| How to Study for a Spelling Bee Posted: 09 Sep 2017 05:00 PM PDT Spelling bees have a long history of fostering healthy competition and academic excellence. If you have ever dreamed of competing in a spelling bee, watched one on television, or simply wanted to become better at spelling and memorization, then it's probably time to start studying. Spelling bees are offered through school, regional, and national organizations—studying for them should be taken seriously because competition can be fierce! EditGetting Ready - Get the word list for your spelling bee. This list will reflect the difficulty level of the types of words you will be tested with. It will be the base for your own personal list of words to study. Keep in mind, however, that the list will not necessarily contain the exact words you will be tested with.[1]
- Your school or the spelling bee organization (Scripps, for example) should provide you with this.
- Simply memorizing this list will not be sufficient studying because it is meant to be used as a guide, rather than quiz material. It's best to also cover difficult words from anywhere, as spelling bees will turn to secret "off-list" words later in the competition.
- Isolate words you don't know on the list. Keeping these words separate from the ones that you do know will give you an idea of how much studying you need to do. If you know the majority of the words on your list, consider trying the next level up of spelling bee.[2]
- Buy a Merriam Webster Unabridged, Eleventh Edition dictionary. This is the official dictionary used by the Scripps National Spelling Bee Association. Reading the dictionary, looking words up, and memorizing official pronunciations will comprise the bulk of your studying habits.[3]
- If you don't want to purchase a dictionary, you can borrow one from your local library (although it may not be the current edition), or visit the Merriam Webster website.[4]
EditPracticing on Your Own - Pretend to write words into the palm of your hand. This technique will create a muscle memory for words that are more difficult to memorize. Just as you write words on paper, writing them in your hand can be a useful trigger to recall spelling when you are confronted them with during a competition.[5]
- This technique is especially useful because you are allowed to spell words into your hand while onstage at an actual spelling bee.
- Learn root words. Etymology is incredibly important to understanding how words work in the English language. If you don't know a word, you can often make an educated guess about its spelling depending on what root word(s) it may contain.[6]
- If you don't know the word "antebellum," for instance, you might be able to recognize the common root of "ante," in the beginning of the word, and guess the rest. "Ante" means "before," and "bellum" means war. So, while you may not have known "bellum," you could piece together that antebellum mean pre-something—pre-war, in this case.
- Asking the origin of a word here is important. It can give you a clue to what root the word is derived from - unless it's an eponym.
- Read the dictionary. This may sound daunting, but reading the dictionary as if it were a novel is useful for recognizing how root words transform as you progress alphabetically. You will also have maximum exposure to unknown words by reading the dictionary.[7]
- Pick one, five-page section at a time to read, at random. Watch as words build off of words that have come before them, and notice how spelling is comprised of a connection of words, and their roots.
- Pick three words from a random page and try using them in a sentence, after spelling them. This will make those words memorable to you. This exercise can also be done with the words on your word list.
- Reading the dictionary can be more useful than pleasure reading because your brain will be focused solely on learning words and their definitions, rather than complex or literary concepts.
- Learn diacritics for pronunciation. Diacritics are the small symbols above words in the dictionary. Learning these will help you hear how a word should be officially pronounced. In the English language, words are often pronounced differently than they look on the page. So, you may have the spelling of a word memorized, but if the bee announcer pronounces it differently than you would, you may not think you know that word.[8]
- "Diacritic," for example, will be written two other ways in the dictionary. The first shows its syllables: di·a·crit·ic. The second shows its pronunciation: /dīəˈkridik/. These symbols tell you to emphasize the first three letters, with the most emphasis going on the "i" that has a small, horizontal line above it. The written "a" in diacritic will sound more like an "ie," according to this chart.
