and tests.[11]
- In some classes, you can actually end up with a failing grade for not turning in your homework, even if you get good grades on your exams.
- Make sure to do any assigned reading, as well. That can make it a lot easier to understand what your teacher is talking about in class.
[Edit]Keep your schoolwork organized. - It's hard to learn when you're surrounded by clutter. Use folders and binders to keep all of your schoolwork organized, and place them in the same spot every day. That way, you'll never lose points because you lost your homework. Also, use a calendar or planner to keep track of due dates and exams.[12]
- Staying organized extends to your work space as well. Keep your desk clear so you won't be surrounded by distracting clutter.
[Edit]Pay attention in class. - Do your best not to get distracted when your teacher is talking. This can be tough sometimes, but listening during class is one of the very best ways to really learn the material. Be engaged, too—take good notes, participate in discussions, and ask questions if you don't understand something.[13]
- When you're taking notes, don't just write down everything the teacher says. Instead, you might jot down things like key concepts, vocab words and their definitions, and a few examples. And be sure to write neatly so you can re-read what you wrote![14]
- Especially pay attention to anything your teacher mentions more than once—there's a good chance that's something important, and you might be tested on it later![15]
- Try not to miss any classes, either—you probably won't get good grades if you skip class a lot. If you take online classes, log in at least once a day. In some classes, attendance is actually part of your grade![16]
[Edit]Snack throughout the day. - Keep your physical and mental energy high. You might have noticed that it's harder to concentrate when you're hungry—and that's not just your imagination! In fact, simply skipping breakfast can make you less alert, affect your attention span, and make it harder to process complex subjects. To make sure you're performing at your best, eat regular meals and healthy snacks throughout the day.[17]
- For instance, you might have a bowl of oatmeal for breakfast, an apple for a mid-morning snack, a sandwich and carrots for lunch, and cheese crackers in the afternoon.
- Most teachers won't let you eat in the classroom, but you may be able to keep snacks in your backpack or locker so you can fuel up between classes.
[Edit]Get enough sleep at night. - Go to bed and wake up at the same time every day, if you can. Sleep might not seem like that big of a deal, but it can actually have a huge impact on your grades. If you're tired in class, it's almost impossible to pay attention to what your teacher is saying. And if you're studying while you're sleepy, you won't retain nearly as much of the information, so it will be harder to recall it when you start taking tests.[18]
- Sometimes it's hard to get enough sleep at night, especially if you have to work after school or your family makes a lot of noise. Sticking to a regular schedule will help you fall asleep quickly at bedtime, and the consistency will lead to better sleep overall.
[Edit]Start a study group with your friends. - Some people learn best in small groups. Pick a time when everyone can meet up, then go over your notes together. This can be really helpful, because it gives you a chance to see what everyone thought was important—if you all wrote down the same thing, it's probably really important. However, someone might have picked up on a detail that you missed, which can help make your study notes even stronger.[19]
- Work together to come up with ways to remember key concepts, definitions, and other information that might be on your tests.
- You can even quiz each other to see how well you remember what you've learned!
- Just make sure you pick friends who have the same goals as you—a study group only works if you're willing to actually spend the time reviewing the course material.
[Edit]Talk to your teacher about your grades. - Reach out as soon as you feel like you're falling behind. Be honest with your teacher about why you think you're not doing well in their class—maybe something outside of school is affecting your focus, or maybe you've been struggling with the material. Whatever the reason, take full responsibility for it. Then, ask your teacher if there's anything you can do to bring up your grade, like retaking a test or turning in extra credit or missed assignments.[20]
- Try asking your teacher if they have any suggestions for how you might do better in their class—they might be able to recommend some study guides or extra homework that will help you understand the material better.
- Even if your teacher won't allow you to do any extra work to improve the grade you've already gotten, assure them that you're going to make an extra effort to do better for the rest of the term. Then, follow through with that promise!
[Edit]Get a tutor if you're really struggling. - A tutor can help if you just don't understand the material. If you're trying your hardest to pay attention in class, turn in all of your assignments, and study, but your grades still aren't what you want them to be, you might need a little extra support. Don't feel bad about this! Everyone has certain topics that are more difficult for them, and it's actually a really important life skill to know when to ask for help.[21]
- Ask your teacher or counselor if they can recommend a tutor, or look online for tutors in your area.
