Read and translate the text

Learning can be interesting and enjoyable. It all depends on you. This text points out some basic steps towards good learning.

You should start with positive thinking. Don't tell yourself you can't do it.

Next you should know your goal. Thus you won't waste time doing unnecessary work.

Finally, know yourself. Find out which methods of learn­ing are best for you and use them.

A schedule can save you time and energy. It can keep you from forgetting important things. With a schedule you won't constantly have to decide what to do next. Make out a chart for a full week. Try to estimate how much time you’ll need for each subject and schedule these times. Weekends are good for working on longer projects or recreation.

When studying foreign languages, it is important to read more for ideas than for the meaning of isolated words. Try to guess at unfamiliar words. When you must look up a word, put a mark beside it in your vocabulary. Use the list of marked words as a study list.

Spelling is one subject where mechanical copying can be a good thing. Keep a list or stack of cards of the words you have misspelled and want to learn.

The temptation to overload you with facts is strong. But resist it! What you want are important ideas, not every scrap of information. Whether taking notes in a lecture or class or from a book, keep these rules in mind: (1) make notes in your own words, (2) condense your information, (3) always record where your notes come from. This last rule is particu­larly important if you are writing a paper.

Study regularly and stay fit. Staying fit means proper diet, recreation each day, regular exercise and plenty of sleep.

You have some guidelines to follow, but the final results are up to you. Self-knowledge and self-directions are the real keys to learning. Knowing how to study will help you in many ways and not only in college.

2. Give the English for:

Позитивный подход, напрасно тратить время, расписание/график, сохранить здоровье/хорошую физическую форму, основные направления, пути, написать (контрольную) работу, посмотреть слово в словаре.

3. Answer these questions:

1. Why is it important to know your goal when you begin studying a subject?

2. How can a schedule help you in your work?

3. In what aspect of language learning can mechanical copying help you?

4. What three rules of taking notes are you advised to remember?

5. What can help you to stay fit?

4. Complete these sentences without looking into the text:

1. Studying can be....

2. You should start with....

3. Learn your best methods for studying and then....

4. A schedule can keep you from....

5. Weekends are good for....

6. In the long run it'll save you time because....

7. When you must look up a word....

8. Spelling is one subject....

9. What you want are important ideas, not....

10.... are the real keys to learning.

5. Match the words in the left-hand column with their definitions:

1) enjoyable 2) point out 3) basic 4) unnecessary 5) schedule (v) 6) constantly 7) chart 8) estimate 9) recreation 10) stack 11) scrap 12) record (v) 13) particularly 14) fit (adj)

a) useless b) pleasant c) small piece, fragment d) to plan e) in good physical condition f) orderly pile or heap g) to write down, to register h) to direct attention to i) sheet giving information in graphic form j) especially k) to form an opinion, judgment of smth l) continually m) fundamental n) rest, refreshment of mind and body

6. Paraphrase the sentences using the vocabulary from the text "How to Study".

1. It all depends on how you deal with the problem.

2. Next you should know what you do.

3. Learn your best methods for studying and then ensure the condi­tions for them.

4. It can help you to remember important things.

5. Work out a plan for a full week.

6. Try to decide how much time a week every subject will take you.

7. The temptation to learn as many facts as possible is strong. But don't give way to it.

8. Whether taking notes in a lecture or class or from a book, re­member these rules.

9. Sum up your information.

10. You have some guidelines to follow, but the final results depend on you.

7. Answer these questions:

1. Which of the rules mentioned in the text "How to Study" do you find useful?

2. Which of them do you usually follow?

3. Have you got any methods of your own that you find particu­larly helpful?

4. Is studying interesting and enjoyable for you? If not, can you make it interesting and enjoyable? How?

5. Why is it important to enjoy your work?

8. Use the text "How to Study" and speak about your method of learning. Mention:

(a) your schedule,

(b) how you work on vocabulary,

(c) how you take lecture notes and notes from books,

(d) how you set up the conditions for successful work.