- Read, recite, and write alone. Read the dictionary, recite words aloud to yourself, and write words out on your own. This way, you'll foster your own learning experience unfettered by other people's ideas and associations. Ultimately, you will be on the spelling bee stage by yourself, so it's a good idea to practice techniques that will best serve you when gearing up for the big day.[9]
- Look up words you don't know when you read for pleasure. You can still read for pleasure as you study for a spelling bee, but it must be an active reading practice. That means looking up the pronunciation, context, and definition of words you don't know, even if they aren't on your spelling list.[10]
- Keep your word list up to date. Once a week, remove words that you have successfully learned from your word list. This will allow you to add new words to your list, and avoid wasting study time on those words that are already safely in your mind.
- Post notes with difficult words written on them throughout your house. The more you see a word, the more it will stick in your brain. Change Post-It notes out once you have had them up for a week. Practice spelling the word out loud whenever you look at the note.[11]
EditRecruiting Friends to Help You - Practice spelling in front of a friend or family member. This will prepare you for the performance oriented nature of spelling bees. It can be easy to lose your train of thought when you are nervous, so if you have trouble speaking in public this tactic is especially important.[12]
- Speaking out loud, even if someone is not present, is important as well. Learn the sound of your own voice as spell, and you will become more confident in your abilities.[13]
- Have a friend try out unfamiliar words. Have a friend or family member quiz you on words they think of themselves, every so often. This will keep your mind alert and test your ability to use root-identification and pronunciation to spell words you may not already know.[14]
- Attend a spelling bee with someone. This will help you know what to expect at your own spelling bee. Friends and family members may notice things that you won't, so bringing an extra set of eyes and ears with you can be a boon to observing the bee in action. [15]
- If you cannot attend a bee, there are plenty of videos of them on the internet.
- Take a break every 30 minutes. When you study too hard, you will find yourself drifting off to sleep or getting bored. Be sure to stretch, talk to friends, or go for a quick walk in between long bouts of studying.
- Use everything you're allowed to ask on a bee. You can ask for alternate pronunciations (if any), definition, origin, to use the word in a sentence, and for the speaker to repeat the word again.
- If you're in a bee and hear a homophone, ask for the definition. You will get it wrong if you choose the wrong word.
- When studying, put on citrus scented lotion. On the day of the bee, put on that same lotion. It will work as a memory trigger and help you to recall words you have studied with more ease.[16]
- Don't try learning every word in the dictionary, because there will always be at least one you'll have missed. It's a lot easier if you know a lot of basic words and word-roots, and let context and pronunciation guide you.
EditThings You'll Need - The Merriam-Webster's Unabridged International Dictionary (if you're competing in the USA Scripps National Spelling Bee)
- A lot of sticky notes and paper (for writing words down)
EditRelated wikiHows EditSources and Citations
Cite error: <ref> tags exist, but no <references/> tag was found
|
| How to Distribute Leaflets Effectively Posted: 09 Sep 2017 09:00 AM PDT Leaflet distribution requires more effort than it seems. Appealing to receptive customers takes a lot of planning. Keep leaflets small and brief. Hand them out where the target audience can be found, taking pains to always be polite and professional. Find creative ways to distribute your leaflets, including mailing them to homes or displaying them in friendly businesses. EditDesigning Effective Leaflets - Pick your target audience. To make and distribute effective leaflets, remember who your audience is. A leaflet meant for a child looks differently than one meant for a 75 year old grandma. These groups have different interests and gather in different areas. Refine your message and strategies in order to appeal to your target audience.[1]
- Keep your leaflets small and simple. Smaller leaflets cost less and are less likely to be discarded. Give your audience the information they need without excess they won't read. The larger the leaflet, the harder it will be for you to distribute. A leaflet that's difficult for you to handle will also be difficult for readers to read and carry. Stick to powerful words in simple sentences.[2]
- Make your leaflet eye-catching. An effective leaflet typically has an eye-catching image or logo as well as a clear headline. Attractive color schemes draw attention. Bright-colored paper can help, as well as a bold, large-print headline. Snappy mottos or phrases stand out and cause people to remember your leaflet after reading it.[3]
- For example, a headline that asks, "Need a local gardener?" explains the meaning of the leaflet very clearly.[4]
- Gather leaflets in your area and study what makes them appealing. Find the design choices that draw your attention.