[Edit]ReIated wikiHows [Edit]References [Edit]Quick Summary |
| How to Decorate Your Cell Phone Posted: 13 Jan 2022 12:00 AM PST Decorating your cell phone is a great way to make it more personal. While you can always buy a fancy case for your phone, you can create a more unique look by decorating your phone yourself. While it would be better to decorate a separate case, you can still attach non-permanent decorations directly onto the back of your phone, such as stickers. [Edit]Doing Temporary Designs - Cover a clear or colored plastic cell phone case with washi tape. Cut strips of washi tape and lay them across the case. Leave small gaps between each strip of tape so that the color of the case shows through. Flip the case over and cut out the camera and flash holes with a craft blade. Use scissors to trim off any excess tape hanging over the edges as well.[1]
- You can create horizontal, vertical, or diagonal stripes. You can even create a herringbone pattern!
- Washi tape comes in all sorts of widths, colors, and patterns. Feel free to mix-and-match!
- For a retro look, try holographic duct tape trim. It is cut thinner than regular duct tape and does not have the woven texture.[2]
- Decorate your phone with stickers if you prefer something simple. You can do this directly on the back of your phone, or you can decorate a separate plastic case instead. Stickers with a clear background will work the best, because they will look like actual designs. Stickers with a white background won't work as well, because the white border will stand out too much.[3]
- Rather than using random stickers, use different stickers that come from the same strip. This way, you'll have a theme.
- Choose stickers that go well together. For example, you could do unicorns, rainbows, clouds, and stars.
- Don't get too carried away! You only want 3 to 5 stickers at the most. If you cover the entire case, it will look tacky.
- This might add unwanted texture though, which you may not like the feel of.
- Try self-adhesive rhinestones if you want non-permanent bling. Unlike regular rhinestones, which you have to glue on, these come on a sheet, just like stickers. You can find them in the sticker or scrapbooking aisle in a craft store. The downside to this, however, is that they can fall off if you are not careful.
- If you want to create your own design, buy a sheet of individual rhinestones.
- If you want a design, like a flourish, buy a sheet of pre-arranged rhinestones instead.
- For an all-over look, buy a full sheet of rhinestones, where the gems are arranged side-by-side. Cut the sheet to the size of your phone case, and stick it on.
- Use a clear case and printed images for an interchangeable design. Print off a high-quality image that is a little bigger than your phone. Set a clear cell phone case face-down onto the picture and trace around it, including the camera and flash holes. Cut the picture out, including the holes, and place it face-down into the case. Snap the case onto your phone, and you are done![4]
- The case must be clear, otherwise you won't see the picture. The clear plastic will cover the picture and protect it from getting dirty.
- You can use scissors to cut the main shape out, but you should use a craft blade for the holes. This will make them more precise.
- To replace the image, simply pull the case off and take the paper out. Put a new image into the case and snap it back onto your phone.
- Stylize your phone with themes and wallpapers. How you get to these on your phone depends on the type of phone you have. For example, if you have an Android, press and hold the home screen to bring up a menu; "Wallpapers and Themes" should be 1 of the options. An app store, such as the Google Play store, may also have themes.
- A wallpaper only changes the background of your phone, while a theme will change the background, font, icons, and overall color scheme.
- Be wary when installing themes from an app store. Many come with ads.
- The themes available directly through your phone's wallpaper and theme app are ad-free and designed specifically for the phone you are using.
- Add charms to your phone for something cute and simple. There are 2 types of charms that you can use: the type that dangle from a piece of string, and the type that plug into the audio jack. The dangly charms need to be secured to a hook with a slip knot. The plug-in charms are usually just a small figurine with an audio plug at the bottom.
- You can find these charms in mall kiosks and online.
[Edit]Adding Permanent Decorations - Use temporary tattoos and decoupage for a simple project. Cut out 1 to 3 temporary tattoos, then apply them to your case following the instructions on the package. After removing the paper, let the tattoos dry, then apply a coat of clear, glossy decoupage glue. Wait about 30 minutes for the decoupage to dry, then apply a second coat.[5]
- Wipe your case down with rubbing alcohol first for better adhesion.
- Let the decoupage dry and cure completely before you use your case. This may take anywhere from a couple of hours to an entire day.
- Use strips of tape to mask off designs when painting your case. Take the case off of your phone and wipe it down with rubbing alcohol. Next, apply strips of masking tape to create your desired pattern. Apply 1 to 2 coats of spray paint, allowing each coat to dry. Wait for the paint to dry completely, then peel the masking tape off. The color of the case will show between the sections of paint.[6]
- Choose 1 color for the case and a different color for the paint. This will make the masked-off lines stand out better. For example, you could do a white case and gold paint.
- Lay the strips of tape down on a cutting mat, then cut them into thinner strips with a craft blade. This will create a more unique pattern.
- You can seal your case with a clear, acrylic sealer afterwards. Do this after you remove the tape.
