The English Miscellany

Logic of Failure - Metaphysics of Success Many universities are concerned about failure rates. It is not uncommon for 25% of students to fail to complete their first year successfully.  Academics are mildy irritated that they are constantly under pressure from the management to improve success rates. Rather cruel responses might run like this: " I'm sorry, it is really beyond my control if you break up with your girlfriend in week 3 and stop attending classes." [But depression is a REAL problem for some students. Check out this article: Yes, you can crawl out of your first-year depression at university  | Nell Frizzell ] "Am I responsible if you lose the power of motion because you've been living on nothing but porridge oats for the last term before the exams, having spent your parents' money on beer." "I can recommend counselling services. Remember ... you are now deemed to be an adult; you will be expected to take responsibi...

" The test of a first-rate intelligence is the ability to hold two opposed ideas in mind at the same time and still retain the ability to function." --- F. Scott Fitzgerald Have you recently received your exam results? Are you preparing for an exam? I have made a short list of some of the best tips that will help you to improve your exam results in the future. How many of these strategies DID you follow (or not) in your recent work? Employ short blocks of time for work. Develop a balanced workload between all subjects means variety. Select days off work for leisure. Write down a list of reasons to be motivated. Reward yourself for doing the hours planned. Starting to revise too late in the process. Don't just rely on your revision sessions run by your school or college. Summarize your notes. Create Mindmaps or other visualizations to aid recall. Devise your own mnemonics or memory games. Read and study past exam papers. Ensure that you know what the ...