- Include contact information. Relevant details may include a telephone number, an address, and business hours. Don't forget to include expiration dates when advertising coupons or sales. A small map may also help visitors navigate confusing areas. Guide interested readers further towards your cause.[5]
EditCreating Distribution Strategies - Figure out where to distribute your leaflets. Where does your target audience live, work, and shop? It's important for you to know this so you know how to reach them. You wouldn't want to go to the next city over to hand out leaflets for your new restaurant.[6]
- Lifestyle messages, such as those about eating vegetarian, have broader reach but still need to find a receptive audience. Teenagers, for example, will be more likely to go vegetarian than an older person who has eaten meat for decades.
- Plot a course for distribution. Before you go out, decide where you're going to go. For an effective distribution plan, think of how far you need to walk or drive, when you need to get to a location, and how many leaflets you need to bring. A good strategy will save you time and money while spreading your message further.
- Use maps to plan out shorter routes and determine where customers will be.
- Keep notes on what locations and businesses are receptive to your advertisements.
- Distribute leaflets at the proper time. When do you need to get the leaflet into a customer's hands? If you're advertising a holiday sale, the leaflets need to be distributed a few weeks before the holiday. Similarly, people will be more receptive at certain times. People entering or leaving an event are more likely to take a leaflet than people rushing to work.[7]
- Keep in mind any events in the area. At a rock concert where teens gather, you will likely have some luck advertising a vegan restaurant. Advertising would be more difficult with an older audience set in their ways.
- Your audience may be available at night instead of the day. Bars and clubs can be gathering grounds for you to advertise restaurants or products relevant to people who may be in work during the day.
- Repeat leaflet distribution weeks later. Repeat advertisements are easier to remember. Go back to your distribution locations a month or two later. Even if you deliver the same leaflet to the same people, you are likely to see improved results. Your message or business becomes more recognizable as you build connections.[8]
EditHanding Leaflets to Customers - Research local distribution laws. Always note local laws before you start advertising. Private property is often closed off to you. Public sidewalks and universities are often safe distribution points. Make sure you are allowed to visit businesses, open mailboxes, or drop fliers at front doors. When you are asked to leave a non-public area, leave without a fight.[9]
- Dress appropriately for the area. Look like you belong by dressing like those around you. People will be more receptive to your message when you appear approachable. Focus audience attention on your message, not yourself. In an average area, you probably won't want to wear ragged jeans. You wouldn't advertise your restaurant on the street while wearing a suit and tie, either.[10]
- Sometimes you may find a creative approach, such as a costume when advertising to children, to be beneficial. People outside the target group may be less likely to take your leaflet, however.
- Come up with a sales pitch. Your sales pitch should be short but descriptive. You may say, "Would you like to learn about vegetarian eating?" or "Come eat homemade pizza at Primavera Pizza" as you hand out your leaflet. These messages describe your purpose without being offensive or forceful.[11]
- Keep in mind that direct contact like this is an opportunity to answer questions and refer people to additional resources.
- Be polite. Approach everyone with a smile. Do not hound people with your leaflets. Don't get into any heated debates. When someone is rude, excuse yourself from conversation. Good manners will make people more likely to accept your leaflets.[12]
- Pick up dropped leaflets. Seeing discarded leaflets may make you feel bad, but leaving them on the street can be bad for your cause. Multiple discarded leaflets make it look like your logo or message has been ignored. Also, these fliers form unappealing litter.[13]
EditDistributing Leaflets Creatively - Mail leaflets to homes. Leaflets distributed to homes are very likely to be seen. You can hire a company to send them through the mail. You may also be able to distribute them by hand into mailboxes, but make sure this is legal in your area. Fliers left on doors and porches are also noticeable and will be seen by homeowners.[14]
- Unless you have a specific list of addresses to hit, this sort of distribution can take a lot of leaflets and work.