- Apply lace behind a clear case with decoupage for an elegant touch. Paint the inside of a clear cell phone case with decoupage glue (e.g.: Mod Podge). Cut a sheet of lace fabric a little larger than the case, then press it into the glue, making sure to get it into the corners. Let everything dry, then trim off the excess fabric. Cut out the camera and flash holes with a craft blade before putting the case on your phone.[7]
- The color of your phone will show through the lace. If you don't like the color of your phone, repeat the process with an additional layer of solid-colored fabric.
- You can seal the lace in with a second coat of decoupage glue, but this is not necessary since it will be on the inside of your phone.
- Depending on the weave of the lace, you may have to cut other holes for the headphones and charger.
- Decorate a case with extra-fine glitter if you like sparkly things. Apply a coat of decoupage glue to the outside of your case. Shake extra-fine glitter onto the case, then tap off the excess. Let it dry for about 30 minutes, then apply a second layer of decoupage and glitter. Wait for everything to dry, then seal it with a clear, acrylic sealer.
- Extra-fine glitter is not the same thing as craft glitter. It is cut much finer and is typically sold in the scrapbooking section of a craft store.
- Apply a sticker after your first coat of glitter, then use glitter in a contrasting color for the second coat. Peel the sticker off before sealing the case to reveal a neat silhouette.
- Bling up your case with rhinestones, studs, and cabochons. Wipe down your case with rubbing alcohol first. Lay out your desired items on top of the case. Once you are happy with the design, secure them with a strong adhesive, such as E6000 or Gem Tac.[8]
- You can combine this with the lace look, but don't get too carried away.
- Decorate your case with white silicone fitted with a star-shaped piping tip. This will make it look like a cupcake!
- Apply extra-fine glitter to your embellishments to make them sparkle.
- Choose items that go well together. Try a theme, such as decora, cute, girly, gothic, or punk.
- Paint your phone case with nail polish if you want a durable finish. Unlike acrylic paint, nail polish is enamel-based, so it is less-likely to chip off. Clean the inside of a clear cellphone case with rubbing alcohol, then do a reverse glass painting with nail polish. Let the nail polish dry completely, then snap the case onto your phone.
- Simple designs, such as marble or an all-over color will look the best.
- You can paint the outside of your case, or even the back of your phone, but you will need to seal it with clear top coat.
- Let the nail polish dry for at least 1 to 2 hours. Do not use gel polish.
[Edit]Decorating the Cables and Chargers - Cover the cables with perler beads. Use scissors or a craft blade to slice open a bunch of perler beads. Pry open the beads, then pop them onto the cable of your cellphone's charger or ear buds. Use enough beads to cover the cable from end-to-end.
- Perler beads are sometimes called melty beads. They're the ones that you create designs with on a pegboard, then melt with an iron. They're not the same as pony beads.
- You can use beads that are all the same color, or different ones to create a pattern.
- Wind embroidery thread around a cable for a colorful look. Tie the end of your embroidery floss to the end of your cable. Hold the tail end against the cable, then wrap the floss around the cable once to make a loop. Pull the floss through the loop to tighten the knot, then repeat the process until the band is long. Cut the floss then hold it against the rest of the cable. Add a second color of floss, and repeat the process until you reach the end of the cable.[9]
- You can use as many colors as you want, or you can alternate 2 colors.
- The bands don't have to be . They can be , or you can make the entire cable 1 color.
- This will work the best on charger cables, but it may work on earbuds too.
- If the cable is damaged, repair it with electrical tape first.
- Bling up your cellphone charger instead of the cable. Cover 1 side of your cellphone charger with a strong glue, such as E6000 or Gem Tac. Apply tiny rhinestones to the charger, and let it dry. Repeat this step for each side, except for the side with the prongs.
- Stagger each row of rhinestones like bricks. This will prevent gaps from showing through.
- If rhinestones aren't your thing, use decoupage glue and extra-fine glitter instead. Seal the glitter with more decoupage glue so that it doesn't shed.
- Wrap washi tape around chargers instead. Take some patterned washi tape, and wrap it around the sides of your charger. Start at the bottom and work your way to the top. Trim off any excess tape from the top and bottom edges with a craft blade.[10]
- Complete the look by wrapping solid-colored washi tape around the cable part as well. You can cover the entire cable or just bands for a striped look.
- Don't get too carried away with the decorations. Do 1 or the other. Don't try to do washi tape, stickers, rhinestones, and paper inserts.
- In same cases, you can combine multiple methods. For example, you can combine charms and themes with any of the decorations in these methods.
- Wipe the surface of your cell phone case with rubbing alcohol to remove any residue and oils that will prevent the glue and stickers from adhering.
[Edit]Warnings - Always read the reviews before downloading a theme. Some themes come with issues, like too many ads or viruses.
- When downloading themes, be aware that some cost money.
