Tools for Success 

       
     
 

 

 

 

How To's for Success

 

Use these helpful How To's to focus your projects and jumpstart your work. These guides show you how to apply visual thinking and outlining to your planning, organizing, learning and writing.

How to Brainstorm with an Idea Map

Most projects and plans start with brainstorming. Idea Maps are the perfect tools to spark and capture ideas that may not be obvious at first.

How to Understand Complex Information with a Concept Map

Using the power of visual thinking and learning, concept maps help us organize, represent and better understand complex concepts and information.

How to Write a Persuasive Paper

A persuasive paper is also called an argumentative essay or thesis paper. Its purpose is to convince the audience to adopt a certain viewpoint or take a specific action.

How to Write a Research Paper

A research paper requires its author to think critically about a particular topic or question, develop a thesis or statement of their position regarding the topic or question, conduct research to support their position, and formulate a conclusion based on their findings.

How to Write an Annotation

An annotation is a brief, critical summary of a publication that is commonly used when collecting research or creating a report. More than just a description of an article, an annotation allows writers to effectively understand the contents of a publication and make informed decisions on whether it’s useful for their research.

How to Create a Study Guide

The process of creating a study guide will help you prepare for a test or exam.

     

5 Tips for Writing a Great DBQ

The DBQ, or document-based-question, is a somewhat unusually-formatted timed essay on the AP History Exams: AP US History, AP European History, and AP World History. Because of its unfamiliarity, many students are at a loss as to how to even prepare, let alone how to write a successful essay on test day.

How to Write a DBQ

Organize the information that you want to use in your essay through the use of an outline. During this pre-writing step, you should brainstorm as many facts as possible that could be used in your essay. Also make sure that you are addressing the task as well as the requirements from the rubric.

Check your essay

It is important to check your essay because it is very common for students to overlook small errors when they have been working on an assignment for a long period of time.

 

Examples of Note Taking Strategies

History

Ancient China

Ancient China

Create study guides to help you remember and differentiate between concepts.

 

      

 

 

Journalism and Communications

Inverted Pyramid Writing Map and Article

Inverted Pyramid Writing Map and Article

Use Diagram View to help you understand inverted pyramid style, then record your notes and write your article in Outline View, dragging and dropping facts where they best fit. Easily convert your notes into an article using your favorite word processor.

 

    

Commonly Misused Words

Commonly Misused Words

Diagram the rules for concepts you have trouble remembering, so you can reference them later or use them to study.

 

Social Media Campaign

Social Media Campaign

Create a diagram to help you brainstorm ideas and make connections for your campaigns and plans.

 

    

Media Analysis

Media Analysis

When answering essay questions, use a diagram or an outline to break down your arguments and organize your paper. Then, start writing.

 

Psychology

Psychological Disorders Study Guide

Psychological Disorders Study Guide

Use diagrams to differentiate between concepts and make memorization easier.

 

    

Classical and Operant Conditioning Study Guide

Classical and Operant Conditioning Study Guide

Use diagrams and images to help you memorize different facts and make connections between concepts.

 

Science

Vertebrates Concept Map

Vertebrates Concept Map

Map concepts to understand their similarities and differences.

 

    

Six Kingdoms of Biology

Six Kingdoms of Biology

Turn maps into study guides in Outline View.

 

Path of the Red Blood Cells

Path of the Red Blood Cells

Create a diagram to make sense of complex processes.

 

    

Newton's Laws of Motion diagram

Newton's Laws of Motion diagram

Create a diagram to help you memorize material.

 

Sociology

Media Analysis

Media Analysis

When answering essay questions, use a diagram or an outline to break down your arguments and organize your paper. Then, start writing.

 

    

Ethnomethodology and the Thomas Theorem Essay

Ethnomethodology and the Thomas Theorem Essay

Create an outline of your essay before you write it, to make sure that you touch on all your most important arguments. Then write your essay within your outline to make sure you stay organized and on topic.

 

Writing and English

Persuasive Essay

Persuasive Essay

Brainstorm and organize your arguments for your essays and articles.

 

    

Commonly Misused Words

Commonly Misused Words

Diagram the rules for concepts you have trouble remembering, so you can reference them later or use them to study.

 

Process Writing

Process Writing

Create a diagram to visually convey a plan or process.

 

      

 

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