- Place leaflets inside orders. Whether you wrap a package at your store or ship an order, there's no easier way to advertise. Slip the leaflet inside the packaging. Since the recipient is already in contact with you, they are going to check out your leaflet. Coupons or catalogue advertisements in your leaflets work well here.[15]
- Include leaflets as publication inserts. Contact the publication manager to discuss including your leaflet between their pages. Pick a trade publication that represents your cause, such as a music magazine to advertise your band or venue. Many areas have regional publications that are useful for spreading your leaflet locally.[16]
- Display leaflets inside other businesses. Having good relationships with local business owners helps. Ask them to display your leaflet on their counters. Some places will have public advertising boards where you can hang your leaflet. Waiting rooms in medical offices are also opportunities for reaching unoccupied people.[17]
- Businesses related to your cause are your best bet. For example, if you are advertising a healthy grocery store, a gym is likely to be receptive. You can offer to advertise for them in return.
- Advertise at events. Local events, such as trade shows, are easy locations to get leaflets to large groups of people. The best opportunity is during an event that relates to your cause, such as advertising a craft store at a craft show. You can package leaflets inside small goodie bags or leave the leaflets out on display.
- You may also be able to sponsor an event yourself. As a sponsor, you will be given greater leeway in advertising and spreading leaflets.
- Call the event organizers to discuss advertising and sponsorship opportunities. Look for events anywhere in your area, such as through libraries, community centers, clubs, and other venues.
- Record the responses you get from leaflets. You can measure the response rate through limited time codes, coupons, or by surveys asking how the person heard of your business. Use this to adjust your marketing strategy.
EditSources and Citations
Cite error: <ref> tags exist, but no <references/> tag was found
|
| How to Lower DHEA Posted: 09 Sep 2017 01:00 AM PDT Keeping your hormone levels in check can boost your quality of life in every way. Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) is one of the most important hormones in your body as it regulates the production of androgens and estrogens. To lower your DHEA levels, start by eating a healthy diet, exercising, and getting the right amount of sleep. Talk with your doctor and ask them to monitor your levels over time. Be careful about any medications that you take and over time you should start to see and feel the positive results.[1] EditWorking with Your Doctor - Talk with your doctor. Make an appointment to see your general practitioner or an endocrinologist, a specialist who treats hormonal disorders. They will ask you about your medical history and run a blood test for DHEA levels. Bring a list of questions with you to get the most out of your appointment.[2]
- Your doctor might suggest monitoring your DHEA levels using saliva, serum, or urine tests.[3]
- These tests will also be used to rule out any larger issues with your adrenal glands, such as Addison disease.[4]
- Your doctor will likely tell you that it is important to lower your DHEA as high levels can cause aggression and irregular blood pressure, among other health issues. Luckily, a benefit of reducing your DHEA levels is that most of these health concerns will disappear as your numbers drop.[5]
- Take a zinc supplement. Certain minerals, such as zinc, can reduce swelling and inflammation throughout your body. If you've felt swollen lately and you know that your DHEA levels are high, zinc may be able to help you. Just make sure to talk with your doctor before taking any supplements.[6]
- Monitor any pre-existing conditions. Your DHEA levels can have a direct impact on others areas of your health, including any prior diseases that you may be fighting. Along with your doctor, you may want to agree to additional monitoring for any diabetes, liver disease, or cancers while trying to lower your DHEA levels. This is a proactive approach that can keep you healthy in the long term.[7]
- Watch for any potential drug interactions. Certain drugs have a side effect of boosting your DHEA levels. If you are trying to keep your levels lower, then talk with your doctor before starting any new medications. And, go through with them and evaluate all of the current medications that you are taking.[8]
- For example, diabetes drugs, such as metformin, are often associated with DHEA boosts.
- Stop any synthetic DHEA supplements. Talk with your doctor about gradually weaning off, or stopping cold turkey, any prescribed or over-the-counter hormonal medications that you are currently taking. It's almost impossible to lower your DHEA while taking boosting medications.[9]
- Be aware that the weaning off process can take months. Just stay patient and you will see positive results over time.