[Edit]Things You'll Need [Edit]Doing Temporary Designs - Washi tape
- Stickers
- Paper
- Clear cell phone case
[Edit]Adding Permanent Decorations - Rhinestones
- Spray paint
- Glitter
- Decoupage
- Strong adhesive
- Clear cell phone case
[Edit]Decorating the Cables and Chargers - Perler beads
- Embroidery floss
- Glitter
- Decoupage
- Washi tape
- Cell phone charger
- Cell phone cable
- Cell phone ear buds
[Edit]Related wikiHows
[Edit]References |
| How to Hang String Lights from the Ceiling Posted: 12 Jan 2022 04:00 PM PST String lights are useful for decorating around the holidays, but you can also use them to add soft light to any room in your home. Hanging the lights from your ceiling can add a fun design element and help brighten up your space. There are many different patterns you can try when you put up your lights, such as a zig-zag, a simple outline, or a wall design. When you're finished putting up your lights, your space will feel comfortable and cozy! [Edit]Making a Zig-Zag Pattern - Measure your room and choose how far apart to space your lights. Use a tape measure to find the length and width of the room where you want to hang your lights. Once you know the dimensions, choose the distance you want to have between your anchor points on the ceiling. If you put them closer together, you'll need to use more lights but your room will be brighter.[1]
- For example, if you want a soft light throughout your entire room, choose to space your lights apart from one another.
- String lights can be purchased from hardware and home design stores.
- Hang the first hook from your ceiling near the outlet you're using. Look for small removable adhesive clips or hooks that you can put onto your ceiling without damaging it. Place your first hook directly above your power outlet so you have an easy place to plug it in. Remove the adhesive backing from your clip and press it onto the ceiling for 30 seconds.[2]
- If you don't want a portion of your string lights hanging down your wall to the outlet, try running the lights down a corner of your room or using an extension cord.
- If you want a more permanent lighting solution or if you have a popcorn ceiling, get clips that you can easily nail into your ceiling instead.
- If you have a drop ceiling, place the hook on one of the supports instead of on the tiles.
- Space the hooks along the edge of your ceiling. Install the rest of your hooks across the length of the wall at the distance you chose earlier. Press the adhesive backing onto your ceiling and hold it in place for at least 30 seconds so it's secure. Work out from your first hook towards the edges of your room so you have even spacing between them.[3]
- Offset the hooks on the other wall by half the distance between your hooks. Find the point on the opposite side of your room that lines up with your first hook. Instead of placing your hook directly in line with the one on the other side of the room, move it over by half of the distance you're using. That way, your lights will make the zig-zag pattern on your ceiling. Install the rest of the hooks along the ceiling, working towards the edges of your room.[4]
- For example, if you spaced your hooks on the first wall, offset the hooks on the other side of your room by .
- String the lights tightly between the hooks. Start from the hook closest to your outlet. Run the lights across your ceiling to the other side across the length of your ceiling. When you reach a hook, pull the lights tight and coil the string once around the hook. Continue working in a zig-zag pattern until you've covered your entire ceiling.[5]
- If you want a more relaxed look to your lights, let them hang down slightly from the ceiling instead of pulling them tight.
[Edit]Outlining Your Ceiling with String Lights - Place hooks around the edge of your ceiling every . Use adhesive-backed cable hooks so you don't damage your ceiling while hanging your lights. Remove the backing from the hook and press it onto the ceiling for 30 seconds until it's secure. Keep adding hooks around your room at intervals.[6]
- If you have a popcorn ceiling, you can also use clips that nail into your ceiling instead.
- Start hanging your lights above an outlet or at a corner. Plug your lights into the outlet so you know how much of the string needs to hang down your wall. If you want to keep your lights more discrete, run the lights down a corner of your room and to the outlet. Once they're plugged in, coil the string lights once around the first hook to hold them in place.[7]
- Some of your string lights will hang down your wall into the outlet. Choose an outlet behind a dresser or piece of furniture if you want to hide them.
- Run the lights between the hooks. Work around the perimeter of your room, hanging the string lights between each of the hooks. As you reach each of the hooks, coil the string around the hook once so your lights don't fall down.[8]
- If you want a more relaxed look to your room, let your string lights dangle from the hooks loosely rather than pulling them tight.
[Edit]Creating a String Light Headboard - Put hooks along the edge of your ceiling every behind your bed. Remove the strip from adhesive-backed cable hooks and press it onto your ceiling for at least 30 seconds. This way, you won't damage your ceiling while hanging your lights. Space the clips apart from one another.[9]
- If you have a popcorn ceiling or want a permanent solution, use clips that nail into the rafters.
- Place clips below the hooks on your ceiling. Measure down from the clips on your ceiling and attach adhesive hooks to the wall. This way, the lights are pulled tight instead of hanging loosely against the wall.[10]
- Use pushpins in your wall if you don't mind making small holes in your paint.
