ACTION DIGEST
Pre-exam principles:
1.
Avoid cramming at all costs.
2.
Manage pre-exam anxiety.
3.
Operate at the test site as you have when studying.
4.
Overview the test.
5.
Read all instructions closely.
6.
Select appropriate techniques for each of the different types of tests:
true/false, multiple choice, matching, direct answer or completion,
and essay.
11
Shooting For the Stars
I’ve realized in presenting the ideas and techniques in this book that
there are limits on how much one can convey through the printed page.
At many points, I’ve wished that I could call you up or knock on your
door and say, “Hey, do you really understand what I’m getting at?” or
“You know, you have to practice that hand motion and that layering. It
may take only a few minutes to learn a technique, but to master and
maintain it demands regular attention.” I’ve wanted a number of times
to inquire about your developing skills. Are you excited about the
potential of supersonic reading and study? Have you already
experienced some successes in your schoolwork?
I’d like to hear about your progress. Even though I may not be able to
speak to you face to face, please feel free to write to me with your
reactions to this program. Here’s my address:
Dr. Stanley Frank
Encyclopaedia Britannica
310 So. Michigan Ave.
Chicago, IL 60604
If you would like more information about Evelyn Wood programs and
classes, please call the Britannica Learning Centers at 1-800-447-READ.
At the centers, you’ll find instructors and other experts who can answer
your questions.
The things you’ve learned in this book should have increased your
reading speed significantly up to this point, and your comprehension
should also be relatively high. For that matter, these new skills may very
well have pushed your reading rate into the Mental Soaring range, in
excess of 1,200–1,500 words per minute.
But there’s more to the adventure of supersonic studying. For one
thing, as you use these tools regularly, you’ll find that you can develop
personalized variations that enhance your enjoyment and improve your
performance.
I’ve already mentioned in the discussion of the standard hand motions
that once a student has mastered the basics, he should feel free to begin
developing his own techniques.
Hence, some students have moved from the S to the crawl, which
involves “creeping” the fingers quickly down the page. Others get to the
point where they just move their finger down the margin of the book
instead of using the sweeping motions I’ve described. Needless to say,
this is a more subtle movement that is less likely to draw attention in a
public place than the more dramatic standard Wood techniques.
But whatever methods you finally settle on, your performance is
bound to trigger questions and comments. Many people will do a double-
take if you turn the pages of a book every few seconds in their presence.
(After all, most people spend a couple of minutes per page on a normal-
sized book.)
Also, I’ve had reports from students using one of our pictorial recall
patterns, who find they have to answer a barrage of questions from
classmates, teachers or colleagues:
“What are you doing on that paper? It looks like hen scratching!”
“You’re supposed to be taking notes, not drawing pictures!”
“I finally figured out that you’re taking notes, but does that approach
really work? Where did you learn how to do that?”
Despite the increased attention, most of our students find they’re more
amused than offended. It can be a lot of fun to put on a performance in
front of fellow students or other friends—and know at the same time
that the tools you’re employing have greatly increased your capacity to
take in and recall important information.
You’ve been introduced to a set of techniques that can revolutionize
your ability to read quickly, recall more and achieve better grades. Now,
it’s up to you to see just how high and fast you can fly.
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