- Agree to surgical treatment. If your excess DHEA is caused by a sizeable tumor, then your doctor may suggest a removal procedure. Talk over the risks and rewards of any surgeries with your doctor before agreeing to anything. The benefits of surgery is that it will make it possible to lower your levels quickly.[10]
EditMaking Lifestyle Changes - Consult with your doctor before making any changes. If you'd like to try to control your DHEA levels using diet and exercise, then make an appointment to talk over your ideas with your primary care physician. They may be able to give you some extra tips or advice as to what works and what doesn't. They can also start to track your DHEA levels right away, so you'll know how to modify your lifestyle changes.
- Eat the right diet. Just to be clear, foods do not contain DHEA directly. But, eating particular foods can encourage your body to produce more or less DHEA and other hormones. If you are trying to lower your levels, avoid foods that will elevate your DHEA, such as wild yams, sugars, wheat, and dairy products. Instead, follow a diet that emphasizes foods with anti-inflammatory properties, like tomatoes, olive oil, and salmon.[11]
- Exercise. Going to work out at least three times a week is a great way to keep your DHEA levels under control. Switch out both cardio and weight sessions to see the most benefits. Working out will help you to build muscle and shed fat.[12]
- Maintain a healthy body weight. Look at the Body Mass Index (BMI) for a general guide as to where your weight should be as related to your height and age. When your body carries extra weight the fat cells produce excess estrogen, DHEA, and other hormones.[13]
- Get the right amount of sleep. To better control your hormones, aim to get eight hours of sleep per night. Come up with a sleep schedule that works for you and stick with it. In fact, some studies argue that even getting a little bit less sleep is better if you are trying to lower DHEA.[14]
- Reduce your stress. Your body is very sensitive to stress and may respond by producing excess hormones, such as DHEA. To keep your DHEA under control, find some ways to unwind in your daily life. Take up yoga, which you can do both at work and at home. Practice deep breathing techniques. Eat at least one meal outside each day to enjoy the fresh air. Go see a movie or a take a painting class with friends.[15]
- You can also ask your doctor to monitor your blood pressure levels alongside your DHEA results. If you engage in stress-relieving activities, you might see improvements across the board.
EditMaking Safe Changes - Watch for natural reductions with age. DHEA levels usually peak right around the age of 20 when a person becomes fully hormonally and physically mature. Then, they start to naturally decline until almost no DHEA is left by the time you reach your 90s. Talk with your doctor about how to manage the age-based decline of your DHEA levels while also taking outside action, such as dietary changes.[16]
- Be careful not to go too low. In your efforts to lower your DHEA levels, make sure that you go in for regular blood tests with your doctor. Changing up your body's production of DHEA too much has been linked to some dangerous illnesses, such as certain cancers and type 2 diabetes.[17]
- Minimize any cortisol intake. Cortisol shots have been linked to boosted DHEA levels. If you decide to take any medications with cortisol, which is a hormone itself, talk with your doctor about your concerns. Your doctor may also recommend cortisol as a partial replacement for a dip in DHEA levels. This is a strategy often used with athletes undergoing heavy training.[18]
- Choose a non-hormonal birth control. The chemicals found in many birth control pills and shots can cause a boost in DHEA levels. To determine if you are taking a pill with testosterone-like effects, read your medication's label and talk with your doctor. If you are considering a birth control shot, discuss the hormonal effects with your OBGYN before moving forward.[19]
- Non-hormonal methods, such as a copper IUD, have the same birth control benefits without the progestin risk. Many people experiencing migraines or hair loss with hormonal methods also find these to be a good alternative.
- Make no changes at all. If your high levels of DHEA are asymptomatic, or showing no outward symptoms, then you may safely choose to leave it generally untreated. Perhaps make some of the suggested lifestyle changes and see how those go. In some cases, even DHEA secreting tumors are left alone because the surgery can be more problematic than the excess hormones.
- Try to be as patient as you can. Hormonal changes can be slow going, as it is better to be safe when working with your adrenal glands.
- Smoking has also been shown to boost DHEA levels. Stopping smoking can help your body to better use its natural DHEA.[20]
EditSources and Citations
Cite error: <ref> tags exist, but no <references/> tag was found
|
No comments:
Post a Comment