- Plug in the string lights and drape them over the first 2 top hooks. Plug your lights into the nearest outlet and run them up your wall to one of the top clips on either side. Hold the string lights tight so they make a straight line up your wall. Loop the light string around the hook once to keep it securely in place. Run the lights horizontally to another top hook and wrap it in place.[11]
- If there isn't an outlet close to the edge, use an extension cord to get them closer.
- Wrap the lights around the bottom of 2 of the lower clips. Run your string lights down from the second top hook to the clip on your wall directly underneath it. Pull the lights tight before wrapping them around the clip once before running it to the next clip over. Loop the lights around the clip.[12]
- Work in an up and down pattern across your wall. String the lights from the lower clips back up to the ceiling hook. Try to end the lights so they're hanging down so you don't have to pin any lights to your ceiling.[13]
- Get white or warm yellow lights instead of colored lights so your room looks cohesive.
- Drape curtains or a sheer fabric over the lights to soften them even more.
[Edit]Things You'll Need [Edit]Making a Zig-Zag Pattern - Tape measure
- Light hooks or clips
- Hammer
- String lights
[Edit]Outlining Your Ceiling with String Lights - Light hooks or clips
- String lights
[Edit]Creating a String Light Headboard - Light hooks or clips
- String lights
[Edit]References |
| How to Write Faster Posted: 12 Jan 2022 08:00 AM PST If you want to improve your writing speed, there are several steps that you can take to improve your efficiency and get assignments done faster. First, you'll want to do all of your research and organize your thoughts in an outline form. From there, you can set realistic goals for yourself and continue to practice until you improve. If you're struggling with the act of writing with a pen and paper, you should make sure that you're comfortable and have the right writing tools. With the right amount of practice and repetition, you can improve your writing speed. [Edit]Improving Your Handwriting Speed - Use a pen or pencil that doesn't require you to press down hard. If you have to press down hard as you write, your hand will get fatigued faster. Find a pen that isn't so thin that it's hard to grip, but that isn't so thick that writing is uncomfortable.[1]
- A mechanical pencil requires less force to write with than a traditional pencil.
- You can purchase a pencil or pen grip to make your writing tool thicker.
- Hold the pen or pencil in a way that's comfortable for you. The way that you grip your pencil doesn't have as much of an impact on your writing speed as your comfort does. When writing, make sure that your hand is in a comfortable position and doesn't cramp or get fatigued as you write. If it does, consider switching the way that you're holding the pencil or pen to improve your writing speed.[2]
- The traditional way to hold a pen or pencil is to support the pen in between your index finger and thumb while the pen rests on your middle finger.
- Angling the paper in a different way may also feel more comfortable for you.
- Maintain good posture. Straighten your back and make sure that your feet are resting flat on the floor. Your lower back and hips should be fully supported by the chair that you're sitting in. Both your knees and your elbows should be bent and you should feel comfortable while you sit. Maintain this posture to reduce fatigue and improve stamina as you write.[3]
- Whenever you feel yourself slouching, adjust your posture so you're sitting correctly.
- If your chair is too low or your desk is too high, you may need to purchase new furniture.
- Use shorthand if you aren't writing for an assignment. Methods like Pitman Shorthand and Gregg Shorthand use symbols to represent words, letters, and punctuation. Most of these symbols are quicker and easier to write than letters and words in English and could vastly improve your writing speed. Research and learn how to use either of these shorthand methods online or at a library.[4]
- Keep in mind that these shorthand methods aren't known by everyone and can't be used for assignments or on tests.
- It may take several weeks or even months to master these shorthand methods.
- Keep practicing. Practice every day to improve the speed and the appearance of your handwriting. The more that you do it, the quicker and neater your handwriting will become. You can try writing at home, or transcribing notes quickly in the middle of class. Use the things that work and avoid things that slow you down.[5]
- If you still aren't improving after trying everything, just talk to a teacher and see if they have any techniques that may help you.
[Edit]Finishing Writing Assignments Quicker - Determine the time of day that you're most productive. Some people write faster and more efficiently in the morning, while others excel at night. Try writing in both settings and determine which time feels best for you. Then, try to get as much writing done as you can during the times of day when you're most productive.[6]
- Even if you're a night owl, you may still be more productive in the morning. Write during different parts of the day to see what works best for you.
- Write an outline for your assignment. Read the prompt or assignment so you know what you have to write. Perform research and plot out the main points in your essay, paper, or story in an outline form. Determine what you want to include in your writing, and then write 2-3 sentences, or subpoints, within those main points. This will keep your writing precise and on topic, which will reduce the amount you need to delete or edit later.[7]
- For example, the main points of your article could be something like, "Describing circuits" and "Powering Electronics." "Describing circuits" could include points like "Explaining a simple circuit" and "Completing a circuit."
- Researching things in the middle of writing wastes valuable time.
- Include your sources in your outline to save time, especially if you have to make citations later. If you're using electronic sources, bookmark them on your computer. Include notes in your outline about how you're going to use your sources and what information you hope to take from them.
- Write your first draft quickly and revisit it for edits. If the words are too complex, jot down an approximation of what you think you're hearing and do your research afterwards."Write your first draft and then come back and edit and review the writing later. This will allow you to get the bulk of the work out of the way and enable you to concentrate on grammar and spelling the second time around.[8]
- Wasting time on smaller details can drain time and make the entire writing process much longer.
- If you find yourself stuck in a section, move past it and revisit it later with a fresh mind.
- Minimize the distractions around you. Distractions like surfing the web, TV, or open chat programs can hinder your efficiency and slow down your writing speed. Find a solitary space where you can write and won't be distracted by the things going on around you.[9]
- Clearing the clutter off your writing desk may also minimize distractions and improve your efficiency.
- If you can, put away your phone, tablet, or other devices you might be tempted to use to check social media or browse the web. You can also use productivity apps or extensions (like StayFocused) that temporarily cut off your access to time-wasting websites.
- Set realistic goals and deadlines for yourself. If you are newer at writing or aren't used to writing on a deadline, there's a good possibility you'll be slower at writing than someone with more experience. Set goals that make sense for you and are within your ability. If you set a goal and you are stressed or feel like meeting the goal is impossible, set lighter goals for yourself.[10]
- Set incrementally higher goals for yourself rather than taking on too much too fast.
- If you haven't written a lot in the past, you won't be able to write quickly without practice. However, once you practice writing a lot, you will be able to write at a quicker pace.
- For instance, you can set a goal that you'll have a certain number of pages or words completed within a day. If you're still working on building speed, daily goals can feel more manageable than more short-term ones (such as hourly goals).
- Use a timer to help meet your goals. In order to improve your writing speed, you'll need a way to measure if you're improving. Set a timer to the goal that you set for yourself earlier and try to meet your goal within the allotted time. If you don't have a stopwatch or timer, there are apps that were created specifically for that purpose.[11]
- Don't let the timer stress you out. It's merely there to remind you of how much time you're spending on an assignment.
[Edit]References [Edit]Quick Summary |
| How to Knit a Patchwork Blanket Posted: 12 Jan 2022 12:00 AM PST If you're overwhelmed by knitting, start by choosing a simple project that comes together quickly. A patchwork blanket creates an impressive blanket. But, it's easy to do since it's made by knitting individual squares and sewing them together. Choosing chunky yarn and large needles will also make the blanket come together quickly and can hide any beginner's mistakes. [Edit]Casting On - Gather your yarn and knitting needles. There aren't any hard and fast rules when it comes to knitting needle requirements for working with certain types of yarn. Choose a yarn that you enjoy and realize that chunkier yarns will knit up faster than thin or fine yarn. The same is true of your needles. If you'd like a larger looser blanket, work on larger needles.
- Consider using size 19 US or 15.0 mm needles and super chunky yarn to create a large blanket that comes together quickly.[1]
- Make a slip knot. Find the end of your yarn which is usually tucked into the middle of the ball of yarn. Make a loop near the end of the yarn as though you're going to tie a knot. The long end should be on top of the short end. Fold the top loop over to the inside of the loop. Pick up the loop and pull it through tightly. Slip this loop onto one of your knitting needles and pull the end to tighten it.
- You'll know you've correctly made a slip knot if you can can simply continue pulling the loop and it comes apart.
- Cast on a stitch. Hold the needle with the slip knot in your right hand. Drape the working yarn over the palm of your left hand so your fingers can close into a loose fist and grab it. Wrap your thumb around the yarn so that it threads behind your thumb (if your palm is facing you). Use the point of your needle to thread underneath your thumb. Pull the needle through so that the yarn is lifted off your your thumb and onto your needle.[2]
- Continue casting on. Cast on until you have 14 stitches on your needle. This will eventually be an edge of one of your patchwork squares. Each square will measure about 20cm (7.5 inches). Transfer the needle with the stitches to your left hand so you can begin knitting.[3]
- Continue grasping the yarn in your palm with your fingertips, this will keep it out of the way and create tension so that you can quickly cast on.
[Edit]Doing the Knit Stitch - Insert the right needle. Hold the needle that doesn't have any stitches on it in your right hand. Insert the tip of this needle into the stitch closest to the tip of the other needle.
- You should insert it under the stitch so that the needle goes from front to back and forms an "X".
- Wrap the yarn around the needle. Grab the working yarn with your right hand and wrap it around the right needle so that it's in between the needles. Slowly pull the right needle down and through the yarn on the left needle.
- You should keep the working yarn between the needles while you do this.
- Complete the stitch. Your right needle should now be on top of the left needle. Pull this stitch off the left needle by lifting the right needle up and away from the left needle. This will transfer the stitch from the left needle to the right needle.[4]
- Try to work near the end of the needles so that the stitches don't become tight on the middle of the needles. But, make sure that they're not so close to the ends of the needles that the stitches fall off.
- Continue knitting. Knit each of the stitches that you cast on until you come to the end. This makes a complete row of garter stitches. Transfer the needle with the stitches to your left hand and continue knitting them to make another row. Knit rows until your square measures 20cm (7.5 inches).[5]
- Make sure you knit into the stitches that are looped onto the left needle, not the stitches of the row you just completed.
[Edit]Casting Off - Knit. Keep the needle that has your knitted square in your left hand. Knit two stitches onto the empty needle in your right hand. You'll use these stitches to cast off the rest of the square that's on the other needle. You should always have two stitches on the right needle.[6]
- Casting off or binding off will work the square off of the needles. This means you'll be able to take it off the needles without worrying that it will come undone. You'll be able to sew this square to another completed square when you assemble the blanket.
- Insert the left needle onto the right needle. Push the tip of the left needle into the first stitch on your right needle. This should be the first stitch that you knit on this needle.[7]
- Lift the stitch over. Use the tip of the left needle to lift the first stitch over the second stitch. This means you'll be lifting the stitch and sliding it off of the right needle. You should now have only one stitch on the right needle.[8]
- Knit another stitch and cast it off. You'll always need two stitches on the right needle so that you can lift up and over a stitch to cast it off. Continue casting off the stitches until you reach the end of the row.[9]
- You should have a completely empty needle and only one stitch still on the other needle.
- Tie off the square. Remove the needle from the last stitch. You should see a big loop. Hold onto this so that it doesn't come unraveled and use scissors to cut the working yarn. Leave about an arm's length of yarn when you cut it. Take the yarn and tie it through the loop, pulling it tightly.[10]
- You'll still have extra yarn tailing from the end of your square after you've tied it off. You'll use this to sew the squares together.
[Edit]Sewing the Squares Together - Knit more squares. You can make the blanket as large as you like, keeping in mind that you'll need to knit more squares. For a large square blanket, you might want to use seven squares across by seven squares down.[11]
- Consider laying out your squares on a large surface so you can arrange them, especially if you used different colored yarn. Alternate the squares so that the rows are vertical next to a square where the rows are turned horizontal.
- Thread the yarn. Select the squares you'll be sewing together. Take a large sewing needle and thread the yarn from a square's tail. Adjust the square so that the square you're sewing it to is turned opposite.[12]
- For example, if the square with the sewing tail has rows arranged horizontally, the square you're sewing it to should be arranged vertically.
- Sew the edges of two squares together. Take the threaded sewing needle and insert it into the stitch of the square that's laying next to it. Pull the needle so the yarn tightens. Insert the needle back into the square with the tail you're using. You should be stitching the two squares together by going back and forth with the yarn.[13]
- Continue doing this till you reach the end of the squares. The two squares should be completely sewn together now.
- Weave in the ends. You'll be left with tails of yarn on your squares that you won't need to sew into other squares. Take your tail and thread it onto the needle. But, instead of using it to connect to another square, simply weave it in between the knots on one square's edge. Make a knot in the yarn and cut it off so that it doesn't come undone.[14]
- Weaving in the end can prevent a loose end from unraveling and can make your knitting look more polished.
- Assemble your blanket. Continue sewing together squares until you have seven squares in a row. Create seven of these rows total so you can stitch together every row and make a large blanket. Or, make a smaller blanket by using fewer squares. You can also make a rectangular blanket by making the rows shorter than the blanket is long.[15]
- Consider adding beads and other decorative objects to your knitting. You could also just sew on the beads afterwards. Also consider adding knit flowers, leaves, or decorative edging.
[Edit]Things You'll Need - 15 mm or US size 19 knitting needles
- 14 skeins of super chunky wool or your preferred wool
- Sewing needle
[Edit]Related wikiHows [Edit]References
[Edit]Quick Summary |
| How to Paint Chevron Stripes Posted: 11 Jan 2022 04:00 PM PST From home décor to ladies' fashion to graphic design, chevron stripes seem to be all the rage these days. While seemingly straightforward, creating your own chevron pattern can get confusing, especially when working on a large surface like a painter's canvas or wall. However, with a little bit of preparation and planning, the process can be much simplified. [Edit]Creating a Template on Paper - Plan out your chevron pattern. Before you start painting, it's best to decide how you want your stripes to look. For example, do you want them to be vertical or horizontal? You can also decide on their thickness, number, and shape. The thinner your stripes, the more of them you will be able to put on the wall.
- Draw a grid on a blank sheet of paper. To get the cleanest and most accurate lines, draw a graph to plot out your design before your start. Using a ruler and a pencil, draw a straight vertical line down the center of the sheet of paper. Then, draw two additional vertical lines on either side of the first line. Each line should be halfway from the middle line to the outer edge of the paper.
- You should now have three equidistant vertical lines going down the sheet of paper.
- Do the same thing with horizontal lines. Using the ruler, draw a horizontal line in the middle of the sheet of paper. Then draw two additional horizontal lines above and below it to create 16 equal-sized squares on your sheet of paper. You will use these as points of reference for your stripes.
- Begin creating an outline for the stripes. Starting on the square at the upper left-hand corner of the page, draw a diagonal line from the upper left-hand corner of the square to the lower right-hand corner of the square. Repeat this on each of the three squares directly below it.
- Then, move onto the next column and draw a diagonal line from the upper right-hand corner to the lower left-hand corner.
- Continue alternating directions and columns until you have completed filling in the remaining squares. You will then have the outline for your chevron stripes.
[Edit]Painting on Your Template Paper - Use a base coat. An easy way to paint in your stripes is to apply a base color to the entirety of the paper (retrace lines afterward, if necessary). Then, once your base coat has dried, you can paint different colored stripes over it.
- To keep your lines clean when painting the stripes, try using painters tape on the borders.[1]
- Keep in mind that you should mark which stripe gets which color as it can get confusing. You can do this by dotting each line with the color it will take, or by marking them with bits of tape.
- Paint each stripe separately. This is a good method if you plan to paint each line a different color - or at least more than two. For example, if you want to alternate shades of blue, you could start with a light blue at the top and then paint each stripe a darker blue until the bottom. This would give you an ombré look.
- Make sure your lines are clearly marked so your colors don't run over and into each other.
- Wait for the paint to thoroughly dry. Depending on the thickness of your paint, this can take anywhere from 10 minutes to a half hour. Once it has dried, gently pull up the tape if you used any. You can also take the time to erase any remaining pencil marks from your original grid.
[Edit]Painting Stripes on a Wall - Plan out your chevron pattern. Before you start painting, it's best to figure out the size and style of your design. To do this, first, measure the height and width of the wall you want to paint with a measuring tape. Once you've made note of both numbers, decide how many stripes you want to paint and in what fashion. For example, let's say you want 5 stripes on your wall with 5 peaks on each line.
- This will help you graph the pattern of your design in the future.
- Use a blank sheet of paper to lay out your design. This drawing doesn't have to be exact, but it will help you figure out where and how to space out your stripes. Simply draw a mini-version of your wall with the height and width clearly marked along the side and bottom. Then, draw in the horizontal and vertical lines of your grid and make sure they are relatively even.
- If you are concerned about getting an exact number for the spacing between your horizontal stripes, try using this simple formula - ceiling height/2x. For example, take the height of your ceiling divided by 2x to get the number of inches between each line. The 'x' in this equation would be the number of chevron stripes you'd like on your wall. So, if your ceiling is 90 inches and you want to paint three stripes, then the formula would follow 90/2(3), and you would get between each stripe.
- Paint the wall a base color. Keep in mind that this base color will be the color of one of your stripes. You also need to make sure you cover the wall in at least a coat or two and let it dry overnight. Depending on the condition of the wall, you may also need to first use a primer before applying a coat of color.
- Be sure to follow the directions on whatever paint you choose.
- Mark off a grid on your wall. Use measuring tape, a yardstick, and a pencil to draw horizontal and vertical lines in a grid pattern across the surface of your wall. Then, use painters tape to mark the boundaries for each chevron stripe. You may also want to use any extra bits of tape to label which stripe gets colored in.
- Refer to your drawing to make sure you are spacing correctly.
- Paint in your chevron stripes. Once the base coat has dried and you've set up your grid, simply paint in the areas between the painter's tape. These should be the lines you've marked with bits of tape. Go over each area with a thick paintbrush or thick roller, and then let it dry.[2]
- Once all the paint has dried, carefully pull off the painter's tape and voila!
- Using a ruler will ensure that your stripes look clean and even.
- Draw very light lines in pencil so that you can easily go back and erase them later.
[Edit]Things You'll Need - A sheet of blank paper
- A pencil
- Paint
- A paintbrush
- A ruler
[Edit]References |
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